What is a hip-to-gable loft conversion?

A hip-to-gable loft conversion replaces the sloping side (the hip) of a semi-detached or detached roof with a vertical gable wall. This extends the ridge and creates enough space for a staircase and a full-size room, usually combined with a rear dormer.
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Caldicot?
In Caldicot, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £50,500–£72,000 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for Wales, where domestic building work typically costs around 8% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A hip-to-gable with rear dormer | £50,500–£72,000 |
| Higher specification | £72,000–£90,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Staircase design
- Gable wall construction and finish
- Bathroom and plumbing
- Roof tile matching
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Caldicot?
Approvals for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Caldicot follow the rules for Wales. In Wales a hip-to-gable conversion may be permitted development within roof volume limits; corner plots and conservation areas usually need permission.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Drawings and structural calculations
- Steel beams and floor joists
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Gable wall built in brick or block and finished to match
- Survey and planning check
- Staircase and fire-safe escape route
How long does it take?
Allow 7 to 10 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Caldicot
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
If your home is in Caldicot or close by in Chepstow, Newport and Cwmbran, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about hip-to-gable loft conversions in Caldicot
Will it look strange next to my neighbour?
On a pair of semis the roofs will no longer match unless your neighbour does the same. Many streets already have several converted roofs.
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Caldicot?
In Caldicot, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £50,500–£72,000 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is a hip-to-gable better than a dormer?
On a hipped roof, a dormer alone often leaves too little space for stairs. Combining hip-to-gable with a rear dormer gives the most room.
How long does a hip-to-gable loft conversion take in Caldicot?
Typically 7 to 10 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Do I need planning permission for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Caldicot?
In Wales a hip-to-gable conversion may be permitted development within roof volume limits; corner plots and conservation areas usually need permission.
Will I need building regulations approval?
Yes. All loft conversions to habitable rooms need building control approval for structure, fire safety, insulation and stairs.
