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 Caterham?
In Caterham, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £61,500–£87,500 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Caterham are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A hip-to-gable with rear dormer | £61,500–£87,500 |
| Higher specification | £87,500–£109,500 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Staircase design
- Scaffolding to three sides
- Roof tile matching
- Gable wall construction and finish
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Caterham?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England a hip-to-gable conversion is often permitted development within the 50 cubic metre roof volume limit for semi-detached and detached houses, provided the gable does not face a road and the house is not in a conservation area.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most hip-to-gable loft conversions:
- Survey and planning check
- Building control sign-off
- Insulation, electrics, plumbing and plastering
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Gable wall built in brick or block and finished to match
- Drawings and structural calculations
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 7 to 10 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Caterham
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Our Caterham coverage includes postcode districts CR3, and we also work in nearby places such as Coulsdon, Purley and Redhill.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Caterham
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Caterham?
In Caterham, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £61,500–£87,500 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Can the gable be brick?
Yes. We match the existing finish, whether brick, render or pebbledash.
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.
Who approves a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Caterham?
Planning matters in Caterham go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.