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 Exmouth?
In Exmouth, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £56,000–£79,500 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Exmouth are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A hip-to-gable with rear dormer | £56,000–£79,500 |
| Higher specification | £79,500–£99,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Bathroom and plumbing
- Staircase design
- Gable wall construction and finish
- Size of the rear dormer
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 Exmouth?
Before anything is built in Exmouth, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical hip-to-gable loft conversion we handle:
- Staircase and fire-safe escape route
- Steel beams and floor joists
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Gable wall built in brick or block and finished to match
- Building control sign-off
- Survey and planning check
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 7 to 10 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Exmouth
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
Exmouth sits in Devon, about 9 miles south-east of Exeter. We cover the whole of Exmouth, including postcodes EX8.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about hip-to-gable loft conversions in Exmouth
Do you build hip-to-gable loft conversions in Exmouth?
Yes. We build hip-to-gable loft conversions across Exmouth, including postcodes EX8. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Exmouth?
In Exmouth, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £56,000–£79,500 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.
Is a hip-to-gable conversion permitted development?
Often yes in England, within the 50 cubic metre roof volume limit for semi-detached and detached houses. It is not permitted development in conservation areas or where rights have been removed.
How long does it take?
Typically 7 to 10 weeks on site.
