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 Frome?
In Frome, 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). Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Frome reflects that. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Bathroom and plumbing
- Scaffolding to three sides
- Size of the rear dormer
- Gable wall construction and finish
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Frome?
The approval route for Frome is set by planning law 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical hip-to-gable loft conversion we handle:
- Building control sign-off
- Drawings and structural calculations
- Gable wall built in brick or block and finished to match
- Steel beams and floor joists
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Staircase and fire-safe escape route
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 Frome
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
Frome sits in Somerset, about 37 miles north-east of Taunton. We cover the whole of Frome, including postcodes BA11.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about hip-to-gable loft conversions in Frome
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.
Will I need building regulations approval?
Yes. All loft conversions to habitable rooms need building control approval for structure, fire safety, insulation and stairs.
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Frome?
In Frome, 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.
How long does a hip-to-gable loft conversion take in Frome?
Typically 7 to 10 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Can the gable be brick?
Yes. We match the existing finish, whether brick, render or pebbledash.
