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 Horsham?
In Horsham, 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). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the South East, where labour and materials are typically about 12% above average. 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Scaffolding to three sides
- Staircase design
- Bathroom and plumbing
- Size of the rear dormer
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 Horsham?
Here is how the rules work for a hip-to-gable loft conversion 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:
- Insulation, electrics, plumbing and plastering
- Building control sign-off
- Staircase and fire-safe escape route
- Survey and planning check
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Gable wall built in brick or block and finished to match
How long does it take?
Allow 7 to 10 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Horsham
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.
Horsham sits in West Sussex, about 18 miles north-west of Brighton. We cover the whole of Horsham, including postcodes RH12.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Horsham
Can the gable be brick?
Yes. We match the existing finish, whether brick, render or pebbledash.
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Horsham?
In Horsham, 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.
Will I need building regulations approval?
Yes. All loft conversions to habitable rooms need building control approval for structure, fire safety, insulation and stairs.
Who approves a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Horsham?
Planning matters in Horsham go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.