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 Strabane?
In Strabane, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £47,500–£67,000 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for Northern Ireland, where domestic building work typically costs around 14% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A hip-to-gable with rear dormer | £47,500–£67,000 |
| Higher specification | £67,000–£84,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Roof tile matching
- Gable wall construction and finish
- Staircase design
- 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 Strabane?
The approval route for Strabane is set by planning law in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland roof enlargements must be set back from the verges to be permitted development, so a hip-to-gable conversion usually needs planning permission.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Staircase and fire-safe escape route
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Survey and planning check
- Steel beams and floor joists
- Gable wall built in brick or block and finished to match
- Building control sign-off
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Strabane
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Strabane sits in County Tyrone, about 17 miles north-west of Omagh. We cover the whole of Strabane, including postcodes BT82.
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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about hip-to-gable loft conversions in Strabane
How long does a hip-to-gable loft conversion take in Strabane?
Typically 7 to 10 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Strabane?
In Northern Ireland roof enlargements must be set back from the verges to be permitted development, so a hip-to-gable conversion usually needs planning permission.
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Strabane?
In Strabane, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £47,500–£67,000 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
