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 Surrey?
In Surrey, 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). Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Surrey. 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 biggest cost drivers are:
- Roof tile matching
- Scaffolding to three sides
- Staircase design
- Size of the rear dormer
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 Surrey?
Before anything is built in Surrey, 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Steel beams and floor joists
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Drawings and structural calculations
- Insulation, electrics, plumbing and plastering
- Building control sign-off
- Staircase and fire-safe escape route
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Surrey
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Towns we cover in Surrey include Woking, Guildford, Esher, Redhill, Staines and Banstead.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Surrey
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Surrey?
In Surrey, 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 I need building regulations approval?
Yes. All loft conversions to habitable rooms need building control approval for structure, fire safety, insulation and stairs.
Can the gable be brick?
Yes. We match the existing finish, whether brick, render or pebbledash.
How long does it take?
Typically 7 to 10 weeks on site.
Do you build hip-to-gable loft conversions in Surrey?
Yes. We build hip-to-gable loft conversions across Surrey, including postcodes CR3, CR5, CR6, GU1 and GU10. Every project starts with a free home visit.
