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 Wick?
In Wick, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £53,500–£75,500 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Island and remote projects usually cost more than this guide because of shipping, travel and accommodation. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A hip-to-gable with rear dormer | £53,500–£75,500 |
| Higher specification | £75,500–£94,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Roof tile matching
- Bathroom and plumbing
- 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 Wick?
The approval route for Wick is set by planning law in Scotland. In Scotland changing a hipped roof to a gable often needs planning permission, because dormer and roof enlargement rights only apply well away from boundaries. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a hip-to-gable loft conversion:
- Roof extension and rear dormer
- Gable wall built in brick or block and finished to match
- Drawings and structural calculations
- Steel beams and floor joists
- Survey and planning check
- Insulation, electrics, plumbing and plastering
How long does it take?
Allow 7 to 10 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Wick
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Because Wick is a long way from the main centres, we confirm availability before quoting and list any travel costs separately.
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 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 Wick
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.
How much does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost in Wick?
In Wick, a hip-to-gable loft conversion typically costs £53,500–£75,500 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a hip-to-gable loft conversion in Wick?
In Scotland changing a hipped roof to a gable often needs planning permission, because dormer and roof enlargement rights only apply well away from boundaries. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
Do you build hip-to-gable loft conversions in Wick?
Yes. We build hip-to-gable loft conversions across Wick, including postcodes KW1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can the gable be brick?
Yes. We match the existing finish, whether brick, render or pebbledash.
