What is a rooflight loft conversion?

A rooflight loft conversion (sometimes called a roof window conversion) keeps the existing roof shape and adds roof windows that sit flush with the slope. The floor is strengthened, a staircase is added and the space is insulated and finished.
How much does a rooflight loft conversion cost in Crawley?
In Crawley, a rooflight loft conversion typically costs £33,500–£50,500 for a typical rooflight conversion, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A typical rooflight conversion | £33,500–£50,500 |
| Higher specification | £50,500–£63,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Number of roof windows
- Bathroom or not
- Fire safety upgrades
- Floor and roof strengthening
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 rooflight loft conversion in Crawley?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England roof windows are permitted development if they project no more than 15 centimetres from the roof slope and side-facing windows are obscure-glazed. Listed buildings need consent.
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
The work we manage on a rooflight loft conversion:
- Insulation between and under rafters
- Staircase and fire-safe escape route
- Roof windows installed
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Head-height survey
- Drawings and structural calculations
How long does it take?
Expect 4 to 6 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Crawley
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.
Our Crawley coverage includes postcode districts RH11 and RH77, and we also work in nearby places such as Horley, Horsham and East Grinstead.
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 rooflight loft conversions in Crawley
How much head height do I need?
Around 2.2 metres or more from the top of the ceiling joists to the ridge is a good starting point. Insulation and new floor joists reduce the height.
How long does a rooflight loft conversion take in Crawley?
Typically 4 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does a rooflight loft conversion cost in Crawley?
In Crawley, a rooflight loft conversion typically costs £33,500–£50,500 for a typical rooflight conversion, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is it cheaper than a dormer?
Yes, usually, because the roof shape stays the same. But you gain less full-height floor space.
What about fire safety?
The same escape rules apply as for any loft conversion, so a protected stairway and smoke alarms are typically needed.
