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 Horsham?
In Horsham, a rooflight loft conversion typically costs £33,500–£50,500 for a typical rooflight conversion, 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 typical rooflight conversion | £33,500–£50,500 |
| Higher specification | £50,500–£63,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Bathroom or not
- Storage and finishes
- Fire safety upgrades
- Staircase position
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 Horsham?
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.
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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Floor joists and any steel beams
- Roof windows installed
- Drawings and structural calculations
- Insulation between and under rafters
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Head-height survey
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 4 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
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.
We work across Horsham and neighbouring areas such as Crawley, Horley and Haywards Heath. Postcodes we cover in Horsham include RH12.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 Horsham
Do you build rooflight loft conversions in Horsham?
Yes. We build rooflight loft conversions across Horsham, including postcodes RH12. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a rooflight loft conversion cost in Horsham?
In Horsham, 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.
Can I have a bathroom?
Yes, where there is enough head height at the shower or bath position.
How long does it take?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks on site.
