Loft Conversion Costs London: Add Value to your property.
If you’ve run out of floor space in your home and want to add another room or two, building above, into the roof space, is typically the best alternative.
This can be challenging, as there are so many questions and possibilities that it’s difficult to know where to begin when planning a project of this magnitude.
We’ll go over how much a loft conversion costs, what factors influence the pricing, how to save money while converting your loft, what a loft conversion entails, and how to identify and engage a builder to do your loft conversion in this post.
If you want to convert your home but don’t know where to begin, keep reading to learn everything you need to know, as well as the costs and timeframes involved with each step.
How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost?
A loft conversion normally costs between £21,000 and £44,000, but if you want a really large extension, you might easily spend up to £63,000 on it.
The cost of a loft conversion, broken down by type and duration.
| CONVERSION TYPE | ESTIMATED COST | TIME REQUIRED |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Light or Velux Conversion | £20,000 to £49,000 | 4 to 7 weeks depending on size |
| Dormer Conversion | £30,000 to £69,000 | 6 to 9 weeks depending on size |
| Hip-to-Gable | £40,000 to £70,000 | 6 to 9 weeks depending on size |
| Mansard | £45,000 to £75,000 | 8 to 11 weeks depending on size |
You may anticipate to pay between £20,000 and £49,000 for a conversion with a roof light or Velux window, with a time frame of four to seven weeks.
A Dormer conversion will cost a little more, ranging from £30,000 to £69,000 and will take six to nine weeks to complete.
This will cost between £40,000 and £70,000 for a hip-to-gable solution and take six to nine weeks to construct.
Finally, the most luxurious choice is the Mansard, which may cost anything from £45,000 to £75,000 and take up to 11 weeks to complete depending on the size.
The cost of roof light and dormer conversions is estimated based on the number of windows/dormers and their size.
| NUMBER OF WINDOWS OR DORMERS | SIZE OF LOFT CONVERSION | SIZE OF LOFT CONVERSION |
|---|---|---|
| 2 roof lights | 5 metres x 4 metres | £20,000 to £24,000 |
| 2 roof lights | 5 metres x 6 metres | £24,000 to £28,000 |
| 2 roof lights | 8 metres x 12 metres | £40,000 to £45,000 |
| 4 roof lights | 5 metres x 4 metres | £22,000 to £26,000 |
| 4 roof lights | 5 metres x 6 metres | £26,000 to £30,000 |
| 4 roof lights | 8 metres x 12 metres | £44,000 to £49,000 |
| 1 dormer + 1 roof light | 5 metres x 4 metres | £30,000 to £34,000 |
| 1 dormer + 1 roof light | 5 metres x 6 metres | £39,000 to £44,000 |
| 1 dormer + 1 roof light | 8 metres x 12 metres | £55,000 to £62,000 |
| 2 dormers + 2 roof lights | 5 metres x 6 metres | £43,000 to £48,000 |
| 2 dormers + 2 roof lights | 8 metres x 12 metres | £62,000 to £69,000 |
You may expect to pay between £20,000 and £24,000 for two roof lights and a loft conversion of five metres by four metres. This price will rise to £24,000 to £28,000 for a somewhat larger space of five to six metres, and £40,000 to £45,000 for an eight by 12-metre space.
Four roof lights and a five-by-four-metre conversion space will cost between £22,000 and £26,000, while the same number of lights in a five-by-six-metre space will cost between £26,000 and £30,000. This will go to £44,000 to £49,000 for a larger size of eight by 12 metres.
Moving on to Dormers, you can expect to pay between £30,000 and £34,000 for a five by four-metre area with one roof light, and between £39,000 and £44,000 for a five by six-metre space. This will cost between £55,000 and £62,000 for the larger size of eight by 12 metres.
A five by six-metre room with two Dormers and two roof lights will cost between £43,000 and £48,000, while an 8 by 12-metre space will cost between £62,000 and £69,000.
What Affects the Cost of a Loft Conversion?
The type of budget you have for the project has the most impact on the cost of a lost conversion.
You’ll also need to figure out whether the space is acceptable, the style of roof you want, and whether or not you’ll need to apply for planning approval.
Conversion Size
Simply told, the larger the conversion you desire, the more money you will have to pay. Instead of conducting a budget job that isn’t as big as you’d want in the first place, it’s more cost-effective in the long run to save up a little longer and do the job right the first time to avoid the need for rebuilds later.
Style of Conversion
When it comes to loft conversions, there are a few distinct types to pick from, all with various rates to assist you decide:
- Velux — the most cost-effective alternative, which entails attaching one or two windows to the roof to provide light. This might range from £21,000 to £41,000 in price.
- Dormer – the Dormer is a flat-roofed extension with a window that is a very common loft conversion.
- It’s not uncommon to find two of these on the same roof. However, side dormers and L-shaped Dormers (a Dormer with an extension built to the back) are other options.
In the case of the latter, up to four more rooms could be created. Dormer conversions can cost anywhere between £31,000 and £58,000 for a regular Dormer and £40,000 to £60,000 for an L-shaped Dormer.
- Hip to Gable – one or both of the roof’s end slanting portions are replaced with a gable wall, costing between £42,000 and £65,000
- Mansard — this is the most expensive style of extension. A Mansard addition consists of removing one side of the roof and replacing it with a straight wall and flat roof.
Both sides could be extended to create a completely new level. The renovation would be extensive, requiring planning permission, and would cost between £45,000 and £75,000 to complete.
Material for Roofing
Understandably, the roofing material you select will have an impact on the amount you pay. See our dedicated page here for more information on different roof types and their associated prices.
Glazing and Windows
The type of window or glass you choose, like the roof material, has an impact on the price you spend.
Choosing between double and triple glazing, as well as other styles of window frames and materials, can increase or decrease costs – visit our dedicated page on new window pricing for more details.
The Room’s Purpose
Before you begin construction, you must first determine what the space will be utilised for, since this will have a direct impact on the planning and cost.
If you want a bathroom, you’ll need to give it some attention to guarantee that plumbing can get to where you need it and that you have a boiler big enough to heat that extra space.
If you want to use the space as an extra bedroom or home office, you’ll need electrical outlets, which means you’ll need to hire an electrician to run cable to the appropriate spots.
Party Wall Agreement
Unfortunately, the Party Wall Agreement is not as thrilling as it sounds, and it can add up to £1,000 to your project fee.
Any work you want to do on your house must be announced to your neighbours before it begins. The party wall is a structure that is built on the land of two or more owners.
Scaffolding
Depending on the scope of your conversion, scaffolding will likely be required to allow labourers to reach the necessary heights.
While the work is being done, your home may require additional structural support, which is usually an unavoidable aspect of conversion work.
Rubbish removal & Skip hire
While the job is being done, there will be a lot of brick debris to remove, as well as your present roof. This will almost certainly need the use of a skip – which can quickly become costly if it remains on your property for longer than expected or is filled with prohibited materials.
How Can I Save Money When Converting My Loft?
Although converting your loft is one of the more costly home renovations, there are several ways to save money.
Buy Materials Early
The urgency with which you require supplies and tools is part of what drives up costs quickly. By shopping wisely, you may ensure that you receive the products you require at costs that are more favourable to you – rather than having your hand forced by your laborer’s deadlines.
Instead of paying full price for things, you can save a lot of money by purchasing them during sales or % off days. All you have to do is put up with a few fittings lying around your house until they’re ready to use!
Rubbish Removal
OK, it’s not the most glamorous alternative, but if you’re up to the task, eliminating the debris and trash accumulated throughout the job might help you save money on waste collection – and, in certain cases, skip hire.
Consult with your contractors to see what’s achievable, and let them know what you’re willing to do up front so they’re aware of your plans.
Make Good Yourself
With a lot of changes comes a lot of fresh space to paint, carpet, and finish to make it appear tidy again.
If you’re up to it, doing this final step yourself instead of hiring a painter or decorator is a terrific option. This way, you’re only paying for the materials and not for anyone else’s labour expenditures.
You’ll be grateful to cut this expense out of your predictions by finishing and making good yourself, especially if you’re on a road where you have no available parking at your property and have to pay for a parking ticket to let the trader park outside.
What Does a Loft Conversion Involve?
One of the more difficult home renovation projects is a loft conversion. Many workers are involved in the process, each with their own tasks and goals.
Here are some of the people who will be participating in your project from the start to the finish:
Architect or Structural Engineer — Before contacting a builder to bring your vision to life, you may wish to engage the expertise of an architect to draw up the designs for your conversion. This way, you can make the most of the space you have and what you can do with it.
Architects often charge a flat fee of three to seven percent of the entire construction cost. For loft conversions, structural engineers can charge anywhere from £750 to £2,200, which includes site inspections, calculations, and drawings.
- Builder – an essential part of the loft conversion, you’ll need at least one builder to construct the walls, and find out what work can or can’t be done. You’ll also need insulation and soundproofing.
- Glazier – they will decide what type of windows are best, as well as being on-hand to fit them for you.
- Electrician – the conversion will need lighting and sockets for electrical equipment.
When it comes to electricians, be sure they’re qualified, listed on the government’s Registered Competent Person Scheme, and can provide you with a BS7671 test certificate once they’re done, allowing you to pass Building Regulations.
- The heating specialist will determine the optimal location for any radiators in your conversion. Before consenting to any work with a contractor, be sure they’re registered with APHE or a comparable organisation.
- Plumber — If you’re going to use the conversion as an extra bedroom, the plumber can install an en-suite for you.
- Joiner – you might need to replace your ceiling joists. You should also inquire about storage options with your joiner, as loft conversations can be awkward shapes, and you’ll want to make the most of the space available.
- Plasterer — to smooth out the walls after the behind-the-scenes work is completed.
- Scaffolder – If your addition is greater than the average, you’ll probably need temporary roof support.
- Painter – to complete the look of the new room.
Final Checklist
If your current floor plan is simply too tiny for your family, extending into the roof is a terrific option to free up some underutilised space.
Here’s our final checklist to make sure you’ve thought of everything before beginning this project:
- Find out what’s best for you: have someone come in and look at your loft space to make sure there’s enough room for a conversion in the first place to save a lot of time (and potential heartache)
- Which one is right for you? Your building layout may influence your decision, but if you have complete freedom, you can select between a Velux, Dormer, Hip to Gable, or Mansard conversion, each with its own set of fees and limitations.
- What are your plans for the space? Is it better to have a bedroom, a bathroom, or a study? These conditions must be recognised before construction begins in order to ensure that enough cabling or plumbing can reach the space.
