How much does a loft conversion cost in Gloucester?
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Loft conversions
Head height is the first thing to check. If there isn’t enough room under the ridge, the options are a dormer, a hip-to-gable or a mansard, which change the shape of the roof, or lowering the ceilings below, which is a bigger job.
A loft conversion needs building regulations approval. That covers the new floor structure, a proper staircase, insulation and sound insulation. Fire safety is the big one. Converting a two-storey house usually means fire-resisting doors onto the stairway and mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms at each level. Floors and other parts of the house may need upgrading too.
Many loft conversions are permitted development, so no planning application is needed. There are limits on volume, height and where dormers can go, and side windows must be obscure-glazed. Permitted development for lofts doesn’t apply in conservation areas, and it can have been removed on some properties. Check with the council for your area, or apply for a lawful development certificate for certainty.
Bats often roost in lofts and roofs, and they’re protected by law. If there’s any sign of bats, you may need a survey, and a licence from Natural England before work goes ahead.
In a semi or terrace, a loft conversion often means work on the party wall, so the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply. If you already have drawings, say so in your job.
What to include when you post
A few measurements and photos help a builder judge what’s possible. Include:
- The type of house: detached, semi or terrace, and its rough age
- The height from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge, if you can measure it safely
- Photos of the loft space, the roof outside and the landing where stairs might go
- Whether you want a dormer, roof windows or another type
- What the room will be used for
- Whether you have drawings, planning or building regulations approval
- Where the water tank or boiler is, if in the loft
What to ask
A loft conversion touches the whole house, so get the scope in writing. Ask:
- Who handles building regulations and books inspections
- Whether stairs, fire doors, smoke alarms, electrics, plastering and decorating are included
- Whether electrics will be done by someone registered with a competent person scheme
- Who arranges structural calculations for beams and the new floor
- Whether scaffolding and skips are included
- How they’ll handle party wall notices if you share a wall
- How they’ll protect the house below while the roof is open
Make sure you get the building control completion certificate at the end. You’ll need it when you sell.
Not quite the right job?
See every job on our Builder page, or post it anyway and describe it in your own words.
Before a tradesperson starts work
Registrations
Some work must be done by a registered professional. Work on a gas boiler, cooker or fire must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, which you can check on the Gas Safe Register.
Our business check
Limited companies are checked with Companies House and sole traders upload their insurance certificate. Trade registrations are confirmed by the tradesperson when they sign up.
Get the price in writing
Ask for a written quote that sets out the work and the price before anything starts. Your contract for the work is with the tradesperson.
Questions
What people tend to ask before booking this job. For anything specific to your home, ask the tradesperson who takes it on when they get in touch.
Head height is the first check, then the roof structure and where the stairs could go. A builder or architect can measure and tell you what's possible.
Many loft conversions are permitted development, but not all. Limits apply to size and dormer position, and permitted development for lofts doesn't apply in conservation areas. Check with the council for your area before work starts.
Usually fire-resisting doors onto the stairway and mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms at each level, and sometimes upgrades to floors. Building control will confirm what your house needs.
Bats are protected. Stop and get advice before any work. You may need a bat survey and a licence from Natural England.
In a semi or terrace, often yes, as beams usually go into the party wall. You must serve notice on your neighbour at least two months before work on a party wall starts.