If you own a semi-detached or end-of-terrace house, you might have looked at your roof to explore your options for a loft conversion and felt a little disheartened. That inward-sloping side, known as a ‘hipped roof’, can make the internal loft space feel cramped and awkward, seemingly ruling out a spacious conversion. But the hip to gable style loft conversion is designed to solve this problem.
This ingenious structural change can dramatically expand your loft’s potential, turning a restrictive attic into a large, bright, and highly practical living area. It’s one of the most effective ways to add significant space and value to properties with hipped roofs.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a hip to gable roof extension involves, the benefits it delivers, the likely costs, and the all-important planning rules. Discover how this popular conversion can unlock the hidden potential in your home and why Nuloft’s specialist experience is key to achieving an outstanding result.
What is a Hip to Gable Loft Conversion?
First, it’s important to identify if you have a hipped roof. A hipped roof is one that slopes downwards to the eaves on all sides if the property is detached. Unlike a simple ‘gable’ roof, which has a vertical wall at each end, a hipped roof on a semi-detached or end-of-terrace house has a sloping roof face on the side. This sloping side severely limits the amount of internal space with usable, full-height headroom.
A hip to gable loft conversion replaces this sloping ‘hip’ with a vertical wall, known as a ‘gable end’. The process involves:
– Removing the sloping side portion of the roof.
– Building up the side wall vertically to meet the height of the roof’s central ridge.
– Extending the existing roof ridge line to meet the new gable end.
– Constructing a new roof section to fill in the gap between the new gable and the existing roof.
The result is a much more practical, squared-off internal space. This process alone adds a significant amount of headroom.
To truly maximise the new space, a hip to gable conversion is often combined with a rear dormer. Once the hip to gable roof extension has created that valuable vertical side wall, a large, flat-roof dormer is typically built out from the rear roof slope.
This combination, often referred to as a hip to gable dormer conversion, is a powerhouse of space creation. It creates a large, rectangular room with full head height across the majority of its area, making it feel less like a loft and more like a natural new storey of your home.
Benefits of a Hip to Gable Loft Conversion
Opting for a hip to gable conversion offers transformative advantages for suitable properties:
Unlocks Unusable Lofts
This is the biggest plus point for houses with hipped roofs. Without it, the space would often be too compromised for a proper room.
Maximises Headroom and Floor Space
The combination of the new gable and a rear dormer creates a vast, box-shaped room, perfect for a luxurious master suite, two children’s bedrooms, or a large home office.
Abundant Natural Light
The new vertical gable end can accommodate a standard window, adding an extra source of light and a pleasant view. This is in addition to the large windows or French doors that can be installed in the rear dormer.
Stunning ‘Before and After’ Transformation
A hip to gable loft conversion before and after comparison often highlights striking transformations. These loft conversion types not only change the interior but can also significantly enhance the property’s external appearance, creating a more substantial and visually appealing profile when executed professionally.
Adds Significant Property Value
By adding a large amount of high-quality, usable living space, a hip to gable conversion is considered a sound investment that can add significant value to your property.
Hip to Gable Loft Conversion Costs
A hip to gable loft conversion is a major structural project and is therefore more expensive than a simple Velux or standard dormer conversion on a house that already has gable walls. The cost reflects the extensive work required to alter the roof’s fundamental structure.
The final cost will depend on the size of your property, your location in the UK, the complexity of the job, and the level of internal specification (e.g., en-suite bathroom, high-end finishes). But as a guide, you should anticipate the cost for a hip to gable loft conversion to start from around £55,000 – £90,000 and potentially increasing for larger or high-end conversions. Projects that include a large rear dormer and a high-spec en-suite bathroom will naturally be at the upper end of the scale, or even exceed it.
Key cost factors include:
– Extensive scaffolding.
– Structural work to build the new gable end and extend the ridge.
– The construction of the rear dormer.
– New roofing for the altered sections, carefully blended with the existing roof.
– Windows and doors.
– High-performance insulation.
– All internal works: staircase, electrics, plumbing, plastering, and joinery.
– Professional fees (design, structural calculations).
– The location of your home.
For an accurate and detailed quotation, a full site survey from a specialist firm like Nuloft is essential. After completing a survey and discussing your options, we’ll be happy to provide a detailed, no-obligation quote. If you’re looking for approximate figures to breathe life into your loft conversion project, don’t forget to start with our free Loft Cost Calculator.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Navigating regulations is a key part of any loft conversion, and hip to gable projects are no exception.
Planning Permission
One of the most attractive features of a hip to gable loft conversion is that it is typically completed under Permitted Development (PD) rights. If PD is not an option due to a property’s status (being a flat or in a conservation area, for example), it’s unlikely to be granted planning permission as a general rule in most boroughs. However, to fall within PD, the design must adhere to strict criteria:
– Volume Limits: The new volume added must not exceed 50 cubic metres for a semi-detached or detached house (or 40 cubic metres for a terraced house, though hip-to-gables are not so common on terraces).
– Location: Permitted Development rights do not apply in designated areas like conservation areas, National Parks, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Flats and maisonettes also do not have PD rights.
– Height: The extension cannot be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
– Appearance: Materials used must be similar in appearance to the existing house. Any side-facing windows in the new gable must be obscure-glazed and non-opening if below 1.7 metres from the floor.
If your project exceeds these limits or your property is in a designated area, you will need to apply for full planning permission.
Building Regulations
Regardless of whether you need planning permission, your conversion must comply with Building Regulations. These standards ensure the work is structurally safe, energy-efficient, and habitable. A Building Control surveyor will inspect the work at key stages. Key areas for a hip to gable conversion include the structural integrity of the new gable wall, the steel beams supporting the new floor and roof, fire safety (protected escape routes and alarms), and insulation levels.
Why Choose Nuloft for Your Hip to Gable Loft Conversion?
A hip to gable conversion is a common but more complex project that requires a high degree of skill to execute flawlessly. The new gable end must be built robustly and blended seamlessly with the existing property to avoid an unsightly, “stuck-on” appearance.
At Nuloft, we have extensive experience in designing and constructing beautiful, structurally sound hip to gable dormer conversions. Here’s why our customers choose us:
Specialist Knowledge
Our skilled team of award-winning loft conversion experts has a wealth of experience in designing and delivering hip to gable loft conversions. We’re well-versed in identifying the property types that are ideally suited to this layout and know how to optimise every square metre. From navigating tricky roof angles to crafting intelligent interior plans, we specialise in transforming even the most complex lofts into beautiful, usable living spaces.
Complete Project Management
With Nuloft, you’ll benefit from a fully inclusive service that covers every stage of your loft conversion. We take care of everything, from your initial design ideas and tailored floorplans to planning submissions, regulatory compliance, and hands-on construction. Our streamlined approach means you’ll have a single, dedicated team managing the process from concept to completion, ensuring clarity and continuity throughout.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
We’re proud to be London’s only chartered loft specialist, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards of workmanship. Every project we take on is built by experienced professionals using premium materials. We don’t just aim for an attractive finish – we build with longevity in mind, creating loft spaces that are as durable as they are stylish.
Honest, Open Communication
We believe that a successful project is built on trust. That’s why we keep you informed at every step, offering straightforward, itemised quotes and regular updates. No jargon, no hidden extras – just transparent, reliable guidance from a team that’s always available to support you.
Deep Local Expertise
Our base in London gives us a unique understanding of the city’s architecture, borough-specific planning policies, and the common constraints faced by local homeowners. This insight allows us to deliver conversions that are both architecturally sympathetic and fully compliant with all relevant regulations.
Tailored to Your Lifestyle
Your home should reflect your way of living, and your loft conversion is no exception. We’ll work closely with you to design a space that meets your practical needs and personal tastes. Whether it’s a serene master bedroom with an ensuite, a creative workspace, or additional family accommodation, we shape the design around how you want to use the space.
Flexible and Secure Payment Approach
Our payment structure is designed with fairness and transparency at its core. Following industry best practices set by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), we request a small initial deposit to cover essential start-up costs like scaffolding, skip hire, and safety compliance. This amount is then spread across the next six payments to ease financial pressure.
Each payment is tied directly to work completed, as verified through our detailed valuation system. You’ll have full oversight and the opportunity to confirm progress before any payment is made. Additionally, 5% of the total project cost is withheld until three months after practical completion, giving you added peace of mind for any finishing touches that may arise.
If you have a hipped roof and a dream of more space, contact Nuloft today. Let us show you the incredible potential hiding in your loft.
