One of the major issues while converting your loft space is knowing the average cost of a loft conversion in the UK. Loft conversion is one of the most popular and widely accepted developments for homeowners in the United Kingdom. Because there are certain restrictions to maximize space in terms of rear extension and double-story rear or side extension.
Â
When you want to maximize your home space in the UK, the first thing that comes to mind is to convert your loft. Because only this way can you have one or two extra bedroom facilities and another bathroom facility. Compared to the rear or side extension, this is a very suitable conversion that falls under the British permitted development rights in most cases.
Â
Here we will discuss all the costs from the design phase, the planning application phase, to the construction phase.
Table of Contents
Average cost of a loft conversion in the uk: discussing the phases
To figure out the average cost of a loft conversion in the UK, we need to divide the whole process into 2 phases:
- Cost of The design phase
- Cost of the construction phase
Cost of the Design Phase
To convert the loft, you need to hire an architectural design firm or an architect to design the loft extension according to the council rules and regulations. There are certain costs of loft conversion design in the UK for some collective services. The package cost ranges from £1200-£2500 depending on the size and complexity of the project as well as the experience and expertise of the architect. The package excludes the council fees, and the client should bear this separately. The package generally includes the following:
Â
- Detailed site measurement survey: A surveyor will measure the existing building to serve the essential measurements of your design to the architect. This is very essential for preparing designs and drawings.
- Planning permission drawings preparation: The surveyor will serve the measurement drafts to the architect to prepare planning permission drawings. The architect will prepare the drawings according to your needs and merge them with the building regulation rules.
- Planning submission: After finalizing the drawings, its time to submit to the council for planning approval. You need to fill out the application form and submit it along with drawings. In many cases, the architect does it for you to keep you hassle-free. It will take 3 months to get a council decision.
- Structural Calculation: After getting approval of your planning permission, the architect will now pass the drawings to the structural engineer for preparing a structural calculation report for your project.
- Building regulation specification:Â This is required for the construction phase as the builder may need to apply technical details of your extension according to the building regulation specification prepared from the approved design.
Cost of construction phase
The construction cost of a loft conversion varies from around £20,000 to £100,000 depending on many factors. But on average, conversions vary between £20,000 and £50,000. This cost range depends on several factors:
Â
Size of the loft: the cost greatly depends upon the size of the loft. The lowest size requires around £20,000-£30,000, and the highest size may defer between £50,000 and over £100,000.
Â
Site location: Also, the location of the loft makes a great impact on the loft conversion cost in the UK. Within Greater London, the loft conversion cost varies from £60,000-£120,000, and outside of London, it ranges between £50,000-£80,000.
Â
Types of Loft: The loft types also decide the estimated loft conversion construction cost. The velux loft conversion generally cost way less then a dormer loft conversion.
Â
Materials to use: The exterior material is generally the same more or less in terms of loft conversion, but the internal finishing materials may vary from owner to owner. This also impacts mostly on the average cost of a loft conversion in the UK.
Average cost of a loft conversion in the uk according to the loft types
Here are several loft conversion types that mostly influence the average cost of a loft conversion in the UK:
Â
Velux loft conversion cost: The velux loft conversion generally refers to the change of use for the existing loft space. The only external change visible is the velux window projected not more than 0.15 m from the roof slope. This loft conversion costs around £30,000 to £50,000.
Â
Dormer loft conversion cost: This refers to a space that converts the loft triangle to a boxed-shaped space. This requires an additional loft volume calculation to meet the additional volume regulation of the local planning authority. This type of loft costs between £55,000 and £85,000.
Â
Double-dormer loft conversion cost: This type of loft conversion requires L-shaped houses. There is a dormer at the front part and a dormer at the rear part. This type of dormer generally costs £60,000 to £95,000 depending on the size and requirement.
Â
Hip to gable loft conversion: This type of loft conversion refers to converting the hipped roof to the gable and then doing the dormer. So it cost generally more than a normal dormer loft conversion. It costs £60,000 to £70,000 more or less.
Â
Mansard loft conversion cost: It is a type of loft that has sloping walls coming down from its flat roof. So that the sky vision from the road is obstacle-free. This type of roof generally costs £60,000-£80,000 or more.
Â
The below chart describes the average cost of a loft conversion in the UK according to the loft types.
Â
Loft Type | Construction Cost |
Velux | £30,000 to £50,000 |
Single Dormer | £55,000 to £85,000 |
Double Dormer | £60,000 to £95,000 |
Hip to gable | £60,000 to £70,000 |
Mansard | £60,000-£80,000 |
End Thoughts
These costs described above are estimated for the standard materials that will be used in the loft conversion. But the cost may fluctuate according to the owner’s material choice. Because there are no limits of costs for the finishing items like shower faucet, WCs, washbasins, floor finishes, etc.
Â
Converting the loft is a dream for home owners in countries like the United Kingdom. But the average cost of a loft conversion in the UK makes them really think twice or thrice before commencement of any work. There are several factors that influence the average cost of a loft conversion in the UK. The size, location, and loft types strongly determine the estimated cost due to the demand, material supply, and placement on site. You have to calculate wisely your budget and requirements that will give a very fruitful outcome for your loft conversion project.