Hip to Gable Loft Conversions

There are six main types of loft conversion which are each suitable for different properties based on their size and shape. The hip to gable loft conversion is a popular loft conversion to have, as many properties have a hipped roof. A hipped roof slants downwards towards the walls of the property from the middle of the property. This type of roof reduces the headspace within a loft space, making it difficult to do anything useful with the loft. A hip to gable loft conversion adds headspace to the loft area enabling it to be used in a variety of ways.

A hip to gable loft conversion is usually combined with a rear dormer loft conversion, to add the maximum amount of new space to a property. The hip to gable conversion changes the slanted hipped roof to a vertical gable wall, shown in the images below. The rear dormer is then created to add even more headspace to the loft, which enables the homeowners to gain a new bedroom or office space.

Typically, you would find a hipped roof on end terrace, semi-detached or detached properties. A hip to gable loft conversion can only be completed on properties with a hipped roof, with a high enough ridge (minimum 2.2 from the bottom of the ridge beam to the top of the floor joist). If the ridge of your home does not meet the minimum requirements, there are other options to address this issue. The ceiling of the floor below can be lowered to allow more room in the loft space, allowing you to have a safe amount of head space.

It is rare that one would only choose to have a hip to gable loft conversion without a rear dormer or mansard alongside it. The cost of a hip to gable loft conversion is around £45,000 – £60,000 including VAT and including the addition of a mansard or dormer. If you only want the hip to gable conversion it would be around £38,000 including VAT, so not much less than having the addition of a rear dormer or mansard. The main aim of having a hip to gable loft conversion is to increase the head height available within the loft space, so you can use the space for habitable purposes.

Most commonly, a hip to gable loft conversion with a rear mansard or rear dormer will allow you to add an extra bedroom with an ensuite to your property. This has several benefits, increasing both the amount of space in your home for you and your family, and increasing the value of your house. Occasionally, if you live within a conservation area, it can be difficult to pass a hip to gable loft conversion with a rear dormer through planning permission, but a surveyor can discuss the options available to you when they visit your home for a site survey.

If you are considering a hip to gable loft conversion, contact the Simply Loft team today on 0800 917 7571 to arrange a free, no obligation site survey.