Loft: Hip-to-gable

Good news — yes, you can increase the functional square footage of your home upwards, even if your roof has inward sloping edges. That’s where a hip-to-gable loft conversion comes in. In just four to six weeks you could be enjoying your new office, bedroom or nursery at the summit of your house. Find answers here to your who, what, when, where and how questions.

How does a hip-to-gable roof conversion work?

We extend the usable area of your attic by changing the sloped wall (hip) to a vertical one (gable). This straightening up of the top of your property provides headroom across the width of the house to walk around.

Then you can decide how to make this area work for you, which could be:

Velux: affordable; straightforward; keep the slanted front and back; install windows; extra £25K+
Dormer: enlarge room further; flat roof/straight wall at rear; additional £35K upwards
Double: maximise both edges; symmetrical result

Where has the option of a hip-to-gable loft?

This option is available for many types of homes with slanting sides, including:

Semi-detacheds
Detacheds
End-terraces
Bungalows
Chalets

In fact, it’s only mid-terraces that aren’t viable for this project.

What does a hip-to-gable loft conversion cost?

From £45,000

This average cost includes the construction necessary to implement the structural work. That includes such essentials as:

Plastering
Plumbing
Electrical wiring
Heat sources

The end cost also needs to take into account the following:

Floors
Wallpaper/paint
Suites
Lights

Choosing standard finishes is the best way to keep prices low. Of course, the size is a major factor too. Two bedrooms, Juliet balcony, dressing area, tailored storage solutions, and a shower room in a luxury high-spec will cost more than a less ambitious alteration.