The cost of converting your loft will differ depending on the size of the existing property and complicity of the build. The typical costs will be between £35,000 – £55,000.
A typical loft conversion with a rear facing dormer, Velux windows to the front roof slope, on a mid-terrace three-bedroom property, you should expect to pay around £40,000. If you own a three-bedroom semi-detached property or end of terrace, that will require a hip to gable roof alteration in addition to the above, you should expect to pay in the region of £45,000 – £55,000.
On a detached property, if you are looking at creating a full usable roof space across the width of the property, you will require a hip to gable roof alteration to both sides. Under the permitted development guidelines, you are limited to adding a maximise of 50 cubic metres of additional roof volume outside of the current roof structure.
Due to the hip to gable roof alterations required on both sides of the property you will be limited on the size of the dormer that could be added. For a Loft conversion on a detached property you should expect to pay in the region of £60,000.
Fluent Architectural Design Services LTD work with and can introduce you to, specialist loft conversion companies and local building companies. Specialist loft conversion companies will usually charge 10-15% more than a smaller local building company. Due to the fact they only build loft conversions and dormer conversions, and specialise in these, it will generally mean the project is completed faster.
A permitted development (Certificate of Lawfulness) will cost £103 and a householder planning application will cost £206. The type of application being submitted to the local authority will be detailed in the quotation that we provide you.
Another cost to consider with your loft conversion will be the fees payable to building control. If using the local authority building control department you should be looking at a cost of around £500 plus VAT. You also have the option of using a government-approved, independent inspection company and should expect to pay a higher fee for their services. Fluent can obtain quotations on your behalf and will provide you with details of all of the building control options available to you.
If you’re looking at converting the space within your current roof structure and adding Velux windows you should expect to pay in the region of £1,300-£1,500 per square metre. If you are looking at converting a loft with a flat roof dormer conversion you should expect to pay in the region of £1,300-£1,500 per square metre.
A question that we are normally asked is how much should I spend on a loft conversion?
With all building projects there is no limit to how much you can spend‚ If you are considering selling your property, in the future, you should consider the ceiling price within your road.
If you take the current property value and add the build cost of your new loft conversion you would ideally not want it to exceed the highest property value in your road. It is worth factoring in the cost of moving and stamp duty as these combined can often be greater than the cost of extending your home.
A quick and easy way of comparing the values of properties for sale in your area is to use websites like Rightmove, Zoopla and Onthemarket. If you have a three-bedroom property and are adding a forth bedroom you can easily compare the value differences on these websites. For a more detailed valuation you can speak with local estate agents who will have extensive knowledge of the properties, values.
If you are looking at creating your dream property, that you plan to have as your forever home, you may be less concerned with the ceiling values in your road as, over time, the property prices will increase with inflation. In most instances although our clients are looking at creating a dream space for themselves, they are also considering the property values and investment they are making as they want the cost of the entire loft conversion to be recouped by the increase in the value of the property.
