Title Image

Hip To Gable Loft Conversion in Brighton, East Sussex

If your home is a semi-detached or detached property and you are looking for additional space, then hip to gable loft conversion is for you. As the name implies, a hip to gable loft conversion has to do with converting a hipped roof to a gable roof. When a roof slopes down to the eaves on all four sides, it is known as a hipped roof.

Gable Dormers and Roof of Residential House

In order to increase the usable space within a hipped roof, the hips can be replaced by a gable wall and the roof extended over the gables to create more volume. This is done by extending the side roof area so that the hipped roof which formerly sloped inwards becomes a vertical wall thereby creating extra usable space inside the loft. Though the change may be considered small, it creates a huge difference in the internal space turning what was once a limited space into a spacious loft.

This style of loft conversion is ideal for terrace and detached homes in addition to bungalows and chalets. It is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners in Brighton because of its aesthetic appeal as well as its functionality.

Loft Conversions Services

As the work is fairly extensive and structural elements will need altering, hip to gable conversions should always be carried out by experienced professionals. The topmost loft conversion specialist in Brighton and its environs is Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions. For over 20 years, we have been Brighton’s go-to company for making the most out of your loft.

We have handled countless hip to gable loft conversions for Brighton homeowners with positive feedback and maximum satisfaction from our clients. All we need to give you the loft conversion of your dreams is to tell us what you want.

Whatever you need your loft space to be, be it a master suite, guest bedroom, home office or gym, we will handle everything from planning permission to architectural design and construction. Our team is made up of expert craftsmen and tradesmen who bring along with them a wealth of experience which they accumulated from years of first-rate loft conversions so that you can enjoy the fun of the build.

5 reasons why you need to consider hip to gable loft conversion for your Brighton home

If your home in Brighton is not big enough for your needs, it could be very complicated and even frustrating. For most people, moving out is not an option either because of financial or sentimental reasons. Because of this, the best option is to improve or expand the property by adding the much-needed space to it. This can be made possible by choosing hip to gable loft conversion.

As long as your property has a hipped roof or is detached or semi-detached, you can transition from hip to gable and create an extra room without a glitch. Apart from the obvious increase in space, there are many other reasons to consider hip to gable loft conversion for your Brighton home. Some of them are:

  1. Stress-free accommodation: Imagine the stress of finding and then moving to a new place and then selling your current home. It could be excruciating. There is also the added palaver of acclimatising to the new environment and possibly starting your life over again. Why go through all that mental and physical stress when with Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions, you can have an extra room constructed for you right in your current property?
  2. Added value: When you choose to get a hip to gable loft conversion, you are not only saving yourself time and energy, you are equally adding value to your existing home. That means that when you decide to sell your home, it would be a buyer’s delight and fetch more money than it otherwise would have. By converting your loft, you are looking at an additional 10 to 25% increase in the value of your home.
  3. Save money: Hip to gable loft conversion is not an expensive venture especially when compared to the price you would pay to move to a bigger house. By the time you factor in the additional expenditures such as hiring a mover and packer, finding a new school, modifying your commute, re-routing your post, and other renovations you may have to take up in the new house to get it up to your taste, you will discover that hip to gable loft conversion is the prudent choice.
  4. Increased daylight: Due to height, positioning and angles of your loft conversion windows, your new space will enjoy longer hours of daylight and better ventilation. Your loft conversion windows are less likely to be blocked by houses, trees and other obstacles that obstruct your other windows from letting in the maximum amount of sunlight and fresh air. This means you get to enjoy better ventilation as well as better natural light in your loft conversion.
  5. Better view: Being higher up means that you can survey your area from a new perspective. Forget about the view you are used to now, you would be amazed by the new views your loft conversion will offer you after it is completed.

5 Benefits of hip to gable loft conversion

A lot of homes in Brighton struggle with storage or living space and because of this, more and more homeowners are turning to loft conversion and entrusting their projects to us at Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions. It is true that all types of loft conversions have their benefits. However, compared to other styles of loft conversions, there are quite a number of benefits unique to hip to gable loft conversions. Some of them include:

  • Most properties have a sloped roof on one side of the roof. This means that usable space is limited on the sloped side. Hip to gable loft conversion modifies the sloped part of the roof thereby increasing the space within the roof.
  • It is aesthetically pleasing and looks more attractive than dormer conversions. This is because the new gable walls make the extension look more natural.
  • The roof alterations required can be designed to fit in with the exterior motif of the house. A well-constructed hip to gable loft conversion blends seamlessly with the existing home, making it look as if it is an original feature.
  • Apart from terraced and detached homes, it is equally suitable for bungalows and chalets.
  • Hip to gable loft conversions can be combined with a rear dormer loft conversion. This helps to further maximise loft space.

Please call our phone number or complete the enquiry form on our website and we’ll arrange for a surveyor to visit your property.

01273 257450

A step by step breakdown of how we will handle your hip to gable loft conversion

At Clifton Hill & Mont Pelier Conversion We work with a group of approved, highly-skilled contractors in Brighton to ensure you get the best service available. Most of our clients take a tour of the projects completed by our team just so they can get a real sense of the quality of our work before committing to us.

When you call us to book an appointment with us, these are the steps we take from the beginning to the completion of your project.

  • Site survey: A friendly staff from Clifton Hill & Mont Pelier Conversion will visit your Brighton home to conduct a free site survey. They will advise you on the right layout and type of loft conversion that fits your home if hip to gable is not suitable for your property. They will also take measurements which will be used to prepare a quotation. If you need other conversion work in any area of your home, they take measurements for those areas at the same time.
  • The design process: Our talented RIBA-certified architects embark on making the design drawings for your new conversion. The architect will probably come over to inspect the space and clarify design queries. You have the final say on the design before we proceed. Clifton Hill & Mont Pelier conversion can also take over dealing with building control and submitting your plans under full planning or permitted development.
  • Party wall agreement: The Party Wall Agreement of 1996 is a framework for resolving or preventing disputes in relation to boundary walls, party walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. Any neighbour on either side of the wall will have to be notified and will need to approve the work before it commences.
  • Construction starts: After obtaining all permits and approval, we begin the actual construction work. Typically, this will take 6-8 weeks to complete. We assign a project manager to you whose phone number you can call at any time. Meetings are arranged to review progress and ensure we work according to the established schedule.
  • Final inspection and sign off: When the loft is in its final stages, the Brighton Local Authority Building Control Officer will conduct a final inspection and prepare a report. We will issue you all the relevant certifications you need if you want to sell your home plus our 10-year guarantee.
  • Contract: This is where we send you the quotation and if you agree with the numbers, we immediately draw up a contract which includes the timeframe and fixed price for the project.

Why choose Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions for your hip to gable loft conversion?

When it comes to hip to gable loft conversions, if not handled by a professional team, a lot could go wrong, therefore, you do not want to engage the services of any cheap or run of the mill contractors for your project. You want durability. You want a company that has been tested, trusted and approved by scores of Brighton homeowners. You want a company that has no problems working around your schedule in order to make the work easy for you. You want Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions.

At Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions, we approach every project individually because we are passionate about creating a bespoke loft space that adds genuine value to your property. Our team are well-versed in the art of turning dead attic space into an enviable room atop your property. Our architects, projects managers, planners and construction specialists are always at your disposal and they work tirelessly to ensure you get the loft conversion of your dreams. We are known for being flexible and we strictly stick to our deadlines so you do not have to wait an extra day more than you ought to.

We offer the highest quality of workmanship at a competitive price. This means that if you chose us as your hip to gable loft conversion specialists, the price you sign up to will remain fixed with a clear breakdown of costs associated with your loft conversion.

Portfolio

Hampton Place – Brighton Refurb
Hastings Road, Brighton
Addison road, Brighton

FAQ's

What are the things I should consider before my hip to gable loft conversion?
The most crucial point to consider is the height of your loft. The original height of the loft will help you determine if your property can have the conversion done. If the original height is too low, changing from hipped to gable will not help with anything. After spending a lot of money, you will find out you merely created an unusable space.

Another issue to consider is access. Having a full staircase is advisable. However, the architect needs to position it in a way that will make most of the loft and the floor below. With us, you are guaranteed that we will take all these elements into consideration before embarking on the project so that we can avert any disappointments in the future.

Should I consider building regulations during my hip to gable loft conversion?
Yes. All hip to gable loft conversions require approval under the building regulations. Your architect and structural engineer need to submit structural drawings, calculations and construction notes as part of the application to seek approval.
Do you use eco-friendly materials?
We are aware that most of our clients are conscious of our environment and make use of eco-friendly materials in major aspects of their life. Because of this, we source for and use recyclable materials that reduce your carbon footprints.  We could use timber walls, a sustainable material that is a good alternative to brick or concrete. It provides proper insulation and maintains good air quality. It is also cheaper.

We can attempt to reuse your existing roof types or recycled shingles and include double glazing dormer windows that reduce heating bills and provide great insulation. We will also use low energy LED bulbs that reduce electricity bills, illuminate your loft and last longer than regular bulbs.

How long does hip to gable conversion take?
The length of time a hip to gable conversion will take depends on the scale of the project and the size of the team working on it. Typically, it can take up to five or six weeks.
Where will I place the staircase for my hip to gable conversion?
When considering a loft conversion design, the position of the staircase is one of the most significant decisions to make. With the help of our gifted architects, there are several options that could improve your existing upper floor layout and improve your new loft floor.

The first option is to install the staircase over the existing stairs. It saves space for your loft conversion and creates a symmetrical design that complements your existing home layout. It also minimises floor space taken up by the stairs without affecting headroom.

A second option is to position the stairs behind the chimney. It allows headroom for the staircase to come up off to the left. This means you have an extra space to convert your loft into an en-suite bedroom with a bathroom.

Can I do hip to gable conversion even though my property is on designated land?
Yes, you can. Apart from loft conversions, you can remodel or renovate your home if it’s in a designated land such as conservation area. The focus is on preserving the surrounding environment not necessarily the general style of the home.

However, before starting your project, know that any work that alters the roofline requires special consent. Failure to get the consent means your loft conversion is illegal and you could be fined or imprisoned in extreme cases.

How soon can you start the process of building my hip to gable conversion?
We can begin building your dream loft in as little as 2 weeks. It is the same timeframe no matter where your property is based in Brighton. This time frame of two weeks is based on the assumption that all your plans, party wall notices and structural designs are in place. Otherwise, we’ll have to get those settled before starting construction. It might take 2-3 months to get the party wall agreed and plans approved.
Do you have insurance?
We have an employee liability and public liability insurance that protects you from liability if anything goes wrong during construction. We are happy to provide documentation of our insurance.

We also provide a 10-year guarantee on all hip to gable installations.

Is planning permission required?
Since 2008, hip to gable loft conversions are within Permitted Development rights. A permitted development means you don’t have to apply for planning permission. This permitted development rights only covers residential houses, not flats or maisonettes. You need to have your planning drawings ready to apply for a corticated of lawfulness (COL). This certificate is for you if you wish to ascertain that the conversion is legal under permitted development.

Even if you have the permitted development rights, there are some considerations and limitations you have to adhere to and your planning drawings for hip to gable loft extension should indicate that you comply with the considerations and limitations to get the COL from your council for your loft conversion. Note that you are required to have:

  • A volume of allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses.
  • A volume of allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses.

This volume allowance includes any previous roof extensions done by you or the previous owner on the roof. Since almost every successful hip to gable loft conversions achieve an extra 60 cubic metres exceeding the volume allowance of 50 cubic metres, you may need planning permission for your hip to gable loft extension if you want to create as much space as possible.

If you do not know if you require planning permission or you have any doubt or suspicion, you have to check with your local council and have the details of hip to gable permitted development just so you do not run into any legal problems.

What fire safety precautions should I take for my hip to gable conversion?
A loft conversion is considered a third storey for your Brighton home. You have to install a wide fire-escape window and fire doors that can withstand heat for 30 minutes. They are called FD30 fire-rated doors and they ensure that your stairs, landing and hallway will withstand 30 minutes of heat when a fire breaks out in any room. One will be installed at the top of the new stairs and doors in all the rooms of the house.

Smoke alarms are required for every level of the house, including the loft. They must have a backup battery and wired to the mains in case of a power failure. It should be hardwired to the main control and include a backup battery for power supply.

There must be a protected area from your loft to the ground floor to ensure the occupants evacuated safely. The fire route has to be protected to withstand 30 minutes of fire. The loft conversion should be complete with a functioning window with non-locking fasteners to ensure a swift exit.

Is hip to gable loft conversion possible in bungalows and chalets?
Yes, it is. However, you need to be careful because the loft might not have been structured to take the extra load imposed so it is best to consult us at Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions. Our team of expert structural engineers and architects will make sure your property is fit enough for the conversion.
Which home type is suitable for hip to gable loft type conversion?
The ideal houses for hip to gable loft type conversion is any house that has hipped roofs and those that are detached or semi-detached. Houses with end-terrace, bungalows and chalets are viable options for hip to gable loft conversions too. Houses with mid-terrace are not suitable for this kind of hip to gable loft conversion because the house needs to have a hip end of the roof if they want to get the hip to gable conversion. To get professional advice, contact us at Clifton Hill & Montpelier Loft Conversions and we will have one of our expert supervisors visit your home and tell you if your property can be converted from hip to gable.
Will I receive a guarantee?
All Milosh conversion loft includes a 10-year guarantee for your peace of mind.
Is the price fixed?
The price for a loft conversion is fixed. We send you a fixed quote detailing what the final cost entails. If you want more than was initially agreed upon, it will come at an extra cost.
What is the minimum height for your hip to gable loft conversion?
The important measurement is the top of the stairs height. The height has to be between 2.0 to 2.2 metres between the top of the floor joist to the bottom of the ridge beam.
What is a party wall agreement and do I need it for my hip to gable conversion?
Party wall is an adjoining wall between properties. You need a party wall notice if any work to be done affects the wall, floor or ceiling of the adjoining property. The agreement has to be signed by the owners of the properties on either side of the walls. It is required for terraced or semi-detached properties in Brighton that share a wall with another property, therefore, you need it for your hip to gable conversion.
How much does hip to gable conversion Cost?
The average cost of a hip to gable loft conversion in Brighton and the surrounding areas starts around £35,000 to £40,000. However, the cost will vary depending on the size of the roof and the complexity of design and fixtures or fittings. To get an accurate quote for your home in Brighton, contact Clifton Hill & Mont Pelier Conversion and we will send one of our highly experienced surveyors to the property so your requirements will be discussed in detail.
What is the difference between planning permission and permitted development?
A planning permission is a permission you get if you plan to alter the shape of the roof. You submit your plan to the local council and it is open to rejection by your neighbours or the council. Without it, your loft conversion is considered illegal.

On the other hand, a permitted development means you don’t have to apply for planning permission. This is usually the case for most buildings that aren’t flats or in a designated area. Semi-detached properties are allowed an extra 50 cubic metres and terraced houses are allowed an additional 40 cubic metres.

What is hip to gable loft conversion?
It is a type of loft conversion which extends your property on the sloping side of your hipped roof, effectively replacing the sloping roof with a vertical wall known as gable at the end to the same height as the ridge, and filling in the space in between. The added space can then be used for whatever purpose you deem it fit be it home office, play area, lounge space or extra bedroom.
How can I get a quote?
Please call our phone number or complete the enquiry form on our website and we’ll arrange for a surveyor to visit your property.
Is it a problem if I have a water tank in my loft?
We can move your water tank to a more conducive area so that you have more space in the loft. We advise Brighton homeowners to upgrade to a combination boiler that eliminates the problem and provides more efficiency. We can either work around your chimney or remove it altogether. However, sometimes it might be impossible to move the boilers but in most situations, we will remove the heating system if it’s an old one. We always suggest that clients upgrade their heating system instead of spending money by relocating the old tanks. Newer models offer better warranty and efficiency.

Information About Brighton

  • Clifton Hill & Montpelier is proud to offer Hip To Gable Loft Conversion services in the town of Brighton, which lies within South East England in the county of East Sussex.
  • Part of the Brighton and Hove built-up area, Brighton is located in the City of Brighton and Hove, a Unitary Authority in Sussex.
  • A range of East Sussex businesses including Clifton Hill & Montpelier make their home in Brighton.
  • Brighton used to be called Brighthelmstone.
  • Commonly used nicknames include Blightey & Brighthelmstone.
  • Brighton is formed by a number of villages and settlements including Coldean,Bevendean, Aldrington, Old Steine, Black Rock, Hangleton and Bevendean.
  • Hove, Mile Oak, Moulsecoomb, Hollingbury and Hollingdean are included withinin Clifton Hill & Montpelier’s Hip To Gable Loft Conversion service area in the City of Brighton and Hove.
  • Other service areas of Clifton Hill & Montpelier within in Brighton, Sussex accommodate Portslade-by-Sea, Saltdean, Ovingdean, Patcham and Rottingdean,
  • in addition to Brighton and Hove’s outer urban areas Woodingdean, Withdean, Westdene and West Blatchington.
  • Last in order of mention, Clifton Hill & Montpelier’s Hip To Gable Loft Conversion services cover the Brighton Municipality along with Stanmer, Bear Road area and Brighton Marina.
  • Brighton is covered by the BN postcode area.
  • The University of Brighton and Sussex University are famous through out the United Kingdom.
  • Queen’s Park, Brighton and Preston Park, Brighton are popular with local residents and known through out England.
  • The major roads of Brighton are the A27 road and A23 road.
  • Bordering to the West of town of Brighton and Hove is Sompting, Worthing, Southwick, Shoreham, Littlehampton and Lancing.
  • The town of Brighton is fringed by Peacehaven, Burgess Hill and Lewes to the East.

Ready to get started? Please contact us today and we’ll be happy to provide a free, no obligation quote.

Contact us

Related Blog

Areas We Cover

man
Milosh Dering

Milosh Derning specialises in residential building projects loft conversions, extensions, restorations including listed buildings, general construction projects, new builds and more.

Useful Links

Working Hours

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Quick Contact

Fill out my online form.

View Larger map