Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

Hip to Gable Loft Conversions

All You Need to Know
Hip to gable loft conversions are becoming an increasingly popular way to create extra room in a property. But before committing to extending your home with this type of loft conversion, there are a number of things you need to know. Here, we take a look at what hip to gable loft conversions actually are, any limitations or restrictions you might need to consider, and also how to calculate the volume of these loft extensions.

What is a hip to gable loft conversion?
Most properties have a regular, ‘hipped’ roof with a sloping side. This means existing loft spaces are often limited, making it difficult to create a loft conversion without extending your property. This is where hip to gable loft extensions come in.
This type of loft conversion extends your property on the sloping side, effectively replacing the sloping roof with a vertical wall (the 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 see fit, although typically its big enough for an office, play area or an additional lounge space.
If your property has two sloping sides and you replace them both with vertical walls, it will be a double hip to gable loft conversion and will obviously provide you with even more additional space.

Do I need planning permission for a hip to gable loft conversion?Since 2008, it is not normally necessary to get planning permission to create a typical hip to gable loft extension. In 2008, laws were brought in to allow homeowners in the UK to conduct a small amount of development or extension work (known as ‘permitted developments’) to their property without notifying their Local Authority. However, it’s always worth contacting your Local Authority to check what its planning policy dictates and how that will affect your planned extension, as some councils have not yet approved the legislation. You may also find that you need planning permission if you have carried out a number of permitted developments, such as a previous extension or a conservatory on your property already, or if the volume added by your conversion is particularly large. (To work out how big your conversion will be, take a look at our hip to gable volume calculator further down the page.)

Is a hip to gable loft conversion suitable for my property?
If your property is detached or semi-detached, and has a hip-end roof, then this sort of loft conversion is certainly a viable option for you. They are also suitable for many bungalows and chalets too.

The attraction of this type of loft extension to bungalow owners is obvious, thanks to the additional living space generated. However, extra care should be taken when deciding whether to extend a single storey building in this way, as sometimes the structure will not be able to cope with the added strain a conversion will put on it.

If your property is a mid-terrace, then a hip to gable is obviously not possible as there is no hip-end to the roof. If yours is an end-terrace however, a loft extension of this type could be viable.
Regardless of the style of your property, the roof must be of sufficient height between the top ridge and the joists of the ceiling below to allow the creation of sufficient living space. If the original height is not there in the first place, then a hip to gable loft conversion will not be viable or cost effective.

How long does it 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, you can expect a five or six week timescale.

Loft Conversion Specialists

With a team of professionals who have more than 20 years of experience who will work around the clock to ensure that your property if performed to the highest standards whilst causing minimum disruption

Dedicated Project Manager

Our project managers have many years of experience and hold all professional qualifications in construction industry. We work efficiently and with consideration for your neighbours and environment.

Memberships & Insurance

As a London’s leading Loft conversion specialist we are fully registered and trained with the most reliable construction authorities and insured to comlpy with all government and environmental requirements.

ROUTINE BUILDING CONTROL CHECKS

A Building Inspector will visit at regular stages throughout the project, their job is to make sure that we are adhering to all the latest building regulations. Upon completion of works The Building Inspector will make a final visit and you will be issued with a completion certificate.

CERTIFICATES

Planning Permission

APT Renovation have a Central and South West London focus and are always well abreast of the developments in local planning permission guidance and building control. We are also familiar with the property types and architectural profile of this region meaning that the design work we undertake will be sensitive and well applied to your property. Obtaining planning permission for your property conversion need not be an arduous affair for our clients as we will undertake all such necessities. Our staff are excellent communicators and always adhere to proven project management best practices to ensure an exemplary finish.

Building Control

We provide Building Control approval specialist services for all types of residential projects. Our swift and responsive technical expertise means that we are able to viable and safe buildings. We are here to assist you with all Building Regulation process, however our expertise in all aspects of the property industry gives us a unique approach.
Our Building Control covers following:

Residential – Property re-modelling, house and kitchen extensions, loft conversions, basement conversion, and internal alterations.
New homes – Flats, bungalows, houses and barn conversions.

Our comprehensive approach to building control delivers a professional, speedy and simple service across all sectors.