How much does a loft conversion cost?
Our student’s jen & Stu have just completed their dormer loft conversion – this will give you an idea on costs
Sean Payne
Working on projects across the UK, focusing on energy efficient construction and renovations
A loft conversion can provide your house with much-needed space for extra bedrooms, a games room or just more organised storage space. But how much does a loft conversion cost? With builder demand and material prices increasing, it’s important to get an idea of the budget right from the start.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how much a loft conversion can cost and what factors affect prices and your budget.
Jen & Stu budgeted for their loft conversion with the support of our online renovation course – their results are stunning!
How to calculate your loft conversion cost
Small projects such as loft conversion can have one of the largest variations in cost, this comes down to a few key items such as:
The condition of the existing loft space.
The size of the existing loft space
The type of project you wish to do e.g. games room, bedroom, dormer roof etc.
The quality of the roof conversion and your budget for fixtures and fittings.
Our student’s jen & Stu set aside costs to create a master bedroom + ensuite in their loft space
Loft conversion costs for a bedroom
If you want a simple bedroom loft conversion, a budget of £18,000 to £25,000 should cover your costs. This assumes several specifics, however, such as:
A simple staircase from the floor below to the loft.
1 or 2 roof lights in the existing roof.
The loft structure does not require repairs.
A loft size of roughly 42m2 (approximately £430 -595 per m2)
typical dormer loft conversions with juliette balconies – The most cost effective way to convert your loft space
Loft conversion costs for a dormer roof
If you are looking to go one step further, a dormer roof extension can give you more space for items such as storage and an en-suite bathroom. Costs can range from £45,000 to £65,000 for dormer roof conversions. Again the project would consist of the following:
A simple staircase from the floor below to the loft.
One simple box dormer within the rear of a dual-pitched roof.
The loft and roof structure do not require significant repairs.
One en-suite bathroom.
Two regular windows.
A loft size of roughly 42m2 (approximately £1080 to £1547 per m2)
Fi talking through loft conversion plans and costs with jen & stu before the project got underway
Loft conversion costs for a bespoke dormer or mansard roof
If your plans are even more ambitious, then a bespoke, large roof dormer or mansard roof conversion could be for you.
These roof conversions can really make the most of your roof conversion, with a light-filled bedroom and bathroom and great views from the top of your property.
These types of project start at around £65,000 (£1547 per m2) and can rise significantly depending on how far you wish to take your loft conversion project.
How can I cut loft conversion costs?
Given the fluctuation in prices, cutting costs is an important item to consider in your loft conversion plan. We share 3 hidden cost-saving methods you can apply to your renovation project in our free renovation guide, so you may want to start your learning there. But for your loft conversion project, it’s also recommended to:
Keep extras to a minimum and add only what you need in your design plans.
Retain as much of the existing loft as possible, particularly any structure.
Consider DIY renovation.
Our students consider every angle of their loft conversion design
With careful layout planning, our students fit plenty of storage and head height into small spaces
Other important notes on loft conversion costs
At the time of writing, the cost of all building work and materials has risen significantly. Builders are in higher demand than ever, and quotations often match this.
When planning for your loft conversion, the following points will also affect cost:
Location - areas in London and the southeast are often more expensive.
Builder workload - some builders will inflate their quotes significantly, given the increased demand in autumn 2022.
Management - furthermore, labour costs are at a premium currently, meaning DIY can be a more attractive option at present.
Building cost - it’s all about smart planning
In short, how much a loft conversion costs depends on how well you plan and how creative you can be. A quality loft conversion can be achieved on a meagre budget, especially if DIY is an option for you.
We are here to help.
Converting your loft into a functional living space can be a complex and daunting task.
Furthermore, this complexity can cause many homeowners to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. Without proper guidance and expertise, it's easy to get lost in a sea of confusing information and make costly mistakes.
Luckily, Fifi McGee's Home Renovation Course is here to help. Our comprehensive course is designed to provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need to successfully design, plan, budget, manage, and build your dream loft conversion project. With our expert guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes, streamline the process, and turn your loft space into the beautiful and functional living area you’ve always wanted.
Check out the Fifi McGee Home Renovation course now, and start creating your dream loft conversion.
