HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONVERT A LOFT?

If converting the loft is a project you’d like to take on, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips’ key cost breakdown

- TIM PHILIPS

With average UK property prices at an all-time high, people are understandably looking to maximise unused space. Loft conversions can be more cost-efficient than extending outwards (sacrificing outside areas) or downwards (often fraught with difficulties, not to mention extremely expensive). So understanding how much a loft conversion is going to cost will be a priority for anyone looking to convert unused roof space into a habitable room.

I’ll walk through the costs to help you make the most of your roof space without overpaying.

BALLPARK FIGURES

As a general guide, a 45m2 conversion can cost from as little as £18,000 up to around £65,000 or more. Loft conversion costs, as you might expect, will depend on many factors, such as:

For instance, a straightforward double bedroom design with a simple roof light conversion at the most affordable end of the scale would cost from around £18,000 to £25,000. By contrast, loft conversions of the same size with dormer windows and an en suite would take costs into the region of around £40,000.

At the highest end, where the roof is being replaced, for example in a mansard conversion, you would be looking at a budget cost of around £65,000.

These guide costs cover basic design and surveying fees, Building Regulations and building control fees, building materials, and additional costs such as scaffolding, electricity and plumbing (for en suite inclusions) - together with basic internal floor and wall finishings, and a basic interior fit-out.