Design, Plan and Build a Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion

Have you ever wondered how landlords obtain Planning Permission to design and construct a Hip-to-Gable loft conversion?

As you may already know, Roof conversions are a great way to extend and improve your home and add value without sacrificing any of your garden space.

What is hip-to-gable?

If you aren’t familiar with the terms, there is a hip roof with all four sides coming down to meet the walls and a gable roof with two sections of roof that slope in opposite directions.

Why is the Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion so popular?

A hipped roof on a detached, semi-detached or end-of-terrace house usually means that the loft space available is often limited. Conversions can make this space more functional, increase living standards, and increase the value of your property without sacrificing your garden space.

Another similar question is if bungalows and chalets can also be converted to Hip to Gable lofts…

The answer is yes, but you’ll need to be especially vigilant! These cases could mean that the loft was not designed to support the additional load or provide the minimum height. It is best to consult a structural engineer first.

A Hip to Gable renovation is a great way to maximise the space available in your home. These conversions blend in seamlessly with the rest of the house and feel as if they were always there.

Continue scrolling to see more Hip to Gable loft conversions…

How can I design my Hip-to-Gable loft conversion?

Here are some things to keep in mind:

When weighing up your Hip to Gable renovation options, it is essential to consider the original loft height. Many people are unaware that a loft’s head height must not be less than 2.3m. This is because it is against building regulations. You’ll be wasting money and creating unusable space.

Access is another important consideration for Hip to Gable loft conversions. A full staircase is a good idea, but an architect should make sure that it is placed insufficient space to make the most of the loft below.

It is also important to consider what loft space will be used. A converted loft space can be used for many purposes, including a master bedroom with an ensuite, a second living area, office, or workout room. It must be used as a living space to be considered habitable.

What are the steps to make it habitable?

The need for natural light in the loft space should be considered by your architect. It was unnecessary to have natural light if the space was used previously as storage. However, if it is being built into the house, you will need sufficient natural light.

You should also consider the location of your plumbing if you are looking to install something like an en-suite bathroom.

Remember that space under the roof may not have been intended to be used as an integral part of the house. It is important to verify that it is weather-tight and whether it is a cool roof or warm roofing. If the latter, your architect will provide additional insulation to ensure that living conditions are in compliance with Building Regulations.

How do I obtain Planning Permission for my Hip-to-Gable loft conversion after designing it?

In general, hip to gable loft extensions falls under Permitted Development rights. However, you will need to have your plans drawn in order to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness (COL). This certificate will help you verify that the conversion is legal under Permitted Development.

There are exceptions to this rule. However, check with your local council to see if they have fully adapted Hip to Gable Permitted Development Rights. Importantly, ensure that your site is not located in a conservation area or listed areas. This allows the local authority to remove permitted development rights.

Only dwelling houses are eligible for permitted development rights, not flats or maisonettes.

Even if Permitted Development rights are granted, there are still specific considerations and limitations that you must adhere to:

• For terraced or end-of-terrace homes, there is a volume allowance of 40m3 for additional roof space.
• For detached or semi-detached houses, there is a volume allowance of 50m3 for extra roof space. (Learn more below).
• There is no extension beyond the roof slope of the principal elevation facing the highway.
• The roof’s highest point, roof lights included, cannot be extended higher than that.
• It’s important to choose materials that look like the rest of the house.
• There are no balconies, verandas or raised platforms.
• Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed. Any opening that is 1.7m above ground level should be considered.
• Roof extensions are not permitted in areas like AONBs national parks, SSSIs, World Heritage sites, etc.
• Apart from hip-to-gable roof extensions, they should be placed at least 20cm away from the original eaves.
• The roof extension cannot extend beyond the outer wall of the original home.

Remember that the volume allowances above also include any previous roofing extensions. Even if you haven’t done any work, it is possible that the previous owner did. If you suspect that this is the case, it’s a brilliant idea to check with your local council.

Your Hip-to-Gable loft extension plans should clearly show that you have considered all of these limitations and considerations to obtain a Certificate of Lawfulness from your local council.

What’s the bottom line?

Securing planning permission is NOT rocket science, despite the overwhelming list. It is actually quite simple if the people you are working with understand what they are doing. You now know the basics of what to do. It’s wise to get a quote from us to begin your project.

All hip to gable loft conversions must be approved under the Building Regulations. Your architect or structural engineer must submit drawings, calculations, and construction notes to make the application and get approval.

You’ve now seen how a loft conversion can increase your property’s value by adding valuable space. Our job is helping homeowners to design loft conversions that will make their projects move forward as efficiently, effectively, and profitably as possible.

If you are ready to take the next step, you can take a look at our previous works and book a free architectural consultation to discuss your project and get a Udex expert. We’d love to assist you.

Get a quote today to discover more about your project and get a Udex expert.

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