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Loft Conversions Wales

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

hip to gable loft conversion

A lot properties in the UK have a hip or slopping roof. It usually means that the existing loft space is limited. Thus, the roof of the home needs an extension to make the loft conversion possible. The most effective solution is to alter your roof and that’s where hip to gable loft conversions come in.

What is a HIP TO GABLE LOFt?

A hip to gable loft conversion extends your property by replacing the hipped or roof slope with a vertical wall (also known as gable). It’s a great idea to maximise your loft space and make it possible for additional living areas, loft bedrooms or even kitchens in your loft.

A hipped roof is the type of roof that has slants on all four sides. It is considered as one of the most durable types of a roof which explains why it is highly desirable. The strength and durability of this type of roof lie down to the four main support rafters or hips positioned at an angle of 45 degrees which meets at a central ridge.

A gable roof has only two slant sides. It is more common in the UK and is cheaper to design and construct than the hipped roofs. It is not as durable as hip roofs due to lack of framing support and because it is susceptible to wind damage.

If you have a hip roof on both sides (four sloping sections) you could possibly have a double hip to gable loft conversion to create even more headroom for your conversion. You can also explore and further maximise your space by combining a hip-to-gable loft conversion with a rear dormer at the back of the roof providing that this is accepted by building regulation at your location.

A hip-to-gable conversion is a perfect solution for semi detached house, or detached house with hipped roofs, bungalow and chalets. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit mid-terrace features, but it can be achievable on the end of terrace houses, where one side is considered a detached property.

Hip To Gable VS Dormer

The dormer is the alternative to Hip to gable. In comparison building a hip to gable is better use of space compared to the dormer, however if budget is one of your main concerns then a Dormer loft conversion may be more suited to you, as dormer loft conversions are typically 15-20% cheaper than hip to gable conversions.

Hip To Gable Loft Conversion Interior

What can you do with your hip to gable loft conversion interior? Well the possibilities are endless… 

With extra space hip to gable loft conversions make the perfect option for converting your detached or semi detached home. It’s one of the most spacious conversion plans. 

For the most part, homeowners who choose to install a hip to gable loft conversion with a rear dormer are looking for additional bedroom space, the extra space brought in by the attic conversion makes enough room for a mid-large size double bedroom, with the possibility of an en-suite depending on the internal plumbing. 

Another popular option for Gable conversions include games rooms & office spaces, for those looking for an escape from the busy downstairs home life.

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Hip-to Gable Attics

Pros and Cons OF Hip to Gable lofts
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Head Space

It’s all about the head space. Hip end roof will offer the same amount of floor space as their regular counterparts but, depending on the pitch or size of the property, the amount of 2 meter high space can often be a fraction of the amount.

Some hip roofs offer very little usable head space, as all the roof sections join near the middle. This is especially true for a bungalow and can provide a large amount of additional space to the existing roof and home space.

If this is the case in your home, hip-to-gables or even double hip-to-gables are the only realistic option you might have.

Looks Like An Original Feature

A hip to gable conversion and gabled roof often looks more attractive than a dormer conversion with exterior dormer windows because the new gables make the extension more natural and pleasing. The roof alterations needed for the conversion can also be designed to fit with the exterior motif of your property.

A well-planned and constructed hip-to-gable loft conversion often looks like an original feature of a house once construction is completed. This is especially true of detached houses and bungalows.

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Can Be Combined With A Dormer

What makes hip-to-gable loft conversion more advantageous is that it can be combined with a dormer loft conversion to maximise the usable space around the property.

Essentially, it gives your attic both extra length and width. We find this is what people do when they want to make a liveable or even self-contained space rather than just an extra room. However we understand that with hip to gable loft conversions there may be more requirements, building regulation and caveats such as the inability to build on semi detached property or a terraced house

Not Always Available

Sometimes, though rare, it’s not possible to change the shape of your sloping roof.

This is most often to do with adjacent properties or external buildings rather than your own.

Also, in some areas of Wales, the exposure to high winds have made a hipped roof the safest choice and you might be putting your roof at a greater risk by changing it.

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More Expensive

A hip-to-gable loft conversion is more expensive than a dormer loft conversion. If you decide to combine a hip-to-gable and dormer loft conversion, then it means you must allocate a bigger budget for your loft extension and the loft conversion cost may increase considerably.

However, that extra few thousand pounds could double the size of your loft, and therefore draw additional value to your home when it comes time to sell.

FAQ

If you have any specific queries please contact us through  the form below.

A hip-to-gable loft conversion doesn’t usually need planning permission, as long as it stays within the limit of permitted development (PD) conditions.

Typically it may be good practice to check with your local government and planning committees for guidance if you are unsure.

The cost ranges from £ 42,000- £60,000. This estimation includes ventilation, plumbing and electrics, but it does not include the internal fixtures of your loft. Your loft conversion specialist will be able to identify areas which may require additional work or where the loft conversion cost could increase or decrease depending on your requirements. You will also be told whether or not your home qualifies for immediate work, or whether you might require planning permission in order to get your extra space.

The typical build time is 4 – 6 weeks. Others may take eight weeks, depending on the size and design of the property, typically gable extensions take the longest, with flat roof dormer extensions only taking 3-4 weeks for the completed loft conversion project.

Yes, most hip roofs can be converted for a loft conversion or attic conversion. However, a professional may want to conduct a site survey before signing off on any plans to examine the space in your loft. 

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