House extensions
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Loft conversions
A new bedroom and bathroom, without giving up the garden.
Everstone designs and builds loft conversions across South Manchester and Cheshire, including dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard and Velux conversions. Our director, Dr Omid Khalaj, is a Chartered Civil Engineer, so we check head height, roof structure and floor strength before you pay for drawings. Loft conversions typically cost around £25,000 to £35,000 plus VAT for a rooflight conversion and £40,000 to £60,000 plus VAT for a dormer.
A loft conversion is usually the most cost-effective way to add a bedroom and bathroom to a home in Cheshire or South Manchester, and it rarely needs full planning permission. But not every roof is ready for it. Head height, the existing roof structure, the position of the stairs and the strength of the floor all decide what is possible.
Everstone assesses all of that before you spend a penny on drawings. Our Chartered Engineer director designs the structural solution in-house, and our team delivers dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard and Velux conversions to a premium finish.
- Domestic work
- Commercial work
- Free consultation and estimates
- Workmanship warranty provided
- Insurance work undertaken
Options
What types of loft conversions do we build?
Rear dormer conversions
The most popular option for semis and terraces. A flat-roofed box dormer to the rear adds full head height across most of the room.
Hip-to-gable conversions
For semi-detached and detached houses with a sloping side roof. The hip is rebuilt as a vertical gable, often combined with a rear dormer.
Mansard conversions
A steeper rear roof slope that gives the most usable space. Mansards usually need planning permission.
Velux (roof light) conversions
Where there is already enough head height, roof windows keep the roof line unchanged and the cost down.
The process
What is involved in your loft conversion?
Structural check
We measure head height, inspect the rafters, purlins and ceiling joists, and work out how the new floor and any steel will be supported.
Stairs and fire safety
A new staircase has to fit without spoiling the floor below, and building regulations require a protected escape route. We design both at the start.
Permissions
Many loft conversions are permitted development, but a lawful development certificate is sensible, and conservation areas and flats have no such rights. We confirm the route for your house.
Build and finish
Most of the work happens from scaffolding outside until the stair goes in. Insulation, electrics, plumbing, plastering and the en-suite follow.
Costs guide
How much do loft conversions cost in South Manchester?
For an initial budget, a straightforward rooflight loft conversion typically needs £25,000 to £35,000 plus VAT. A standard dormer conversion typically needs £40,000 to £60,000 plus VAT. Hip-to-gable, mansard and other substantial roof alterations are assessed individually.
| Item | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Rooflight loft conversion | £25,000 to £35,000 plus VAT |
| Dormer loft conversion | £40,000 to £60,000 plus VAT |
| Hip-to-gable, mansard and larger roof alterations | Assessed individually |
| Ensuite, fitted furniture, flooring and decoration | Quoted separately |
These guides cover the principal structural work, floor strengthening, standard stairs, insulation, roofing alterations, electrical work and plastering. Ensuite installation, sanitaryware, tiling, fitted furniture, final flooring and decoration are quoted separately. Design, calculations, statutory fees and wider alterations to the existing house are additional.
Guide prices exclude VAT and were last reviewed September 2026. They are benchmark-informed guides, not fixed quotations. Your itemised quotation confirms the scope, specification and exclusions. The agreed price applies to that scope; changes in scope or price are agreed in writing before the additional work proceeds.
What affects the price
- Type of conversion: Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable or mansard
- Existing head height and roof structure
- Steel beams needed to support the new floor or dormer
- Whether an en-suite bathroom is included
- Scaffolding and access
Indicative programme
Allow around 6 to 8 weeks on site for a straightforward rooflight conversion and 8 to 12 weeks for a dormer. Larger roof alterations and additional bathrooms can extend the programme.
The programme is time on site. Design, permissions, procurement and the wait for a start date are additional.
Project spotlight
Double-Storey Extension, Dormer Loft Conversion & Full Refurbishment
A complete transformation including a double-storey rear extension, full dormer loft conversion and extensive alterations and refurbishment throughout the house.
- Type
- Extension, Loft conversion, Structural works, Renovation
FAQs
Loft conversions: frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Many loft conversions fall under permitted development, but mansard conversions, front dormers, homes in conservation areas and flats usually need planning permission. Everstone confirms the right route during the feasibility check.
How much head height do I need for a loft conversion?
A loft generally needs enough height at the ridge to leave comfortable standing room once the new floor and insulation are added. Everstone measures this on site because a dormer or hip-to-gable design can often create the height you need.
How much does a loft conversion cost?
For an initial budget, a straightforward rooflight loft conversion typically needs £25,000 to £35,000 plus VAT, and a standard dormer conversion £40,000 to £60,000 plus VAT. Hip-to-gable, mansard and other substantial roof alterations are assessed individually.
How long does a loft conversion take?
Allow around 6 to 8 weeks on site for a straightforward rooflight conversion and 8 to 12 weeks for a dormer. Larger roof alterations and additional bathrooms can extend the programme.
Can I live at home during a loft conversion?
Yes. Most of a loft conversion is built from scaffolding outside, and the house is only really affected when the new staircase is installed.
Will a loft conversion need steel beams?
Most dormer and hip-to-gable conversions need steel beams to carry the new floor and roof. At Everstone these are designed in-house by the company's Chartered Civil Engineer director.
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