Hip to Gable Loft Conversion - A Complete Beginner Guide

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Loft conversion is one of the most popular and affordable options for home extension in detached and semi-detached homes with sloping roofs. It’s easy, convenient and doesn’t make a dent in your pocket too!

Read the complete article to understand everything about Hip to Gable Loft conversion, benefits, permissions, cost and feasibility scenarios.

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion Complete Guide – If you are looking to add another dimension to your residential space. A hip to gable loft can put a full stop to your search. Loft conversions are the popular, trendy and innovative choice to upgrade your space. Installing a hip to gable loft is one of the popular lofts in London. They are convenient and don’t make a dent in your pocket! They are often installed in detached and semi-detached homes with sloping roofs. Read the complete article to understand everything about Hip to Gable Loft conversion, its benefits & types, planning permissions, building regulations, estimated conversion fitting cost, feasibility scenarios and more.

What is Hip to Gabble Loft Conversion

If you are looking for a way to expand your loft roof, then hip to gable can bring a sophisticated transformation. They are wonderful for making a house spacious. But, before that let’s first understand what is a Hip roof and a Gable roof.

A ‘hip’ roof is slanted on all sides and is considered one of the strongest types of roofs. Its four main supportive rafters, often known as hips are positioned at 45-degree angle. The angle is set to make the structure more robust. Due to this reason, a hipped roof is known for its durability. It makes it a highly desirable attic roof. The hips meet at the central ridge of the roof. Whereas, in ‘the gable’ section, the gable roofs have two slant sides sliding on a common ridge. There is a plethora of choices for gable construction. You can choose wood, tiles, bricks, block pebbledash etc. Depending on the existing structure, roof style, your preferences and budget requirements, it can change.

Understanding Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

When a hipped roof is converted into a straight gable roof, it becomes a hip-to-gable conversion of the loft. It involves extending the slop side (Hipped End) of a roof to create a vertical side (Gable End). In other words, the sloping side of the roof or hip is replaced by an upright wall. It is created by extending the ridge and covering the gap between the hip and the ridge. Loft conversion hip to gable provides a much larger attic/loft area. A beautiful space transformation is observed in this installation. Hip-to-gable lofts can be complex to design and require greater expertise than any other roof styling. Therefore, prefer finding the best loft conversion expert for safe and sound work.

Types of Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

This loft conversion transforms one side of the hip roof into a gable one. Detached, semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes are best suitable for it. It can have additional features of other lofts. The primary types of hip to gable attic that you may wish to consider are:

Hip to Gable Mansard Conversion: A mansard hip to gable conversion provides ample floor and headspace. It changes the entire structure of your home. Thus, you will also get a house renovation. Such conversions need planning permission. In this, the entire roof is replaced. The pitches are eliminated to form a mansard attic roof. The roof is installed at an angle of around 72 degrees, creating wide space.
Hip to Gable Dormer Conversion: When we combine hip to gable with dormer extension, the space extends even more. The best thing is, we have many sub-types of dormer roofs. So, you can choose either style that suits your property and budget.
Half Hip Conversion: Here the new gable wall is constructed and is about two-thirds of the original height. A small triangular hipped roof is added to maintain the original look.
Baby Gable Conversion: To retain the original aesthetics of the roof but still gain some more space, a baby gable hip to gable loft conversion is opted. Here the lower roof remains unaltered while the upper slope is transformed into a gable. More headroom space is created by following this method.
Full and Double Hip Conversion: In full hip, the entire sloped (hipped) roof from one side is removed and a new gable is constructed. The central ridge is extended to meet this newly constructed wall. In a double hip, both sides of the hipped roofs can be converted to gable for maximizing space. It is widely done over detached houses.

Benefits of Hip to Gable Loft Conversions

Looking out for new properties to shift? The reasons might be increasing family needs or others. Then a hip to gable loft conversion is worth considering. It creates an ample of extra space. And it is the primary advantage of this loft conversion that most homeowners get. Extra headspace opens the gate for bigger furniture, more spacious floors, and another room to meet the growing family’s needs. You can always have an extra bedroom, living space or a perfect place to unwind yourself after the daily hectic chores. Value addition to the home is indeed the cherry on the top. In a nutshell, the pros of a hip to gable loft conversion can be summarized as:

Increased headspace, living area
Saves money, affordable than buying a new home
Adds value to the property
Spacious accommodation
Multiple usages

However, there are many other advantages that we think you should be aware of. Let us deeply understand the advantages of a hip to gable loft conversion fitting:

Better Functionality and Added Value: According to the experts of loft conversion, a hip-to-gable loft adds around 20m squares of floor and 2 metres of roof space. This space can be utilized as an extra room, for wardrobe fittings, as a study/ guest room, a gym etc. It is quite a good extension in a residential space. Your space will become more functional. By increasing in size, the value of the building automatically increases. Loft specialists say that it can elevate property resale value from around 10-25 per cent. So, choosing a hip-to-gable is a beneficial choice.
The Ventilation and Natural Light: When the hipped roof is converted into a gabled one, the space for installing windows increases. Now, we can have more roof windows, allowing natural light to come in. It also adds a sense of tranquillity and luxury. You can install skylights for a more appealing impact. Larger windows will maintain the temperature and ventilation in your space. On summer days, such roofs work great to keep the interior cool. Also, with a gabled roof, the rooms are easily accessed by the sun. Thus, eliminating the dark spots.
Makes A House Energy and Eco-Friendly: With the best loft conversion companies, you get the benefits of making a home energy efficient. Most of the loft specialists in London use energy effective elements. It saves loads of power bills. With this conversion, the natural light comes effortlessly, making great insulation. Also, in the majority of loft conversions, the old insulation is removed and the new one is installed. All in all, with hip-to-gable, you save between £250 to £455 per year according to Energy Saving Trust.
Increase Living Space: The major advantage of choosing hip to gable conversion is that it creates a huge living space. It is because the side-sloped roof is pushed. When this hip to gable conversion is combined with L-shaped and rear dormer loft conversions, it can maximize the potential of a property. A hip to gable loft is a doorway to endless possibilities and extra space.
You Won’t Need a House Extension Now!: A hip to gable loft conversion offers tremendous advantages. It satisfies the need to extend the house. So, with the best hip to gable loft roof conversion company, you can save the cost of house extensions. With hip to gable attic, you effectively use the available area in the home.

Lawfulness Certificate in Hip to Gable Loft Conversion Installation

This certificate relieves you of any apprehensions that you have regarding your construction. It ensures that your conversion is lawful under the Permitted Development (PD) rights. This certificate indicates that the build you are planning to undertake will be built within the approved guidelines. In that case, you don’t have to wait for the application to be permitted before the work commencement. However, if you do not have the rights, you will require planning permission. Proceeding that way, you have to wait until permission is granted. And to make things easier, the council issues a decision the eight weeks post validation of the application. Your professional service provider can be a great help in getting the permissions done and what type of permissions are required to begin with the hip to gable conversion.

Planning Permission for the Hip to Gable Conversion

Hip to gable loft conversions falls under the category of Permitted Developments rights. You can always get your drawings ready, get them approved and apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness. Before starting your hip to gable loft conversion always check with your local council. It is crucial to know updated rules or regulations regarding loft conversions in your locality. The Permitted Development rights only cover dwelling houses; flats and mansions are not covered. Also, if the site falls under a conservation area, Permitted Development rights may not be applicable there. Here are some considerations that you need to comply with and abide by even if Permitted Development rights are applicable.

For end-of-terrace and terraced houses, a volume of 40 m3 of additional roof space is allowed.
For semi-detached and detached houses, a volume of 50 m3 of additional roof space is allowed.
Extending beyond the height existing roof slope or principal elevation is not allowed in case that fronts the highway.
Any extension beyond the highest part of roof is not allowed including roof lights.
The materials used should be similar to the ones in appearance as of the existing home.
Balconies (except Juliet Balconies), verandas or raised platforms are not allowed.
All the side-facing windows should be obscure-glazed and the opening should be made at least 1.7m above the floor.
The loft conversions are not permitted in areas such as national parks, world heritage sites etc.
The extended roof cannot overhang and should remain inside from the outer face of the wall.

Your planning and drawings should comply with all the points listed above before applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness for your Hip to Gable loft conversion. The issuance of this certificate eliminates any legal issues. It also adds to the value of the home and makes the future sale easier. Another thing that needs to be kept in mind is that all the volume allowances include any previous roof extensions as well. Before buying any property do enquire about any extensions previously made. You can approach this by finding out with your local council. You can continue with the hip to gable loft conversion under the Lawfulness certificate if your property already has the permitted development right. Let us now understand the building regulations for hip to gable conversion.

Building Regulations for Hip to Gable Loft Conversions

It does not matter whether your loft needs planning permission or not, it should always follow building regulations. All the loft conversions happening in and across the UK should comply with building regulations. From your design till completion, every step of the loft conversion construction should be vetted by the local building authorities. And it must be signed off. You need clearance on each of these regulations to comply with local building regulations: Headroom, electrical and fore safety, insulation, structural integrity, stairs and stairs design, sound proofing. Building regulations are important to ensure the safety standards of a property. It inspects the structure concept & design for its durability, stability, fire exit, staircase safety, roof robustness, and sound insulation. Your structure engineer for loft conversion project is accountable for design as per the regulations. For a better understanding, contact your local council of building.

Estimated/ Average Hip to Gable Loft Conversion Cost

Installation of a loft conversion with a gabled end involves more intensive labour and materials than a basic loft conversion. So, you can expect prices to be a bit higher than a normal loft conversion. On average, a hip to gable loft conversion cost will be between £ 40,000 and £ 50,000 depending upon specification and size. There are many other different factors affecting the hip to gable loft conversion cost such as size, labour cost, decorating, plumbing, flooring, internal fixtures, materials used etc.

The larger the space, the more the cost will be. It is understood that more space requires more materials, work and effort. So, decide your budget depending on what size your residential spot is. Labour include plumbing, plastering, carpentry, heating, plumbing and electrical work. If you are planning to add a bathroom or go for flooring, then you can certainly expect some more pounds to be added. High quality materials generally cost more. Likewise, sustainable fittings can also be a bit higher but are beneficial in the long run. Ask your loft conversion specialist about the ideal material. He can guide you according to the budget. Staircases impact the overall structure’s functionality and appearance. Thus, they are considered as an important loft element. Depending on its design; the cost varies. Additionally, your location is another factor adding to decide the loft conversion cost. In cities, the costs are usually higher. It is due to the transportation and premium builders who offer top-notch services.

Things to Consider Before Designing a Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

There are certain things that you need to consider before planning to go for hip to gable loft conversion. Let us briefly understand these important things::

Original Height of a Loft: If you are planning for hip to gable loft renovation, then one major factor to consider is head height. Most of the building regulations don’t allow going for loft conversion if the height is less than 2.3 m. In such a scenario, going for a loft conversion hip to gable would be pointless.
Access to Your Attic Space: Make sure that your loft is fully accessible. You can choose from a variety of staircase designs available over the internet. But, the architect needs to make sure that the staircase is strategically placed so as to maximize the room for loft space.
Motive of Loft Conversion: A lot of things also depend on the space usage. Whether you want to convert your loft into a master bedroom or a living room. A hobby space or gym room, a lot of things depend on the usage of space.
Type of Loft Lighting: If you are planning to use the loft as storage, then you might not need any natural lighting. But in case you are converting into a habitable area, then investing in dormer windows will make the place beautiful and liveable.
Is Your Roof Weatherproof?: It may be possible that your loft might not have been designed as an integral part initially. So, it becomes important to check whether the roof is weatherproof or not. In case, it’s not. The loft conversion specialists company will design it to add additional insulation to enhance the liability of the area with respect to building regulations.

Which Roofs Can Be Converted into Hip-to-Gable Lofts

The structures with hipped or sloping roofs are perfect for Hip to gable loft conversion. This means that the side roof that is sloping inwards towards your chimney or ridge will be converted to a gable roof or a straight vertical wall. They are best performed on a semi-detached or detached home with hipped roofs. For terraced, gabled and flat roofs; alternative conversion methods can work better. These may not have a hipped roof to be converted into a vertical or upright wall. Bungalows and chalets are the best-suited options for a hip to gable conversion. The structural integrity of these properties ensures that the amount of pressure of the new roof does not exceed and remains in the buffer zone. A hip to gable loft fitting may not be as expansive as dormer loft conversion but is equally good when you are looking for spacious solutions for your home.

Challenges in Designing a Hip to Gable Loft Conversion

A hip to dormer conversion is only possible in detached or semi-detached properties as they have a sloping roof at one end. For other types of properties, dormer, roof light or mansard can be considered as well. This loft conversion is not possible with a terraced house. Well, this conversion does not add that much space as dormer loft conversion but is equally good for properties having hipped roofs. Also, since the design structure is complex, an experienced loft conversion company should be selected for the work. Otherwise, the outcome could not be as satisfying as you are expecting it to be.

Is My Home Suitable for Hip to Gable Loft Conversion?

Gable-ended loft conversions are not suitable for every property. It depends on the type of roof a house has, the loft space, and the planning permissions.

The Roof Structure: The roof structure should have the sides of the roof slope down towards the eaves. Just like we used to draw in our schools. Such hipped or slant roofs are highly compatible with design of gabled roof structures.
Available Loft Space: Your loft must have enough space to get it converted. Its height and width predict its feasibility. Typically, a home having a sloping (hipped) roof with a good headroom space (minimum 2.3 m) is ideal for the hip to gable conversion. Along with this, it should be a detached, semi-detached or end-terraced house.
Planning Permissions: Planning restrictions impact the hip to gable conversion. Make sure to understand each that we also mentioned earlier at the top. Many properties are not eligible to have alterations on roof lines. So, talk to your loft conversion expert team about the same.

So, if you comply with these requirements as well as above stated building regulations, then your home is good to go for loft conversion hip to gable. For mid-terrace properties, there is no hip end, so this loft conversion is not possible. Whatever the style of the property, the height between the top ridge and the joists of the ceiling just below should meet the minimum criteria for creating a liveable area. In case a house has a limited space, there are alternate loft conversion designs.

Alternative Loft Conversion Options

If you lack any of the mentioned requirements, there is no need to be disappointed. We know that a flat, terraced house or a bungalow is not feasible to convert into a hip-to-gable attic space. We have come up with amazing alternatives for loft conversion types. Have a look at it and decide which one would you go for:

Mansard Loft Conversion: It provides enormous space. Mansard loft roof has a slope of 72 degrees. The window can be vertically installed on it. The best loft conversion installers nicely blend a mansard loft with the existing property. It effortlessly creates space for natural light and adequate ventilation.
Rear Dormer Loft Conversion: At the back of your loft roof, this design extends downwards, creating a box. Such loft conversions look decent, and modern and are affordable. They add extra floor and roof space.
Side Dormer Loft Conversion: In general, a dormer loft type has a flat roof. This hip-to-gable alternative is similar to the rear dormer attic but is installed at the side of the property. You can utilize this space for a bedroom to enjoy sunset/sunrise, for a study room, or anything.
Velux Loft Conversions: It is the most dazzling loft conversion alternative for a gable end roof. Here, the exterior structure is not altered, instead, only the Velux windows are fitting. These are popular to make a space look luxurious. It enhances the light access and value of the residential place.

Exterior Finishing Options for a Gable Ended Loft Conversion

The exterior finish options in the hip-to-gable conversion can create a magical effect within the space. The varied options may include slate-hung, tile-hung, cladding, or rendered; you just name the choice you would like to have for your loft conversions exterior finish, and we will bring it to your space. However, as per the loft company expert’s suggestions, you can choose to have some combinations to get a better outcome in terms of appearance.

If your choice is slate or tiles, the roof type can be chosen to match the existing roof.
If your choice is rendered finish, skilled plasters can create diversified designs to match the existing appearance.
If your choice is the brick, the brick should be matched to the existing brickwork.

However, if any other finishes are chosen, the closest option needs to be discovered to match the appearance of the existing ones. And the best part is that this way, even the hip to gable conversion can always look like a part of the existing development.

How is Hip to Gable Loft Conversions Built?

As explained above, hip to gable loft conversion involves transforming a hip roof (side-sloping roof) into a gable roof. The tiles and the underlay of the hipped roof are removed and a new end wall is built that becomes a new gable. After that, the remaining sloping roofs are extended to meet the new gable to reclaim the space between the original height and the new one. Minimizing the slopes and maximizing the space are the ideal two thumb rules followed. The process is relatively simple. The one side of the sloping roof is extended outwards. The part of the roof (side slope) is removed. It can be attained by removing the exposed roof’s part and erecting a vertical wall in a triangular shape. And do you know the outcome? Well, it’s a loft space with ample vertical space.

Subsequently, a triangular shaped vertical wall is constructed in that place. The height of the new wall is the same as that of the central ridge. The central ridge is extended and then connected to this newly built triangular wall. The space within is filled with additional roofing materials and then tiled. The final result: A spacious loft with more floor area and vertical space. Doesn’t it sound easy and quick? Talk to the best loft conversion company to get it done for you. The hip to gable building method sounds challenging to execute. Well, it’s pretty simple yet complicated. This indeed requires professional experience to get it all done right. However, professional help is always beneficial to get the best outcomes.

How Long Does a Hip to Gable Loft Conversion Take to Build?

A hip to gable loft conversion typically gets completed in around two to three months’ time. Ideally, 4-6 weeks’ time is needed to complete the construction and other stuff. Nevertheless, there are factors such as the project size, complexity, design detailing or customization, location, weather conditions etc. that can reduce or increase the duration of a project. But in the majority of cases, the project gets delivered in the decided time duration.

How to Calculate Volume of Hip-To-Gable Loft Extension?

To find out your expected hip-to-gable conversion, you will require:

H: height of the main roof

D: distance from the ridge to the eaves

L: an end-to-end length of the main roof from the front of the building to the end of the building.

You can use a measuring tape to find the values. After the measurements are done, perform the following calculations:

Volume of prism = Length x area of triangle

= (D x 2) x (L x C/2)

Volume of pyramid = 1/3 x Base Area x height

= 1/3 x ( 2 x L x D) x H

Thus, Volume of your loft conversion = Volume of Pyramid x Volume of prism / 2

The Conclusion

Replace your hipped roof section with a standard gabled roof. Turn your extra space into a beautiful bedroom with an attached bathroom. Make your guests “wow” by adding beautiful interiors to it. By undertaking such roof conversions, the space and beauty seamlessly increase. We are a leading construction company in the UK, delivering the hip to gable conversion solutions with excellence.

Do you need professional help for execution? TEL Constructions is a popular hip to gable loft conversion company. We are pioneers in converting your simple and unused loft into mesmerizing living spaces. Our team is widely known as loft experts in the UK. We specialize in adding value, aesthetic appeal and space to your home. If the hip to gable conversion idea appeals to you too, and you are looking for such a solution for your space, access to the best is just a call away. We regularly share appealing ideas to convert your loft space into a usable area. Do follow our social media handles for inspiration.