Loft Conversion Cost Guide — Manchester
A straightforward breakdown of what a loft conversion costs in Manchester and the North West, what changes the price, and how to budget before you get a formal quote.
What does a loft conversion cost?
VP / GUIDE / LOFT
Rooflight conversion
Velux-style, no structural roof change
£1,500–£2,000
per m²
Dormer conversion
The most common type
£2,000–£3,000
per m²
What changes the price
- Type of conversionA rooflight conversion works within the existing roof shape; a dormer adds a box-shaped extension for extra headroom and floor space, which adds structural work and cost.
- Structural workStrengthening floor joists, adding steel beams for a dormer and reinforcing the roof structure are usually needed whatever the conversion type.
- StaircaseA Building Regulations-compliant staircase to the new floor is required, and finding space for one without losing a room below can add cost and complexity.
- Planning routeMost rooflight and dormer conversions fall under Permitted Development within set volume limits; larger or more visible conversions can need full planning permission.
- En-suite & plumbingAdding a bathroom or en-suite means new plumbing runs and drainage connections, which adds cost beyond the basic structural conversion.
These are indicative estimates for budgeting, not a fixed quote. Final pricing depends on the drawings and full scope of works agreed for your project, and can vary from these ranges once a site visit and detailed design are complete.
Work out a rough budget
Pick the type of conversion and drag to the approximate new floor area. It uses the per-m² ranges above, so it's a starting point, not a quote.
Loft conversion costs, explained
Is this the price I'll actually pay?
No. These are indicative ranges to help you budget before speaking to us. Your actual price depends on your roof structure and the conversion type, and we always provide a detailed, itemised written quote after a site visit rather than a generic estimate.
Does a loft conversion need planning permission?
Often not. Most loft conversions fall under Permitted Development, which allows up to 40m³ of extra roof volume for terraced houses and up to 50m³ for semi-detached and detached houses, provided the conversion doesn't go above the existing ridge. Larger conversions, dormers facing a road and most mansards usually need full planning permission. Our planning permission checker gives an indicative answer for your project.
Does the price include Building Regulations?
Building Regulations costs are itemised separately in your written quote, not hidden inside the build cost.
What's not included in a typical loft conversion quote?
Furniture, some fitted wardrobes, and en-suites or kitchens unless specifically requested.
How can I keep costs down without cutting corners?
Staying within Permitted Development limits avoids planning time and fees, choosing a rooflight conversion over a dormer keeps structural work down where the extra space isn't essential, and agreeing the full specification (including any en-suite) before work starts avoids costly mid-project changes.
More cost guides and tools
Want an accurate price for your loft conversion?
Book a free site visit and we'll give you a detailed, itemised written quote, not a rough estimate.
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