Loft conversions in Knowle

Planning your loft conversion in Knowle

Planning applications and lawful development certificates for Knowle go to Solihull Council. Many loft conversions fall under permitted development, but not every house keeps those rights — conditions on newer estates, conservation areas and Article 4 directions can remove them. The structural work also needs Building Regulations approval, through the council's building control team or a registered building control approver.

Roof lights can usually go in without planning permission as long as they don't project more than 150 mm from the roof slope.
Mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms on every floor are part of a compliant loft conversion.
Permitted development allows up to 40 m³ of extra roof volume on a terraced house and 50 m³ on other houses.

Postcode district: B93
Planning and building control: Solihull Council
From our West Bromwich base: 14 miles

Options to consider in Knowle

Rear dormer conversion

A box-shaped extension built out from the rear roof slope, with vertical walls and a flat roof, giving full standing height across most of the room. It suits semis and terraces because it adds the most usable space for the money. Under permitted development it must be set back from the eaves and stay within the volume allowance.

Hip-to-gable conversion

On a semi or detached house with a sloping side roof, called a hip, the side slope is rebuilt as a vertical gable wall, making the loft much bigger. It's often combined with a rear dormer. The gable is usually brick or block to match, which adds scaffolding and masonry, but it often creates room for the stair above the existing one.

What does your loft conversion cost in Knowle?

Guide prices start at £22,000 and run to £72,000 depending on size and specification. A rear dormer with a double bedroom and shower room on a three-bed semi: around £42,000–£52,000.

Guide prices for loft conversions
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Roof-light conversion	£22,000 – £32,000	One room, no change to the roof shape
Rear dormer	£38,000 – £55,000	Bedroom and shower room; a good fit for semis and terraces
Hip-to-gable with rear dormer	£48,000 – £68,000	Most usable space; semis and detached houses

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Your questions answered

How much does a loft conversion cost in the West Midlands?

Guide prices run from about £22,000 for a simple roof-light conversion to around £72,000 for a large hip-to-gable or mansard, including VAT where it applies. A rear dormer with a double bedroom and shower room on a three-bed semi typically costs £42,000–£52,000. Flooring, decorating and fitted wardrobes are extra. Your fixed price for the agreed specification follows the free survey.

How do I book a survey in Knowle?

Send the form on this page, use the guide-price tool or call 0800 088 6248 free. We'll ask a few questions about your loft conversion and arrange a time to visit.

Will I lose space on the landing?

Usually very little, because the new staircase normally sits above the existing one. Sometimes part of a box room or a cupboard is used to fit the stair in, especially where head height is tight. We show you exactly where the stair lands on the drawings before you agree to anything, because its position decides how both floors work.

Does Solihull Council need to approve my loft conversion?

Usually building control, and sometimes planning. Solihull Council is the planning authority for Knowle; Building Regulations approval comes from its building control team or a registered building control approver. We'll tell you which applies after the survey.

Close to Knowle

Other work we do in Knowle

Tell us roughly what you'd like up there and we'll come and check whether it fits, with no obligation.