Loft conversions in Selly Oak

Planning your loft conversion in Selly Oak

Birmingham City Council is the planning authority for Selly Oak. If your plans need permission, apply early: householder applications have an eight-week target for a decision. Building Regulations approval and inspections run alongside the build.

The new staircase usually needs 2 metres of headroom, with a little leeway allowed for loft conversions.
Placing the shower room near the existing soil stack keeps the waste run short and avoids pumped systems.
Roof lights can usually go in without planning permission as long as they don't project more than 150 mm from the roof slope.

Postcode district: B29
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 6 miles

Which options suit homes in Selly Oak?

Roof-light conversion

The simplest option: the roof shape stays the same and roof windows are fitted into the slope. It works when there's already enough head height, keeps costs down, and is often permitted development because roof lights can project up to 150 mm from the roof plane. You do lose some usable floor area under the sloping ceilings.

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.

Guide prices for Selly Oak

Prices in Selly Oak match the rest of our area: £22,000–£72,000 depending on size and specification. A rear dormer with a double bedroom and shower room on a three-bed semi: usually £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. Access, parking and the state of what's there now can move the price — the survey settles it.

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 Selly Oak?

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.

Which certificates will I have once the loft is finished?

You'll receive the building control completion certificate, an electrical installation certificate, and your lawful development certificate or planning decision. Manufacturers' guarantee terms for roof windows, roof coverings and other products are set out in your quote. Keep these documents safe, because a buyer's solicitor will ask for them. If you'd like our current insurance details, ask with your quote.

Will I need permission from the council in Selly Oak?

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

Loft conversions near Selly Oak

More services in Selly Oak

Get a guide price for a Selly Oak loft conversion online, then a fixed price for the agreed specification once we've seen the roof.