Loft Conversions in Hove
Careful, craftsman-built lofts for Hove's period and modern homes.
Hove is full of beautiful homes, from Victorian and Edwardian villas to 1930s semis, and many have roof space just waiting to be used. A well-designed loft conversion can add a master suite or extra bedrooms while respecting the character of the house.
I'm Jay, and I run Oakwood Lofts. I've been building loft conversions since I became a carpenter in 2005, learning the trade alongside my dad, Mick, and I set up Oakwood Lofts in 2018. Today I build every loft myself with my apprentice, Alfie, and Mick still does the finishing carpentry. We're based just along the coast in Lancing and have built several lofts in Hove.
Recent Hove project: New Church Road
- Type: Loft conversion with a pitched roof dormer for the stairs
- Area: New Church Road, Hove
- What we built: A large master bedroom with views over Wish Park, a large en-suite shower room and a wardrobe room
- Build time: 16 weeks
This was a period house, and keeping its character was the priority. We added a pitched roof dormer to make room for the new stairs, designed to sit naturally with the rest of the roof. The leaded stained glass in the dormer windows was matched to the house's original windows, and the new staircase was built to exactly match the existing one, so it looks as if it has always been there.
The result is a large master suite at the top of the house, with views over Wish Park, a spacious shower room and a separate wardrobe room.
Another Hove project: Sam's L-shaped dormer on Poynter Road, with a master bedroom in the main dormer and a separate bathroom in the L section over the back of the house. Built in 12 to 14 weeks.
"Not all lofts are equal, and many companies take shortcuts, but you can see the depth of expertise and care in their work."
"Oakwood have been the best value, the highest quality and the most fun to have around."
– Sam, Hove (Google review)
The types of loft conversion we build in Hove
- Rear dormer conversions: full head height for a bedroom and en-suite. More about dormer conversions →
- Pitched roof dormers: sympathetic to period houses and conservation areas. More about dormer conversions →
- L-shaped dormers: maximum space for Victorian and Edwardian terraces with a rear outrigger. More about L-shaped dormers →
- Hip to gable conversions: ideal for 1930s semis and detached houses with hipped roofs. More about hip to gable conversions →
- Velux and rooflight conversions: a lighter-touch option for flats and homes with good existing head height. More about Velux conversions →
Why Hove homeowners choose us
- Craftsmanship that respects your home. From matching period staircases to stained glass, we take care that the new floor feels like part of the original house.
- Honest, fixed prices. The price we agree at the start is the price you pay. Extras are only ever things you've asked for, priced fairly and agreed first.
- A small, family-run team. You deal with me from first visit to handover. I build every loft myself with my apprentice, Alfie, and my dad, Mick, does the finishing carpentry.
- You can live at home throughout. We build from the scaffold and only open up for the stairs once the loft is finished.
- 34 five-star Google reviews from homeowners across Sussex.
Planning and building regulations in Hove
Many rear dormer and hip to gable conversions in Hove fall under permitted development. But Hove has a lot of conservation areas, and flats, front-facing dormers and listed buildings usually need planning permission. Planning is handled by Brighton & Hove City Council. We'll check what applies to your home at the free survey and work with an architect on the drawings, planning and building control.
What does a loft conversion cost in Hove?
Our loft conversions start from £65,000 for a dormer, £70,000 for a hip to gable, £75,000 for an L-shaped dormer and £40,000 for a Velux conversion, including VAT. The final price depends on the size, layout and finish. It includes the architect's plans, structural calculations and building control fees: you pay those directly and we take them off our contract, so there's no mark-up. After a free survey, you'll get a detailed written proposal setting out exactly what's included, so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Can you match the period features in my house?
Yes. On New Church Road we matched the original staircase and stained glass windows, so the loft looks as if it has always been part of the house.
How long does a loft conversion take?
Most of our lofts take around 12 weeks. Larger or more detailed projects, like New Church Road, can take a little longer.
Can we stay in the house during the work?
Yes. We build the whole loft from the scaffold, with all materials craned up onto it, so nothing comes through your house. We build, insulate and plasterboard the loft before we open up for the new stairwell, then fit the stairs the next day, with everything protected throughout. That means you can live in your home from start to finish.
Get your free quote
Tell me a little about your home and I'll come out for a free, no-obligation survey, talk through the options and give you an honest, fixed price.
Or email jay@oakwoodlofts.co.uk · Based in Lancing, West Sussex