Loft Conversions in Saltdean
Turning Saltdean bungalows and houses into proper family homes.
Saltdean is full of bungalows and chalet-style homes with generous roof spaces, and a loft conversion is one of the best ways to unlock them. Adding dormers can turn a cramped roof space into a whole new floor of bedrooms and a bathroom, often without needing planning permission.
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've built several lofts in Saltdean and know the local houses well.
Recent Saltdean project: Rye Close
- Type: Front and rear dormer conversion of a bungalow
- Area: Rye Close, Saltdean
- What we built: Two bedrooms and a bathroom, opening off a gallery landing
- Build time: 14 weeks
- Planning: Permitted development, with a Lawful Development Certificate
The Rye Close loft was one of the first we ever built as Oakwood Lofts, and it's still one of our favourites. By adding dormers to both the front and back of the roof, we created full head height across the whole floor, with room for two good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom. The gallery landing at the top of the stairs ties it all together and fills the space with light.
The conversion fell within permitted development, so it didn't need full planning permission. The client applied for a Lawful Development Certificate from the council, which confirms in writing that the work is allowed. It's not compulsory, but we often recommend it, because it gives peace of mind and helps if you ever sell the house.
Another Saltdean project: We also completed a double hip to gable conversion in Saltdean, turning both hipped ends of the roof into full gables and adding a full rear dormer. It created a large master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, built in 14 weeks. See the full project →
The types of loft conversion we build in Saltdean
- Front and rear dormers: the best way to get a full upper floor from a bungalow or chalet roof. More about dormer conversions →
- Rear dormer conversions: full head height at the back, keeping the front of the house unchanged. More about dormer conversions →
- Hip to gable conversions: ideal for detached and semi-detached houses with hipped roofs. More about hip to gable conversions →
- Velux and rooflight conversions: a lighter-touch option where there's already good head height. More about Velux conversions →
Why Saltdean homeowners choose us
- 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 Saltdean
Many dormer conversions in Saltdean fall under permitted development, so they don't need full planning permission, as at Rye Close. Front dormers, larger extensions and homes in conservation areas can be different. Saltdean is covered by Brighton & Hove City Council. We'll check what applies to your house at the free survey and work with an architect on the drawings, any planning or Lawful Development Certificate, and building control.
What does a loft conversion cost in Saltdean?
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 convert a bungalow loft?
Yes. Bungalows and chalet bungalows are often ideal, as the large roof space can become a whole new floor.
How long does a loft conversion take?
Most of our lofts take around 12 weeks from start to finish.
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