Loft Conversions in Steyning
Sympathetic lofts for homes in and around the South Downs.
Steyning is one of the most beautiful towns in Sussex, and that brings extra care with any building work. Much of the town sits within the South Downs National Park, and the historic centre is a conservation area. A loft here needs a builder who'll design it to fit the house and the street, not just add a box on the back.
I'm Jay, and I run Oakwood Lofts from Lancing, just over the Downs. I've been building lofts since 2005, learning the trade alongside my dad, Mick, who has been a carpenter for over 50 years and still does our finishing joinery. That attention to detail suits Steyning's older homes.
An example of our period work: New Church Road, Hove
On this period house we matched the leaded stained glass in the new dormer to the original windows, and built the new staircase to match the existing one. See our Hove lofts →
The types of loft conversion we build in Steyning
- Rooflight conversions: often the simplest route for older homes and planning-sensitive areas. More about Velux conversions →
- Pitched roof dormers: smaller dormers with their own sloping roofs, which planners usually prefer in historic settings. More about dormer conversions →
- Rear dormers and hip to gables: for the post-war homes around the edge of town, subject to planning. More about hip to gable conversions →
Planning and building regulations in Steyning
Permitted development rights for roof extensions don't apply in a national park, so most dormers and hip to gables in Steyning need planning permission. Applications go to the South Downs National Park Authority. Rooflights that don't stick out from the roof slope can often still be fitted without planning. We'll work with an architect who knows the national park's expectations, and plan the design to give your application the best chance.
FAQ: Do you cover the villages nearby?
Yes, including Bramber, Upper Beeding, Ashurst and Wiston.
Why Steyning homeowners choose us
- Honest, fixed quotes. 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.
- Tidy and respectful. We look after your home and keep you updated, and we're always at the end of the phone.
- 34 five-star Google reviews from homeowners across Sussex.
What does a loft conversion cost in Steyning?
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.
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