Many homes in Essex — especially 1930s semis, end-of-terrace houses, and bungalows — have what’s known as a hipped roof. This means the roof slopes inwards from the sides as well as the front and back, creating a triangle of unusable space on one or both ends of the loft. While it looks neat externally, it can significantly reduce the amount of usable loft space.
A hip to gable conversion solves this by changing the shape of the roof.
We carefully extend the sloping (hipped) side of the roof upwards and outwards to form a new vertical gable wall. This structural change gives your loft a flat end wall and adds valuable head height and floor space across the full width of the house.
This type of conversion is most common in:
Semi-detached homes
End-of-terrace houses
Bungalows with hipped roofs
It’s a smart way to gain full head height and maximise usable floor space — turning a small loft into a large, comfortable room.
A hip to gable conversion is a more involved build than a Velux loft, but we handle everything in-house — from design and drawings to structural work and finishing touches.
Here’s a quick look at how the process typically works:
Survey & Feasibility
We begin with a detailed survey of your home to confirm whether a hip to gable conversion is the right fit — including checking your roof pitch, available space, and local planning constraints.
Design & Drawings
We’ll prepare clear designs showing the new gable wall, roofline, and how the loft will be laid out internally. If needed, we’ll produce structural drawings and liaise with building control or submit a planning application.
Structural Work
During the build, we remove the existing hipped section of the roof and construct a new timber-framed gable wall. This is then tied into the existing roof structure, insulated, and weatherproofed. In most cases, we match the new tiles or cladding to your existing roof so it blends in seamlessly.
Loft Fit-Out
Once the structure is complete, we carry out all internal work — new floor, staircase, windows (usually dormers or Velux), insulation, electrics, plumbing (if needed), and plastering — just like with any other loft conversion.
Finishing Touches & Certification
We’ll complete the room to your spec and ensure all work meets building regulations. You’ll receive all the necessary certificates at the end of the project.
If your home has a sloping side roof, it likely limits how much usable space your loft offers. A hip to gable conversion removes that limitation, giving you:
More headroom and floor space
The option to add an en-suite or extra bedroom
A better layout with proper stair access
A more balanced roofline that suits dormers or Juliet balconies
We’ve used this approach for homeowners in Southchurch, Benfleet and Hockley, where standard Velux or dormer conversions simply wouldn’t have made the most of the loft.
In many cases, hip to gable conversions can be done under Permitted Development, but this depends on your area, the size of the build, and whether your home has already been extended. We’ll assess everything upfront and let you know if planning is required — and if it is, we’ll handle the application and drawings for you.
If you have a hipped roof and want to make the most of your loft space, a hip to gable conversion is likely the best route. We’ll visit your home, take measurements, and talk through all your options — including whether a dormer should be combined for even more space.
Yes — it changes the roofline, replacing the sloped end with a vertical gable wall. But done well, it can actually improve the appearance of the property, especially when balanced with a rear dormer. We always design our builds to blend with your existing home — from tiles to windows — and we’ll talk you through the options before we start.
A typical hip to gable loft conversion takes around 6 to 8 weeks, depending on size and complexity. It’s more involved than a Velux-only conversion, but we manage the project from start to finish and keep disruption to a minimum.
If you think a dormer might be right for your home, or if you’re weighing up your options, get in touch with us for a free site visit and honest advice. We’re a small team, and we take pride in doing things properly — no rushed quotes, no upselling, just solid, helpful guidance from experienced local builders.
A hip-to-gable loft conversion is one of the most popular options for semi-detached and detached homes across Essex. By extending the “hipped” side of your roof into a vertical gable, it creates maximum headroom and unlocks the full footprint of your loft.
Here’s how we deliver a hip-to-gable step by step at Fox Conversions:
Before Work Starts
Scaffolding is erected and all documentation is checked, including building control approval, party wall notices (if required), and steel layouts. Our team makes sure the project is ready to go with no surprises.
Week 1 – Structure & Floor
We install structural steel beams and create the new loft floor to carry the extra load. The original roof coverings are carefully stripped, and the loft space is prepared for the new gable build.
Week 2 – Gable Wall & Roof Extension
The existing hipped side of the roof is removed and rebuilt as a vertical gable wall. We then extend the roof ridge across, forming the new larger roof shape. This is the key stage where the extra space is gained.
Week 3 – Rear Dormer & Roofing
Most hip-to-gable lofts also include a rear dormer. This is built to give full headroom and extra usable floor space. We install the dormer structure, fit the EPDM flat roof, and tile the extended roof.
Week 4 – Windows, Staircase & First Fix
New windows and rooflights are fitted for natural light. The staircase is installed, creating access into the loft. At the same time, first-fix electrics and plumbing are completed.
Week 5 – Insulation, Walls & Plastering Prep
Insulation is installed to meet building regulations, internal stud walls are erected, and the whole loft is prepared for plastering.
Week 6 – Second Fix & Completion
We complete second-fix carpentry (skirting, architraves, balustrades), plumbing, electrics, and bathroom finishes. Fire doors are fitted throughout to meet regulations, and the space is plastered, decorated, and ready to move into.
Creates a full-width loft space with maximum headroom
Ideal for adding two bedrooms and a bathroom in one conversion
Adds significant value to homes in Essex
Works brilliantly on semi-detached, detached, and some end-of-terrace houses
Thinking about a hip-to-gable loft conversion? Explore our full Loft Conversions Essex hub for more examples and costs, or contact Fox Conversions for a free consultation.
A hipped roof is a type of roof where all sides slope downward to the walls — meaning the end of the roof is angled instead of having a vertical gable wall. This design is common in many Essex homes, especially 1930s semis, bungalows, and end-of-terrace houses, and it can limit the usable space in your loft.
A hip to gable conversion involves removing the sloping end (hip) of the roof and building it up into a vertical wall — the “gable.” This structural change increases both head height and floor space, creating a much more practical loft layout. It's often combined with a rear dormer for maximum space.
Often, no. Most hip to gable conversions fall under Permitted Development, meaning you won’t need full planning permission. However, this depends on your home, whether it’s already been extended, and if you're in a conservation area. We’ll assess this early on and handle all paperwork if needed.
The full process typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks, including the structural changes and the internal fit-out. We’ll give you a clear timeline at the start and keep everything on schedule — no overlapping jobs, no surprises.
Yes — but in a considered, well-integrated way. The main visible change is that the sloped side of your roof becomes a flat, vertical wall. We always match materials carefully to maintain your home’s character, and the change often looks more balanced, especially when combined with a rear dormer.
No — a hip to gable conversion is only suitable for homes with a hipped roof, such as semis, bungalows, or end-of-terrace houses. If your home has a full gable already, another type of loft conversion (like a dormer or Velux) will likely be more appropriate.