Hip-To-Gable Loft Conversions | MPK Lofts Bristol & Bath

Hip-to-gable loft conversions are another popular choice but what are they? Firstly, you need to understand the difference between a gable roof and a hipped roof.

In simple terms, a gable roof is a triangular prism, with two sloping (pitched) sides that stretch the length of your house and two vertical walled ends known as gables.

In contrast, a hipped roof can be thought of as a square based pyramid that sits atop your home with 4 pitched sides that all slope down to the top of your home’s walls.

A hip-to-gable conversion therefore involves extending two opposite sides of a hipped roof so as to create a vertical gable end, effectively transforming your hipped roof to a gable roof.
Hipped roofs have advantages. They are strong and handle the elements well, particularly the wind.

However, they can offer little in the way of usable loft space for you and your family, and they are great candidates for either a dormer or hip-to-gable extension.

Hip-to-gable conversions tend to provide more useful space and to fit in more seamlessly with your home’s style and design than the most popular dormer conversions. However, they can cost more requiring greater structural work.

Both types of conversion often fall within permitted development rights meaning that planning permission is not required but we can help where this is not the case.
Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your particular circumstances and budget, and it is not unusual for us to do a hip-to-gable and dormer conversion at the same time to maximise the end space.

For more information on hip-to-gable conversions check out our loft conversion guide. Alternatively, contact us on 0117 9478200 or by emailing info@mpklofts.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you and would be happy to offer a free no-obligation survey.

How We Work

The construction of a loft follows a series of typical stages. As an example to the right, we have broken these elements down to give a snapshot of the process.

Before any building works can start, permission from the local authority must of course be obtained.

Step 1
- Scaffolding is erected
- Opening made in roof
- Steel installed
Step 2
- Floor built
- Velux windows installed
- Dormer constructed if required
Step 3
- Roof tiled
- Dormer construction completed
- Insulation installed
Step 4
- Walls built
- Electrical wiring & plumbing installed
- Staircase installed
Step 5
- Plaster boards fitted
- Plastering finished
Step 6
- Doors & skirting fitted
- En-suite installed
- All finishes completed

Hip-To-Gable Loft Conversions - Summary

From sloping to spacious: a hip-to-gable loft conversion is often the obvious first choice for homes with hipped roofs

Here are some of the key features and benefits:

Often fall within permitted development rights meaning planning permission is not required

Can provide more floorspace & headroom than a dormer conversion

Integrate seamlessly with your home’s existing style & design

Work well in combination with other conversion types e.g. a rear dormer conversion.

Can potentially boost the energy efficiency of your home via improved insulation and ventilation

For more information check out our loft conversion guide.

Alternatively, please contact us on 0117 9478200 or by emailing info@mpklofts.co.uk.