How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $67,600, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Loft conversion costs range from $9,000 to $34,500, averaging around $20,000.
Converting a loft can add significant living space and increase your property's value.
Costs vary based on size, room type, materials used, and additional features like plumbing and electrical work.
Common loft conversions include bedrooms, home offices, storage spaces, or gyms.
Completing a loft conversion can be a cost-effective alternative to moving to a larger home.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Converting a loft is an excellent way to add significant living space and boost your property's value. The average loft conversion costs between $9,000 and $34,500, with most homeowners spending around $20,000. However, prices can climb to $67,600 for high-end designs using premium materials. Here's what you need to know to budget for your loft conversion project effectively.
Average Cost to Convert a Loft Into a Bedroom
Converting your loft into a bedroom typically costs between $10,000 and $22,000. While it's more affordable than a full home addition, you'll still need to budget for essential electrical and plumbing services for a comfortable and functional space.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Framing & Building Walls | $1,400 – $6,000 |
| Subfloor & Flooring | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Drywall & Painting | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Ceiling | $900 – $2,600 |
| Electrical & Lighting | $500 – $2,300 |
| HVAC | $1,500 – $14,500 |
| Windows & Skylights | $2,500 – $5,400 |
| Stairs | $1,000 – $3,100 |
| TOTAL | $10,300 – $41,400 |
Average Cost of Loft Conversion With En Suite
Converting a loft into a bedroom with an en suite bathroom costs between $70 and $335 per square foot, including enclosing the bedroom and installing a bathroom.
This range may not include running new plumbing lines for the bathroom space. The cost to install rough-in plumbing ranges from $1,600 to $2,900.
Cost of Converting a Loft Into Another Room
Loft conversion costs $7,000 to $25,000, depending on the room type you’re turning your loft into. For example, transforming a loft into a storage space will be less expensive than turning one into a bedroom with additional electrical outlets, wiring, and possibly plumbing.
| Room | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Home Office | $50 – $125 |
| Storage | $35 – $115 |
| Gym | $40 – $100 |
For home office loft renovations, add built-in shelving and resilient flooring for high traffic. If you're using the space for storage, skip the window and put in a skylight to maximize wall space and save on costs. If you're renovating a loft into a gym, install more light fixtures and hardwood flooring for high-impact workouts.
Dormer Loft Conversion Cost
Since these types of homes often have roofs with no pitches, you’ll need to ensure that your setup has sufficient drainage to maintain the integrity of your structure. Installing gutters and downspouts costs $600 to $1,600 on average. A flat-roof dormer is appropriate when you have to maximize every inch of available height for the loft.
Loft Conversion Cost Breakdown
Converting a loft involves various projects and expenses akin to building a house, such as installing flooring and electrical systems. Below is a breakdown of typical costs for the most common components of a loft conversion so you can confidently plan your budget.
Framing and Building Walls
The cost to frame and build new interior walls ranges from $1,400 to $6,000, roughly $4,000 on average. Most contractors charge $4 to $10 per square foot for labor, and materials cost an additional $3 to $6 per square foot.
Ducts and Vents
Installing ducts and vents in a loft conversion ranges from $1,500 to $9,000.
Ceiling
The cost to install a new ceiling in a converted loft ranges from $900 to $2,600.
Paint
The cost to paint a room ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 on average, though you can save on costs by doing a project like this yourself. Pros charge $20 to $50 per hour, but paint supplies typically cost between $3 and $200, so it’s worth it to consider going the DIY route on this one.
Flooring
The cost to install flooring in a converted loft ranges from $1,500 to $4,500. Materials cost between $3 and $22 per square foot, and pros charge $60 to $120 per hour for labor.
Egress Window
The cost to install an egress window ranges from $2,500 to $5,400. Windows typically cost $100 to $700 on average, and the type of window you choose can also impact the price. For example, prefabricated egress windows cost less than custom ones.
Stairs
The cost to install stairs leading up to a converted loft ranges from $1,000 to $3,100. Factors like the location of the new stairs, the materials, and whether you have to excavate or clear the area beforehand all impact how much you’ll pay.
Lighting
The cost to run new electrical wiring for lighting in a converted loft ranges from $500 to $2,300. Fortunately, this is about half what it costs to rewire because it’s cheaper to add new wiring than to repair old wiring.
Plumbing
The cost to install rough-in plumbing ranges from $1,600 to $2,900, and plumbing vent rerouting costs between $900 and $3,000.
Structural Engineer and Architect
Structural engineering costs average between $70 and $250 per hour. This price covers a basic inspection and consultation to confirm that the structure can support a loft. The cost to hire an architect ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. This usually includes the project plans and drawings, but pros may also charge an additional percentage of the total project in their fees. They’re more likely to do this if you’re hiring them to supervise the project.
Raising a Roof
The price to raise a roof ranges from $15,000 to $125,000. You might need to reconsider this project if your existing structure can’t provide at least 7 feet between the loft floor and ceiling.
Loft Renovation Cost Factors
Several factors affect your loft conversion costs, including the type of house you have:
Terraced House: Converting a loft into a two-bedroom terraced house may require additional steps. Check with your HOA for any specific rules or permits you must obtain.
Bungalow: The cost depends on the ceiling's position and pitch and whether there's space for a staircase. Bungalows often have high, vaulted ceilings but smaller footprints. You might need to lower the ceiling or create space for permanent stairs.
Semi-Detached House: Costs in a three-bedroom semi-detached house depend on the layout. If installing a dormer for extra headroom, you may need HOA approval and should budget for the dormer's cost.
Victorian House: Converting a loft in a Victorian home usually involves installing dormers or modifying the ceiling. These homes often have steep roof pitches, so you may need to adjust the ceiling height to accommodate the new space.
DIY Loft Conversion vs. Hiring a Pro Near You
While taking on some tasks yourself might save money, a loft conversion is a complex project that can impact your home's safety and structure. Licensed professionals have the expertise to handle challenges and ensure the job is done right. Hiring a local general contractor typically adds 10% to 40% to your project's cost but offers peace of mind and quality results.
Ready to transform your loft? Hiring a local general contractor ensures your loft conversion is completed safely and professionally, giving you peace of mind.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A loft conversion turns your unused attic or loft into a functional living space, like a bedroom or home office. Adding walls, ceilings, lighting, and even plumbing seamlessly integrates the new room with the rest of your home. It's a practical way to expand your living area and boost your property's value.
A loft is a finished and integrated living space created by converting an attic, while an attic is an isolated, unfinished area under the roof. The loft conversion process installs proper walls, ceilings, and utilities, transforming the space into a usable room that adds value to the home. In contrast, an attic remains largely unmodified and is typically reserved for storage.
Planning permission is required for a loft conversion because the project alters the structure and must meet strict building codes. A building permit, costing between $500 and $3,000, and mechanical permits, costing between $10 and $500 each, are mandatory. This regulatory process ensures safety, adherence to design standards, and the home's overall integrity during conversion.
A loft conversion takes several weeks because the project involves multiple phases, from design to finishing. The process requires careful planning, obtaining permits, executing structural changes, installing utilities, and completing final decorative work to ensure the converted area meets building codes and the homeowner’s requirements.
Choosing an alternative project instead of a loft conversion can be advantageous when a less complex project's return on investment is higher. Homeowners may opt for improvements like upgrading doors, windows, or adding a deck because these projects demand lower overall costs and fewer structural changes. Such alternatives can enhance home value and functionality with a more streamlined process.
- Kitchen - Remodel
- Bathroom - Remodel
- Second Story Addition - Build
- Basement - Remodel
- Major Renovation - Multiple Rooms
- Countertops Install
- Outdoor Kitchen-Build
- Guest House - Build
- Garage - Remodel
- Sunroom or Patio Enclosure - Build
- Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)
- Addition to Existing Structure - Build