Cost Guides ยท Updated May 2026

How Much Does a Loft Dormer Cost Per mยฒ in 2026? (UK)

A UK loft dormer in 2026 typically costs ยฃ2,100โ€“ยฃ3,000 per mยฒ fitted. A small 4mยฒ gable-end dormer runs ยฃ8,500โ€“ยฃ12,500; a popular 8mยฒ flat-roof box dormer is ยฃ17,000โ€“ยฃ24,000; a large 15mยฒ full-width rear dormer reaches ยฃ32,000โ€“ยฃ45,000+. Pitched dormers add 10โ€“18% over flat-roof equivalents but tend to integrate better with traditional roofscapes.

ยฃ2,100โ€“ยฃ3,000 per mยฒ Flat, pitched or hip-to-gable Updated May 2026
Vetted Loft Specialists
2,100+ Verified Reviews
FMB / TrustMark Members
3 Free Quotes in 24h

Loft dormer cost per mยฒ by size (2026 UK)

Dormer cost scales with footprint and roof type. As a 2026 UK guide: 4mยฒ (small gable dormer) roughly ยฃ8,500โ€“ยฃ12,500; 6mยฒ (single-room box) roughly ยฃ12,500โ€“ยฃ18,000; 8mยฒ (popular 2-window box dormer) ยฃ17,000โ€“ยฃ24,000; 12mยฒ (master-bedroom rear dormer) ยฃ26,000โ€“ยฃ36,000; 15mยฒ+ (full-width) £32,000โ€“£45,000+. Figures assume timber framing, insulation to current Part L, plasterboard finish, double-glazed casements and tiled or EPDM roof finish.

How the roof finish changes the price

EPDM single-ply membrane on a flat box dormer is the cheapest (ยฃ60โ€“ยฃ90 per mยฒ covered). GRP fibreglass is comparable (ยฃ80โ€“ยฃ110 per mยฒ). Tile-hung cheek with a small pitched roof is mid-range (ยฃ110โ€“ยฃ170 per mยฒ). Slate-clad dormers in heritage areas are premium (ยฃ170โ€“ยฃ260 per mยฒ). On an 8mยฒ dormer the choice typically adds or subtracts ยฃ1,500โ€“ยฃ4,000.

Glazing, structural openings and extras

Most dormers add a structural opening or steel beam: RSJ for a new opening adds ยฃ1,800โ€“ยฃ3,500 including structural calcs. Juliet balcony with French doors adds ยฃ2,200โ€“ยฃ3,800. Aluminium casement windows add ยฃ400โ€“ยฃ800 over standard UPVC per window. En-suite shower in the new room adds ยฃ4,500โ€“ยฃ8,500. Velux on the slope alongside the dormer is ยฃ1,500โ€“ยฃ2,500 fitted each.

Flat vs pitched dormer โ€” cost difference

A pitched dormer typically costs 10โ€“18% more than a flat-roof equivalent due to extra rafters, tiling and ridge. The trade-off: pitched dormers blend more naturally with traditional UK housing (especially semis and terraces in conservation areas) and tend to add more resale value. Flat-roof box dormers maximise internal headroom for the same footprint โ€” typically gaining 200โ€“400mm of usable head height in the room.

How to budget step by step

1. Confirm the dormer footprint and type

Cost scales at roughly ยฃ2,100โ€“ยฃ3,000 per mยฒ fitted. Decide if you need full-width (max space), single-room box, or smaller gable-style.

2. Pick the roof finish

EPDM is cheapest; tile-hung mid-range; slate premium.

3. Decide on structural openings and en-suites

RSJs, Juliet balconies and en-suites add the most to the headline figure.

4. Compare three matched quotes

FMB or TrustMark members, on the same written scope including building control.

FAQs

An 8mยฒ flat-roof box dormer typically costs ยฃ17,000โ€“ยฃ24,000 fitted in 2026, including timber framing, insulation to Part L, plasterboard finish, EPDM roof, double-glazed windows and building control sign-off. Pitched-roof equivalents run ยฃ19,000โ€“ยฃ28,000.
Many rear dormers fall under permitted development if total roof-volume addition stays within 40m³ for terraced houses or 50m³ for semi-detached and detached, and the dormer doesn't extend above the existing ridge. Front-facing dormers, conservation areas, Article 4 zones and flats always need planning permission.
A standard box dormer takes 6โ€“10 weeks on site from scaffold up to final sign-off, including 1โ€“2 weeks of weather-sensitive roof-opening work. Larger full-width or pitched dormers add 2โ€“3 weeks. Building control inspections happen at structure, insulation and completion.

Related guides

Get 3 Free Quotes โ€” Vetted UK Loft Specialists

BestBuilders matches you with up to 3 vetted UK loft and dormer specialists. Compare quotes โ€” no cost, no obligation.

Get My 3 Free Dormer Quotes
Takes 60 seconds ยท No spam ยท No obligation