Attic conversion hip to gable

rachaelf750 · 15-03-2026 12:17PM #1

My attic is 2 meters in height

I was hoping to do a rear house hip to gable conversion but I dont have the height to comply with regs.

Can this type of attic conversion go higher than the roof hip.

Would there be any point in applying for planning permission?

Former Former Former · 15-03-2026 12:33PM

You apply for permission for “storage” and leave the height as is.

muffler · 15-03-2026 12:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058435938/attic-conversion-hip-to-gable

First of all I don't understand what your proposal is. Are you talking about converting the attic of a rear extension? Secondly most attic conversions are exempt from planning subject to certain conditions but you would need to comply with building regulations.

Calahonda52 · 15-03-2026 06:25PM

M, hope you are well.

my guess is that he wants to change the hip to a gable as part of the project.

There are 1,000s of house around the country where attics don't meet the headroom requirements.

When selling, the conversion is listed as storage

Gaffs like this with all upstairs as storage with two ensuites shown on plans, sell in Malahide for well north of a million

They were built with upstairs window in place dent and back

rachaelf750 · 16-03-2026 12:19PM

This is what I was hoping to do.

Calahonda52 · 16-03-2026 01:45PM

That not a hip roof

How far are those windows from you neighbours

If a 3 storey after this work with permanent access then the fire regs are onerous

ted1 · 16-03-2026 02:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124316616#Comment_124316616

we looked at a similar job, but in the end for what you get and the space you lose for the stairs we found it better to move house, an get a bigger one, bigger rooms, bigger gardens etc.

could be a considering. also a hip roof is where there are three sides that slope in.

Gumbo · 16-03-2026 02:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124316616#Comment_124316616

That’s a dormer.
generally you won’t be allowed go higher than the existing ridge, Infact, any applications I lodge to the 4 authorities in Dublin I specifically state 100mm below the main ridge line and minimum 750mm in from each boundary, sometimes 1000mm if there’s ample space.

Former Former Former · 16-03-2026 02:30PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124316616#Comment_124316616

Yeah that's pretty standard these days. I presume what you're doing is to build up the hipped roof into a gable end, and then a dormer out the back.

So, as noted above, going higher than the existing roof won't be allowed, but unless you're very tall, you'll still get a lot of usable height in the dormer. You don't need to worry about the height requirement of the building regs, nor the fire regulations, just call it 'storage' and you're done. This won't allow you to call it a 'bedroom' if you ever go to sell but that's probably not an issue.

if some of your neighbours have done similar, planning should be straightforward enough.

G-Man · 16-03-2026 02:44PM

Is storage allowed to have stairways, ensuites, carpets etc… Has there been any challenge on storaage.

Whats the history of ceiling height rules.. What determines it, surely if planning was as full of high ideals all ceilings would be a minimum of 3.0M … why is it lower but not so low… OUr family home had a converted attic .. Id say 7 feet in centre, lower elsewhere. … seeemd low but we all slept up there no bother, its still there now…

ted1 · 16-03-2026 03:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124316922#Comment_124316922

there a house on Rochestownse Avenue, which basically extend up the gable wall and straight out with a dormer, the full width of the house didn't think the council would allow it, but they did:

Online Planning Service

https://planningapi.agileapplications.ie/api/application/document/DLR/4VVRJ6VBLJEVAZWS3LDLK232569LY86H6EWPESFJG8WEZFZY2BDMN72ZAPNM99QX552CEKTG4YZK4

Attic conversion hip to gable

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