- Nation
- Northern Ireland
- Pricing region
- Northern Ireland
- Postcode areas
- BT
- Main towns
- Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Castlereagh, Carrickfergus, Ballymena
What do loft conversions for extra rooms in County Antrim involve?
- Building control sign-off
- Feasibility and head-height check
- Ensuite where space allows
- Structural design and steelwork
- New stair within the protected route
- Dormer or roof windows
Which rules apply in County Antrim?
- All new HMOs need planning permission; councils such as Belfast apply HMO policy areas and limits on concentration.
- New HMOs need building control approval as well as planning permission.
- Doors on protected routes are typically FD30 or FD30S, self-closing on three hinges; emergency lighting is required in HMOs of 4 or more storeys.
- Space and amenity standards come from the HMO (Living Accommodation Standard) Regulations (NI) 2019 and the licence conditions.
- Licences usually last 5 years, and landlords must also register with the NI landlord registration scheme.
In Northern Ireland, licensing is run centrally by the NI HMO Unit, and all new HMOs need planning permission and building control approval from the local council.
How much do loft conversions for extra rooms cost in County Antrim?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dormer loft conversion, about 30 m² | £40,000 – £60,000 | £36,000 – £54,000 | project |
| Rooflight loft conversion, about 30 m² | £22,500 – £30,000 | £20,250 – £27,000 | project |
Typical time on site: 6–10 weeks. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.
Loft conversions for extra rooms by town in County Antrim
Questions about loft conversions for extra rooms in County Antrim
Does a loft room need a fire escape window?
In an HMO the main protection is usually a protected stair and fire doors. The building regulations and fire strategy decide the detail.
How much head height do I need?
As a rule of thumb, about 2.2 metres at the highest point of the existing roof space before any work. Less can work with a dormer or lowered ceilings.
Do you carry out loft conversions for extra rooms across County Antrim?
Yes, across the whole of County Antrim, including Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Castlereagh.
Who licenses HMOs in County Antrim?
HMO licensing in County Antrim, as everywhere in Northern Ireland, is run by the NI HMO Unit at Belfast City Council. Planning and building control are handled by the local council.
Other HMO services in County Antrim
- Extensions for extra rooms in County Antrim
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in County Antrim
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in County Antrim
- Ensuite installation in County Antrim
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in County Antrim
- Fire alarm and detection systems in County Antrim
- Commercial and above-shop to HMO in County Antrim
- Full HMO refurbishment in County Antrim