In short: An HMO loft conversion adds one or two letting rooms, often with an ensuite, in the roof space. We carry this out across East Lothian, priced against the HMO rules for Scotland and the council’s own standards.
- Nation
- Scotland
- Pricing region
- Scotland
- Postcode areas
- EH, TD
- Main towns
- Musselburgh
What do loft conversions for extra rooms in East Lothian involve?
- Feasibility and head-height check
- Fire doors and extended alarm system
- Ensuite where space allows
- Dormer or roof windows
- Structural design and steelwork
- Planning or permitted development check
Which rules apply in East Lothian?
- Scotland has no C4 use class: up to 5 residents can fall within Class 9 (houses), and HMO planning policy is set by each council, some of which require permission at lower numbers.
- A building warrant may be needed for a change of use or for installing a fire alarm system; check with the council’s building standards service.
- The tolerable standard requires interlinked smoke alarms in the main living room and circulation spaces and a heat alarm in the kitchen; licensed HMOs must meet the council’s higher standard.
- Room sizes are set by each council; East Lothian, for example, uses 6.5 m² for a single room with a shared lounge and kitchen, and 10 m² without.
- Every HMO needs a council licence: 3 or more people who are not all from one or two families, sharing basic amenities. Licences last up to 3 years.
Scottish councils set their own HMO licence standards and planning policies. Every HMO needs a licence, so check the council’s standards before you design the layout.
How much do loft conversions for extra rooms cost in East Lothian?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dormer loft conversion, about 30 m² | £40,000 – £60,000 | £38,000 – £57,000 | project |
| Rooflight loft conversion, about 30 m² | £22,500 – £30,000 | £21,400 – £28,500 | 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 East Lothian
Questions about loft conversions for extra rooms in East Lothian
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 East Lothian?
Yes, across the whole of East Lothian, including Musselburgh.
Who licenses HMOs in East Lothian?
East Lothian council licenses HMOs in its area. Every HMO in Scotland needs a licence.
Other HMO services in East Lothian
- Extensions for extra rooms in East Lothian
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in East Lothian
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in East Lothian
- Ensuite installation in East Lothian
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in East Lothian
- Fire alarm and detection systems in East Lothian
- Void and between-tenancy refurbs in East Lothian
- Bedroom upgrades and room refits in East Lothian