More headroom in the attic, same roof shape. With a ridge raising the ridge is lifted so you get full-height rooms without changing the silhouette of the home. Drawing from €1.195, almost always requires a permit, arranged within 6 weeks.
A ridge raising is a roof alteration in which the ridge is raised to gain headroom in the attic without changing the roof form or silhouette. The drawing costs from €1,195 and is delivered within 4 weeks (express 1-2 weeks). A building permit with aesthetic review is almost always required.
With a ridge raising the ridge (the highest horizontal line of the roof) goes up. The existing roof shape is retained, but the pitch becomes steeper so you gain headroom in the attic. These are the elements we draw.
The new, higher ridge beam forms the backbone of the roof structure. The height determines how much headroom you gain along the central axis of the attic.
The intermediate horizontal beams on which the rafters rest are repositioned at the new height. Crucial for structural stability.
Mirror side: both sides of the roof are raised symmetrically so the ridge direction remains the same.
Where the roof meets the side facade the gable wall must be raised or a barge board fitted. We incorporate this detail into the drawing.
For a terraced house, the junction with the neighbouring property requires extra attention, both structurally and legally. We advise on the right approach.
The new roof surface receives roof boarding, insulation (Rc ≥ 6.3) and new roof tiles or covering. We specify this in the specifications.
Four questions, approximately 30 seconds. A ridge raising almost always requires a permit.
A ridge raising alters the roof and silhouette of the home and almost always requires a building permit with aesthetic review. We handle the drawing and the permit application. Request a no-obligation quote for your exact situation.
Indicative calculator. The drawing is a fixed price; the construction is carried out separately by a contractor or roofer.
* We handle design and (if required) the building permit. Construction is carried out separately by a contractor; that figure is indicative based on m² of attic floor area. Request a quote for the exact drawing costs.
From a modest raising that retains the roof shape to a combined approach with a dormer. We advise on what is structurally feasible and can be permitted.
The ridge rises 30-60 cm, the pitch angle becomes slightly steeper. The roof shape and silhouette remain recognisable. Least impact on aesthetic review.
The ridge is raised while a dormer is added for extra light and outlook. Maximum gain in headroom and usable space.
The entire roof structure is replaced by a steeper roof with a considerably higher ridge. Maximum headroom and a new roof architecture, including new gable ends.
A ridge raising preserves the roof shape and is less expensive than a roof extension. Here is how it compares to the other options.
A ridge raising always affects the silhouette of the house. The aesthetic review varies by municipality and neighbourhood type. A few typical scenarios.
Example project · saddle roof · +50 cm ridge · bedroom and workspace
Challenge: A family in Hilversum had a 1950s terraced house with a usable attic, but a maximum headroom of 1.65 m in the centre. They wanted two bedrooms in the attic but could not arrange the space due to the low ridge.
Our approach: We proposed a ridge raising of 50 cm on the existing pitched roof. The roof shape remained the same; only the pitch angle became slightly steeper. We drew the new roof structure including structural details, facade connections and insulation specification. We submitted the permit application to the municipality of Hilversum.
Result: 14 m² of additional usable floor space, headroom increased from 1.65 m to 2.15 m at the centre. Permit granted in 6 weeks, construction completed in 3 weeks by the contractor.
A ridge raising is a structural intervention. What you need to know before you start.
A ridge raising alters the appearance of the property and falls outside the permit-free category. We handle the application with your municipality and know the aesthetic policy.
SOURCE · BBL / ENVIRONMENT ACT 2026With a ridge raising, the forces in the roof structure change. A structural calculation is often mandatory with the permit application. We arrange this through a certified structural engineer.
ADVICE · NEN-EN 1995 (Eurocode 5)A ridge raising significantly increases the property value and can be co-financed through a renovation mortgage or sustainability loan (up to 106% after renovation).
BRON · NHG.NL 2026Almost always yes. A ridge raising changes the silhouette and roof shape of the home, which is visible from the street. In nearly all cases that requires a building permit with an aesthetic review. Only in rare cases can it be permit-free. We check this for your situation free of charge.
A ridge raising drawing starts from €1,195 (excl. VAT). The final price depends on the complexity, the roof type and any extras such as a 3D visualisation or structural calculation. Indicative build costs (by a contractor) range between €20,000 and €60,000.
It depends on how many centimetres the ridge is raised and the pitch angle of your roof. With a raise of 30-60 cm you typically gain 30-60 cm of headroom at the centre line. At the sides a ridge raising gains less than a roof extension. If you want maximum usable floor area, a roof extension is more suitable.
This varies considerably by municipality and by neighbourhood. In protected townscapes or with listed buildings the review is strict. In ordinary neighbourhoods the review is more flexible, as long as the raised ridge fits the surroundings. We know the aesthetic policies and design so you pass the review first time.
We deliver the drawing within 4 weeks (express 1-2 weeks). The permit procedure typically takes 6-8 weeks. Combined, the total lead time for a standard ridge raising is around 6 weeks. The construction itself takes 2-6 weeks depending on the contractor.
Yes. We draw ridge raising plans across the Netherlands and submit the building permit to your municipality. We handle the drawings remotely and know or verify the aesthetic policy and zoning plan for every municipality.
A fixed-price quote within 1 working day. Free check of whether your ridge raising is feasible in your neighbourhood. No obligation.