How many days of crane do I need?

Most London lofts: one lift day at structural strike, second day rare. Hip-to-gable or dormer prefab: two days. Single steel beam load only: half-day with mini-crane.

Sometimes — split steel beams to under 4m and bolt on site (adds engineering cost), or use manual hoist via scaffold (only for sub-100kg loads). Most projects find crane cheaper than alternatives.

Who arranges the crane?

Your main contractor — typically a £2k–£3k subcontract line that needs early scheduling.

Does Builderr include crane in quotes?

Yes when needed — itemised separately with day count and licence cost.

Quick Answer

How much does crane hire cost for a London loft conversion?

Crane hire for a London loft conversion typically costs £1,200–£3,500 for a single lift day. Most London lofts need a crane for one or two days: steel beam delivery (RSJs up to 250kg), prefab dormer modules, or restraint straps and trussed rafters. 25-tonne city crane: £900–£1,500/day. 40-tonne with 30m reach: £1,800–£2,800. Banksman and traffic management add £400–£700/day.

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When you need a crane

Steel beams over 4m or 200kg can't be manually carried up Victorian stairs. Dormer prefab modules, hip-to-gable rebuilds and roof-edge timber bundles are typically craned. Some terraces also need a crane for chimney removal arisings.

Crane sizes

25-tonne city crane: 18–22m reach, suits most terrace lofts. 40-tonne: 28–32m reach for rear-access lofts. 50-tonne: only on detached/large-garden sites — rare in London. Spider cranes for tight basement and lightwell access: £500–£900/day.

Licences and access

Borough highways closure or suspension for crane standing: £200–£600/day. TfL red route closures: £800–£1,500/day, week's notice needed. Traffic management plan and trained banksman are mandatory on any street operation.

Ready to get started?

Senior consultant call within one business hour. Free desk-based planning assessment. Fixed-scope quote — no provisional sums, no day-rate creep.