Can I convert my garage, and what will it cost?

Short answer

Most integral and attached garages can be converted. Planning permission is usually not needed unless your house’s permitted development rights were removed, but building regulations approval always is. A single integral garage typically costs £18,000–£30,000 for a single integral garage including VAT and takes 3 to 6 weeks.

Check your planning conditions

Many houses built in recent decades have a planning condition requiring the garage to be kept for parking. If so, you need planning permission to convert it. The council can tell you, or we can check the original planning decision.

What building regulations require

Foundations under the new wall where the garage door was.
An insulated floor raised to the house level with a damp-proof membrane.
Insulated walls and ceiling.
Ventilation and, for a bedroom, an escape window.
Fire separation where needed.

Popular uses

Home offices, playrooms, downstairs bedrooms with an en-suite, and utility rooms with a WC.

Timescale

Around 3 to 6 weeks on site once approvals are in place. See our garage conversion service.

Sources and further reading

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and depend on your property; we confirm what applies to your project at the survey.