What is a garage conversion?
A garage conversion turns an integral or attached garage into habitable space, such as a study, playroom, bedroom or utility. The garage door is replaced with a wall and window, the floor is raised and insulated, and the walls and roof are brought up to building regulations.
Most garage conversions do not need planning permission, but many newer estates have conditions removing permitted development rights, so we check before starting.
What we handle
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Drawings and building control application
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control completion
Options to consider
Home office
A separate workspace with its own door, sockets and data points.
Bedroom with en-suite
Needs drainage and, for a downstairs bedroom, an escape window.
Utility and WC
Moves laundry out of the kitchen.
Part conversion
Keep storage at the front and convert the back.
How much does a garage conversion cost?
A garage conversion typically costs £18,000–£30,000 for a single integral garage across the UK, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Build time is usually 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Region | Guide range (for a single integral garage) |
|---|---|
| London | £23,500–£39,000 |
| South East | £20,000–£33,500 |
| East of England | £19,000–£32,000 |
| South West | £18,500–£30,500 |
| West Midlands | £17,500–£29,000 |
| East Midlands | £17,000–£28,500 |
| North West | £17,000–£28,000 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £16,500–£28,000 |
| North East | £16,000–£27,000 |
| Wales | £16,500–£27,500 |
| Scotland | £17,500–£29,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £15,500–£26,000 |
What changes the price:
- Integral, attached or detached
- Single or double garage
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Heating and flooring
- Whether planning permission is needed
Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your measurements, or see all guide prices.
Do I need planning permission?
England
In England converting an integral or attached garage usually does not need planning permission, unless a condition on the house removed permitted development rights (common on estates built in recent decades) or the house is listed. Building regulations approval is always needed.
Wales
In Wales converting a garage usually does not need planning permission unless rights have been removed by a planning condition; building regulations approval is always needed.
Scotland
In Scotland converting a garage usually does not need planning permission if the outside appearance barely changes, but a building warrant is needed before work starts.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland a garage conversion usually does not need planning permission if permitted development rights apply, but building control approval is needed.
Even when planning permission is not needed, building regulations approval (a building warrant in Scotland) usually is. We make the applications and book the inspections.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Surveys, design and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks beforehand.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, discuss what you want and measure up.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, calculations and an itemised price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development, building regulations and neighbour matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
Built to a written programme, with a completion certificate at the end.
Garage conversions: questions and answers
Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?
Usually not if the work is internal and the house keeps its permitted development rights. Many newer houses have planning conditions that remove those rights, in which case an application is needed.
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes. Converting a garage to a habitable room needs building control approval for insulation, ventilation, fire safety and the new wall.
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.