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.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Ashford, Kent?
In Ashford, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the South East, where labour and materials are typically about 12% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £20,000–£33,500 |
| Higher specification | £33,500–£42,000 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Heating and flooring
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Single or double garage
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Ashford, Kent?
Before anything is built in Ashford, we confirm which approvals apply in 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a garage conversion:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Drawings and building control application
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Building control completion
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Ashford, Kent
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Projects in Ashford (TN24) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Ashford, Kent
How much does a garage conversion cost in Ashford?
In Ashford, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Who approves a garage conversion in Ashford?
Planning matters in Ashford go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.