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 Atherton?
In Atherton, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for the North West, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £17,000–£28,000 |
| Higher specification | £28,000–£35,000 |
What moves the price most:
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Heating and flooring
- Whether planning permission is needed
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Atherton?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Building control completion
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Wall and ceiling insulation
How long does it take?
Allow 3 to 6 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Atherton
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
From M46 outwards, we take on projects throughout Atherton and the surrounding parts of Greater Manchester.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Atherton
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 you build garage conversions in Atherton?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Atherton, including postcodes M46. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Atherton?
In Atherton, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
