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 Bedfordshire?
In Bedfordshire, a garage conversion typically costs £19,000–£32,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the East of England run about 6% above the UK average, and the figures for Bedfordshire are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £19,000–£32,000 |
| Higher specification | £32,000–£40,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Integral, attached or detached
- Heating and flooring
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Bedfordshire?
The approval route for Bedfordshire is set by planning law 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Building control completion
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
How long does it take?
Allow 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Bedfordshire
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Towns we cover in Bedfordshire include Luton, Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Ampthill and Kempston Hardwick.
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
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 Bedfordshire
Do you build garage conversions in Bedfordshire?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Bedfordshire, including postcodes LU1, LU2, LU3, LU4 and LU5. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Bedfordshire?
In Bedfordshire, a garage conversion typically costs £19,000–£32,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.
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.