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 Belfast?
In Belfast, a garage conversion typically costs £15,500–£26,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for Northern Ireland, where domestic building work typically costs around 14% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £15,500–£26,000 |
| Higher specification | £26,000–£32,500 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Heating and flooring
- Single or double garage
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Bathroom or kitchen
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Belfast?
Before anything is built in Belfast, we confirm which approvals apply in 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.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Building control completion
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Drawings and building control application
How long does it take?
Expect 3 to 6 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Belfast
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Our Belfast coverage includes postcode districts BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4, and we also work in nearby places such as Newtownabbey, Lisburn and Newtownards.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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 Belfast
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.
Do you build garage conversions in Belfast?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Belfast, including postcodes BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Belfast?
In Belfast, a garage conversion typically costs £15,500–£26,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion in Belfast?
In Northern Ireland a garage conversion usually does not need planning permission if permitted development rights apply, but building control approval is needed.