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 Brighton?
In Brighton, 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Single or double garage
- Integral, attached or detached
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 Brighton?
Here is how the rules work for a garage conversion 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
Handled as part of most garage conversions:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Building control completion
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Brighton
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
We work across Brighton and neighbouring areas such as Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean. Postcodes we cover in Brighton include BN2.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about garage conversions in Brighton
Do you build garage conversions in Brighton?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Brighton, including postcodes BN2. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Brighton?
In Brighton, 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.
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
