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 Cambridge?
In Cambridge, a garage conversion typically costs £19,000–£32,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Cambridge. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Integral, attached or detached
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Single or double garage
- Bathroom or kitchen
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 Cambridge?
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:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Building control completion
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Drawings and building control application
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Cambridge
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
We work across Cambridge and neighbouring areas such as Newmarket, Ely and Huntingdon. Postcodes we cover in Cambridge include CB5, CB21, CB22 and CB23.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Cambridge
Do you build garage conversions in Cambridge?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Cambridge, including postcodes CB5, CB21, CB22 and CB23. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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 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 Cambridge?
In Cambridge, 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.