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 Caterham?
In Caterham, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Caterham are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Heating and flooring
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Foundations under the old door opening
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 Caterham?
Before anything is built in Caterham, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Building control completion
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Drawings and building control application
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Caterham
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Caterham sits in Surrey, about 22 miles east of Guildford. We cover the whole of Caterham, including postcodes CR3.
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 in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Caterham
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Caterham?
In Caterham, 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.
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.
Who approves a garage conversion in Caterham?
Planning matters in Caterham go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.