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 Chatham?
In Chatham, 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 Chatham 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:
- Single or double garage
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Integral, attached or detached
- Foundations under the old door opening
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 Chatham?
The approval route for Chatham 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.
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
Handled as part of most garage conversions:
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Drawings and building control application
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Wall and ceiling insulation
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Chatham
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
If your home is in Chatham or close by in Rochester, Gillingham and Strood, a free home visit is the first step.
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
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 Chatham
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 Chatham?
In Chatham, 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 you build garage conversions in Chatham?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Chatham, including postcodes ME4. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.
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.