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 Chichester?
In Chichester, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). The guide for Chichester reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Single or double garage
- Heating and flooring
- Foundations under the old door opening
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 Chichester?
The approval route for Chichester 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.
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.
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:
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Drawings and building control application
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Chichester
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Our Chichester coverage includes postcode districts PO19, and we also work in nearby places such as Bognor Regis, Emsworth and Havant.
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
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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about garage conversions in Chichester
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
Who approves a garage conversion in Chichester?
Planning matters in Chichester go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Chichester?
In Chichester, 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.
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.
