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 Christchurch?
In Christchurch, a garage conversion typically costs £18,500–£30,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Christchurch reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £18,500–£30,500 |
| Higher specification | £30,500–£38,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Integral, attached or detached
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Single or double garage
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Christchurch?
Before anything is built in Christchurch, 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.
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most garage conversions:
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Building control completion
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Christchurch
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
We work across Christchurch and neighbouring areas such as Bournemouth, New Milton and Poole. Postcodes we cover in Christchurch include BH23.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Christchurch
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.
Who approves a garage conversion in Christchurch?
Planning matters in Christchurch 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 Christchurch?
In Christchurch, a garage conversion typically costs £18,500–£30,500 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.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.