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 County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a garage conversion typically costs £15,500–£26,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Northern Ireland, where labour and materials are typically about 14% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £15,500–£26,000 |
| Higher specification | £26,000–£32,500 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Single or double garage
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 County Antrim?
Here is how the rules work for a garage conversion in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland a garage conversion usually does not need planning permission if permitted development rights apply, but building control approval is needed.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Building control completion
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Drawings and building control application
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
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 County Antrim
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Towns we cover in County Antrim include Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Antrim.
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
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 County Antrim
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 County Antrim?
Planning matters in County Antrim go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion in County Antrim?
In Northern Ireland a garage conversion usually does not need planning permission if permitted development rights apply, but building control approval is needed.
How much does a garage conversion cost in County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a garage conversion typically costs £15,500–£26,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.