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 Dorset?
In Dorset, 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 Dorset 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Heating and flooring
- Integral, attached or detached
- Bathroom or kitchen
- 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 Dorset?
The approval route for Dorset 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most garage conversions:
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Building control completion
- Drawings and building control application
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 Dorset
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
Towns we cover in Dorset include Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Christchurch.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Dorset
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Dorset?
In Dorset, 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.
Who approves a garage conversion in Dorset?
Planning matters in Dorset 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 building regulations approval?
Yes. Converting a garage to a habitable room needs building control approval for insulation, ventilation, fire safety and the new wall.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.