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 Dunstable?
In Dunstable, a garage conversion typically costs £19,000–£32,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). The guide for Dunstable reflects typical costs in the East of England, roughly 6% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £19,000–£32,000 |
| Higher specification | £32,000–£40,000 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Single or double garage
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Integral, attached or detached
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 Dunstable?
Approvals for a garage conversion in Dunstable follow the rules for 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
What we take care of:
- Drawings and building control application
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control completion
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
How long does it take?
Allow 3 to 6 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Dunstable
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
From LU6 outwards, we take on projects throughout Dunstable and the surrounding parts of Bedfordshire.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Dunstable
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 much does a garage conversion cost in Dunstable?
In Dunstable, a garage conversion typically costs £19,000–£32,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?
Usually not if the work is internal and the house keeps its permitted development rights. Many newer houses have planning conditions that remove those rights, in which case an application is needed.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.
Do you build garage conversions in Dunstable?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Dunstable, including postcodes LU6. Every project starts with a free home visit.