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 Exeter?
In Exeter, a garage conversion typically costs £18,500–£30,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Exeter are close to our national guide. 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:
- Single or double garage
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Heating and flooring
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 Exeter?
Approvals for a garage conversion in Exeter 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
How long does it take?
Expect 3 to 6 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Exeter
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
If your home is in Exeter or close by in Heavitree, Exmouth and Tiverton, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Exeter
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
How long does a garage conversion take in Exeter?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Exeter?
In Exeter, 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.