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 Godalming?
In Godalming, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the South East, where labour and materials are typically about 12% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £20,000–£33,500 |
| Higher specification | £33,500–£42,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Heating and flooring
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Foundations under the old door opening
- 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 Godalming?
Before anything is built in Godalming, 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.
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
What we take care of:
- Building control completion
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Godalming
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Our Godalming coverage includes postcode districts GU7, and we also work in nearby places such as Guildford, Aldershot and Farnham.
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
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 Godalming
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.
Who approves a garage conversion in Godalming?
Planning matters in Godalming 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 Godalming?
In Godalming, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 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.
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.