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 Hove?
In Hove, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Hove. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Single or double garage
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Integral, attached or detached
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 Hove?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
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
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Hove
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
If your home is in Hove or close by in Brighton, Portslade and Shoreham-by-Sea, 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
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 Hove
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
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 much does a garage conversion cost in Hove?
In Hove, 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.
How long does a garage conversion take in Hove?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
