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 Kent?
In Kent, 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 Kent. 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 main things that change the cost:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Single or double garage
- 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 Kent?
Before anything is built in Kent, 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:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Drawings and building control application
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 Kent
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.
Towns we cover in Kent include St Peters, Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Tunbridge Wells and Folkestone.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Kent
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 Kent?
In Kent, 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.
Who approves a garage conversion in Kent?
Planning matters in Kent go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.