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 Leigh?
In Leigh, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for the North West, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £17,000–£28,000 |
| Higher specification | £28,000–£35,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Integral, attached or detached
- Single or double garage
- Bathroom or kitchen
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 Leigh?
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.
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:
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Drawings and building control application
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Leigh
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Projects in Leigh (WN7) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 Leigh
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.
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
Do you build garage conversions in Leigh?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Leigh, including postcodes WN7. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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 Leigh?
In Leigh, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
