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 Lerwick?
In Lerwick, a garage conversion typically costs £17,500–£29,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Island and remote projects usually cost more than this guide because of shipping, travel and accommodation. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £17,500–£29,000 |
| Higher specification | £29,000–£36,000 |
What moves the price most:
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Foundations under the old door opening
- 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 Lerwick?
Here is how the rules work for a garage conversion in Scotland. In Scotland converting a garage usually does not need planning permission if the outside appearance barely changes, but a building warrant is needed before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most garage conversions:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Drawings and building control application
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Lerwick
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Projects in Lerwick are taken on by arrangement. We confirm availability first, and shipping, travel and accommodation costs are shown separately in the quote.
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 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 Lerwick
How much does a garage conversion cost in Lerwick?
In Lerwick, a garage conversion typically costs £17,500–£29,000 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 Lerwick?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion in Lerwick?
In Scotland converting a garage usually does not need planning permission if the outside appearance barely changes, but a building warrant is needed before work starts.
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.
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.