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 Orpington?
In Orpington, a garage conversion typically costs £23,500–£39,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for London, where labour and materials are typically about 30% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £23,500–£39,000 |
| Higher specification | £39,000–£49,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Heating and flooring
- Single or double garage
- Integral, attached or detached
- Bathroom or kitchen
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 Orpington?
Here is how the rules work for a garage conversion 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
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:
- Drawings and building control application
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Electrics, heating and plastering
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Orpington
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Orpington sits in Greater London, about 13 miles south-east of central London. We cover the whole of Orpington, including postcodes BR6.
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
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 Orpington
Who approves a garage conversion in Orpington?
Planning matters in Orpington go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Orpington?
In Orpington, a garage conversion typically costs £23,500–£39,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site.