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 Poole?
In Poole, a garage conversion typically costs £18,500–£30,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Poole are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £18,500–£30,500 |
| Higher specification | £30,500–£38,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Heating and flooring
- 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 Poole?
Before anything is built in Poole, 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Drawings and building control application
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Poole
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
From BH15 outwards, we take on projects throughout Poole and the surrounding parts of Dorset.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about garage conversions in Poole
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 Poole?
In Poole, a garage conversion typically costs £18,500–£30,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a garage conversion take in Poole?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.