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 Reading?
In Reading, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the South East, where labour and materials are typically about 12% above average. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Single or double garage
- Heating and flooring
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Whether planning permission is needed
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 Reading?
Approvals for a garage conversion in Reading follow the rules for 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
What we take care of:
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Drawings and building control application
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Building control completion
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Reading
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.
Projects in Reading (RG1, RG6 and RG30) 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
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Reading
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Reading?
In Reading, 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.
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.
Do you build garage conversions in Reading?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Reading, including postcodes RG1, RG6 and RG30. Every project starts with a free home visit.