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 Shirley?
In Shirley, a garage conversion typically costs £17,500–£29,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the West Midlands are close to the UK average, so the figures for Shirley are close to our national guide. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Single or double garage
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Heating and flooring
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Shirley?
Before anything is built in Shirley, 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
On a typical garage conversion we handle:
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Drawings and building control application
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Building control completion
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Shirley
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
Our Shirley coverage includes postcode districts B90, and we also work in nearby places such as Solihull, Birmingham and Smethwick.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 Shirley
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 Shirley?
In Shirley, 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.
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 long does a garage conversion take in Shirley?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.