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 Solihull?
In Solihull, 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 Solihull 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Integral, attached or detached
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Heating and flooring
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Solihull?
The approval route for Solihull is set by planning law 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical garage conversion we handle:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Building control completion
- Drawings and building control application
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 3 to 6 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Solihull
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.
From B91 outwards, we take on projects throughout Solihull and the surrounding parts of the West Midlands.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Solihull
How much does a garage conversion cost in Solihull?
In Solihull, 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.
Will losing the garage affect parking?
Councils sometimes object if on-street parking is under pressure. We check local parking standards.
How long does a garage conversion take in Solihull?
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 the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.