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 Southsea?
In Southsea, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Southsea are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Heating and flooring
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Whether planning permission is needed
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Southsea?
Approvals for a garage conversion in Southsea 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Drawings and building control application
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Wall and ceiling insulation
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Southsea
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
We work across Southsea and neighbouring areas such as Portsmouth, Gosport and Ryde. Postcodes we cover in Southsea include PO4.
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 Southsea
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.
Do you build garage conversions in Southsea?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Southsea, including postcodes PO4. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Southsea?
In Southsea, 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.
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.
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.