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 Surrey?
In Surrey, a garage conversion typically costs £20,000–£33,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). The guide for Surrey reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. 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 main things that change the cost:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Single or double garage
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Integral, attached or detached
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 Surrey?
Here is how the rules work for a garage conversion 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most garage conversions:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Drawings and building control application
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Wall and ceiling insulation
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 Surrey
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.
Towns we cover in Surrey include Woking, Guildford, Esher, Redhill, Staines and Banstead.
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
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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about garage conversions in Surrey
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 Surrey?
In Surrey, 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 you build garage conversions in Surrey?
Yes. We build garage conversions across Surrey, including postcodes CR3, CR5, CR6, GU1 and GU10. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.