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 Wigan?
In Wigan, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across the North West are typically 6% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Wigan. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £17,000–£28,000 |
| Higher specification | £28,000–£35,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Foundations under the old door opening
- Integral, attached or detached
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Bathroom or kitchen
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 Wigan?
The approval route for Wigan 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
Handled as part of most garage conversions:
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Building control completion
- Drawings and building control application
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Wigan
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
We work across Wigan and neighbouring areas such as Hindley, Ashton in Makerfield and Westhoughton. Postcodes we cover in Wigan include WN1.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Wigan
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 Wigan?
In Wigan, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,000 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a garage conversion take in Wigan?
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.
