Is a garage conversion worth it?
For most homes, yes: a garage conversion is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to add a habitable room, typically £12,000 to £17,000 for a single integral garage including VAT, and usually 2 to 5 weeks on site. It needs building regulations approval, and planning permission only if your permitted development rights have been removed or the outside changes significantly.
What does a garage conversion involve?
The garage door is removed and the opening built up in matching brick with a window. The floor is raised, damp-proofed and insulated, the walls and ceiling insulated and plastered, and heating, lighting and sockets added.
When do I need planning permission?
Usually not for an internal conversion, but many newer estates were approved with a condition removing permitted development rights or requiring garages to stay as parking. We check the planning history of your house before designing.
What are the common pitfalls?
- Garage floors are lower than the house floor and often need raising.
- Existing garage walls may be single-skin brick and need lining to meet insulation rules.
- A bedroom needs an escape window or protected route.
- Losing off-street parking can matter in some streets and for some buyers.
Related projects
This guide is general information about building work in the UK, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check the current position for your property with the council, HMRC or a qualified adviser before relying on it.