Turning an unused garage into a functioning room
Garage Conversions
A garage conversion changes an integral or attached garage from vehicle storage into habitable space — such as a playroom, home office or bedroom — by upgrading the floor, insulation, damp-proofing and services, and replacing the garage door with a matching wall.
Definition
What Garage Conversions covers
Garage conversion work brings an existing garage into full habitable use. Because garages are not built to the same insulation, damp-proofing or floor standards as the rest of the house, the work typically involves a new insulated floor, wall and roof insulation, damp-proof measures, and extending electrics and heating, in addition to closing off the original garage door opening.
Suitable for
- Garages no longer used for parking
- Households wanting an extra reception room, playroom or home office
- Integral and attached garages structurally suited to conversion
- Owners wanting to add space without extending the footprint or garden
Not suitable for
- Detached garages a long way from the house where new services runs would be disproportionately costly
- Garages needed for parking under mortgage, insurance or planning conditions specific to the property
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Feasibility survey
Checking the existing floor, walls, roof structure and damp-proof course, and confirming what services need extending.
- 02
Design and approvals
Agreeing the layout and submitting a Building Regulations application; most garage conversions do not need planning permission if the footprint is unchanged.
- 03
Structural and fabric works
Closing off the garage door opening, upgrading floor, wall and roof insulation, and installing a damp-proof membrane.
- 04
Fit-out and completion
Extending electrics and heating, plastering and decoration, finishing with Building Control sign-off.
Typical timescale
A straightforward garage conversion typically takes two to four weeks on site once approvals are in place, depending on the condition of the existing structure and the scope of services required.
Cost guidance
Garage conversions typically cost £10,000–£20,000 per job in our area, with a typical 15m² single garage costing around £14,000 depending on condition and specification. We provide a fixed-price feasibility survey followed by an itemised quotation rather than a headline figure.
Limitations and exclusions
- Planning permission is usually not required if the external appearance and footprint are unchanged, but this is confirmed for each property
- Existing damp or structural issues found once the garage is opened up may add to the scope
- Integral garages beneath a habitable room may need additional fire separation work
Areas we cover
Garage Conversions across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for garage conversions in each town we work in.
Related services
You may also need
FAQs
Garage Conversions FAQs
Do I need planning permission to convert my garage?
In most cases no, provided the external appearance and the building's footprint stay the same — this typically falls under permitted development. If you're altering the external walls, adding windows to a street-facing elevation, or the property has restricted permitted development rights, a planning application may be needed, which we confirm at survey.
Will my garage conversion need Building Regulations approval?
Yes. Bringing a garage into habitable use always requires Building Regulations approval, covering the floor, insulation, damp-proofing, ventilation, electrics and, where relevant, fire safety between the conversion and the rest of the house.
What does a garage conversion feasibility survey check?
We check the existing floor slab and damp-proof course, wall and roof construction, head height, and how easily electrics, heating and drainage can be extended into the new room, so you have a realistic cost and scope before committing.
Discuss your garage conversions project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.