Garage Conversion Cost

Thinking about a garage conversion?

Taking on a garage conversion project involves transforming the existing structure into one that can provide a functional living space, while potentially increasing the property value.

In the UK, the average garage conversion cost is typically between £10,000 and £32,000 (depending on the specifications - for example, double garage conversions will most likely cost more than a tranforming a single garage).

It's quick and easy to get free, no-obligation quotes from garage conversion specialists near you using MyJobQuote.

Find our full garage conversion guide below!

How Much is a Garage Conversion?

The cost of a garage conversion can vary significantly. Typical prices range from £10,000 to £32,000, with most garage conversion projects averaging around £14,500.

Several key factors can influence the costs invovled:

• Project size - Converting a small single garage will usually fall at the lower end of the scale, with a conversion cost of around £10,000 to £20,000. Whereas, a detached garage or larger double garage conversions will typically cost £20,000 or more due to the increased floor area, extra insulation, and additional service connections required.
• Specifications and Finishing Touches - Higher-quality materials, bespoke features, or added facilities such as plumbing or en-suite bathrooms will increase the costs involved, whereby a high-spec projects garage conversion project can exceed £30,000.
• Location and ease of access - Garage conversion costs in central London or the surrounding areas are often 10–25% higher in labour fees due to the higher cost of living, whereas work on properties in the North can work out cheaper.

Estimate Your Garage Conversion Cost

Want a clearer figure for your conversion?

If you're unsure how much for a garage conversion in your area, you can try our free garage conversion cost calculator.

It adjusts for garage type, location and any plumbing or electrical work required, giving you an accurate representation of local conversion costs.

Garage Conversion Prices

The size and type of your garage are two of the biggest factors influencing cost. A single garage in the UK is usually around 18m², while a double garage averages 36m². Detached garages generally cost more to convert, as they often require extra insulation, plumbing and electrical work.

Garage Conversion Costs by Size and Type

Integral garage conversion costs in the UK are usually the lowest, as they're built into the main house, making them cost-effective to convert. They are usually insulated on two walls already, and typically have an electrical connection.

Attached garages share a wall with the property and sit mid-range for costs.

Detached garages are self-contained structures, often the most expensive to convert because they may need extra foundations, insulation, and service connections.

If you are unsure which type of garage you have, see our garage types section below.

Garage Conversion Costs by Project Type

Garage Conversion Cost Per m²

The price per m² can vary depending on the garage type, but it can be a useful way to budget if you don't have a conventional sized garage and wish to compare quotes from different builders.

For example an integral garage is generally the cheapest as being part of the main house often shares electrics and joining walls. Whereas a detached garage tends to be more expensive, and is likely to require service connections, extra insulation, and sometimes foundation work to make it a usuable living space.

The table below shows average costs per m², based on converting a single or double garage:

These prices are averages for standard finishes and access conditions. Actual quotes may vary depending on specification, location, and any structural or drainage work required.

Shell Garage Conversion Costs

If you're looking for the cheapest way to convert a garage into living space, a full DIY garage conversion might seem appealing. However, major structural work, damp proofing, and compliance with building regulations are complex and best left to professionals. A "shell conversion" offers the ideal middle ground.

This approach offers a cost-effective way to create a safe, compliant living space. Think of it as a semi-DIY garage conversion, where the builder completes all the essential structural and external work, leaving you with a fully insulated, weatherproof, and plastered "shell" ready for decoration and finishing.

By handling the finishing work yourself, you could typically reduce overall costs by around 20% to 30%, depending on specification and finish quality, as you are only taking on the finishing tasks like painting, flooring, and fitting units, which can be done at your own pace.

Typically, a shell conversion will include:

• All structural work, including infilling the garage door and fitting new windows/doors.
• Making the structure watertight and secure.
• Installing all wall, floor, and roof insulation to meet building regulations.
• Pouring a new concrete or screed floor.
• First-fix electrics and plumbing (running pipes and cables to their positions).
• Plasterboarding and skimming all walls and ceilings, ready for decoration.

You would then be responsible for the "second fix" and final finish, including:

• Painting and decorating.
• Laying all flooring (e.g., carpet, laminate, or tiles).
• Second-fix electrics (fitting light fixtures, sockets, and switches).
• Second-fix plumbing (installing radiators, sinks, toilets, or kitchen units).
• Fitting skirting boards, architraves, and internal doors.

Below are the estimated costs for a shell-only garage conversion.

Partial or Half Garage Conversions

Costs for partial garage conversions typically range from £5,000 to £12,000.

If you need extra living space but also want to keep some storage space, a partial garage conversion can be a great compromise. This involves keeping part of the existing structure for storage, while converting the rest of the garage into a habitable room.

A common approach is to leave the garage door and build a stud wall a third of the way back. This keeps storage space at the front while creating a usable room at the rear, which can be the perfect use of space when working on double garage conversions.

Garage Conversion Costs by Use

There are very few restrictions on the type of room you can create with a garage converion, although your choice will have a significant bearing on the final costs involved. The most popular types of garage conversion include:

Cost of Converting a Garage into a Bedroom

• Key Benefits: Adds extra living space, ideal for a bedroom or guest room.
• Garage Conversion Cost: Single garage - £10,000–£20,000 or Double garage - £20,000–£40,000

Transforming single garage or double garage conversions into a bedroom is one of the most popular and cost-effective options. The cost of converting a garage into a bedroom will vary depending on the size of the existing structure, and any additional features you want to include. Adding an en-suite bathroom, for example, increases costs due to extra plumbing and drainage. Average completion time is 2–4 weeks.

Cost of Converting a Garage into a Kitchen

• Key Benefits: Expands kitchen space and improves home functionality.
• Garage Conversion Cost: Small kitchen: up to £10,000; Large kitchen: up to £30,000

The garage conversion cost of changing your garage into a kitchen depends on the size of the room, quality of materials, and appliances. Budget worktops cost around £18–£35 per m², granite £150 per m², and premium Corian up to £500 per m². If your current kitchen is attached, you may reduce costs by remodeling it to integrate the new space.

Cost of Converting a Garage into a Bathroom

• Key Benefits: Adds a convenient extra bathroom for family or guests.
• Garage Conversion Cost: £1,000–£3,000 for plumbing, plus additional fixtures may vary

Adding a bathroom requires careful planning for plumbing connections and other fixtures and fittings. With a basic toilet starting at around £100 and a standard bath from £200 (with installation costing approximately £350) the total conversion cost for a full bathroom soon adds up when taking other costs involved into account.

Cost of Converting a Garage into a Granny Flat

• Key Benefits: Creates independent living space, ideal for elderly relatives or rental income.
• Garage Conversion Cost: £25,000–£50,000, depending on size and finish

Turning a garage conversion into a granny flat involves creating a full living space with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, electrics, heating, and plumbing. Larger or high-spec projects can cost even more. Planning permission and building regulations approval are required, however, converting a garage into a granny annexe is not only practical but can also further increase your property value.

Key Things to Consider Before Your Garage Conversion

• Is your garage part of any existing planning permissions? If the existings plan require the garage to be kept specifcally for your vehicle, you may need to reapply for permission to have this restriction removed.
• Where will you park your car? If you are converting the whole of your garage space, you will no longer have any dedicated off-street parking unless you have a sufficient driveway.
• How will it affect property value? While a garage conversion often adds value to a property, removing the off-road parking could affect the property's appeal and resale value.
• What is the intended use? The reason for the conversion has a major bearing on the final cost. A simple living space such as a conversion to a living room or home office is much cheaper than adding a kitchen or bathroom.
• Could your garage contain asbestos? By UK law removing asbestos from a roof has to be carried out by a licensed tradesman. This is less of a worry if your garage was built within the last 25 years.
• What is the condition of the existing structure? A garage conversion relies on the existing structure, including the foundations, walls, and roof. It's crucial to have a professional assess the condition of these elements to ensure they are sound and won't cause issues later on.
• Could there be hidden problems? Until work has started, you won’t know for sure that the underlying structure is sound. It's sensible to set aside an extra 10% to 15% in a contingency fund in case a problem is uncovered, such as issues with the foundations or drainage.

Factors that Affect Garage Conversion Costs

Every garage conversion is unique. The final price depends on factors like the type of garage you have, the materials and finishes you choose, and whether you take on some of the work yourself or hire professionals.

Size and Type of Garage

Before you can estimate costs, it’s important to know what type of garage you have. Each type comes with different design challenges and impacts how easily it can be converted into a living space.

There are three main types of garages:

• Integral garage - Built directly into the main structure of the house, often under a bedroom or next to a hallway. These are the simplest to convert because the walls, roof, and utilities are already connected.
• Attached garage - Shares at least one wall with the main house but isn’t fully built in. Often found at the side or rear of a property. Conversion may need extra insulation or structural work to connect smoothly with the main home.
• Detached garage - A stand-alone building, separate from the main house. These require the most work to convert, as plumbing, heating, and electrics usually need to be installed from scratch, as well as additional work for insulation and foundations.

If you’re unsure what type you have, a good starting point is whether your garage shares walls and services with the main house (integral/attached) or detached garage conversions stand completely alone.

Materials and Finishes

The final cost of your garage conversion is heavily influenced by your choice of materials and the quality of the finish. Some of the major material costs to consider include:

• Insulation - Properly insulating your new space is essential for energy efficiency and comfort. This includes insulation for the walls, ceiling, and floor.
• Flooring - The cost of flooring varies widely depending on the material. A simple laminate or carpet will be more affordable, while underfloor heating or high-end tiles will significantly increase the price.
• Windows and Doors - Replacing the existing garage door with a new wall and windows is a major part of the project. The number and type of windows, along with any new doors, will impact your budget.
• Utilities - Adding plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen, or extending your home's existing electrical system for new lights and sockets, will add to the cost.

What's Included in a Garage Conversion?

The cost to convert a garage to living space follows a straightforward process, including structural changes, new electrics and heating, plastering, and building control sign-off.

Here’s what is typically included when turning your garage into a habitable room:

• Structural changes - Removing or blocking up the garage door, adding stud walls, and fitting new windows or doors.
• Insulation - Bringing walls, floor and ceiling up to building regulation standards.
• Flooring - Levelling or raising the floor above the damp course; some projects use a floating floor while others pour new concrete.
• Electrics - Wiring for lights, sockets, and any heating or appliances.
• Plumbing (if required) - Kitchens, bathrooms, or utility rooms will need new pipes, drainage, and ventilation.
• Heating - Extending central heating, adding radiators, or installing underfloor heating.
• Plastering and finishes - Internal walls and ceilings plastered, decorated, and fitted with skirting boards and flooring.
• Trades and paperwork - Quotes may include specialist trades such as structural engineers, as well as building regulations approval.
• Waste removal - Disposal of old doors, rubble, and construction debris.

When comparing quotes, check carefully whether items such as plumbing, electrics, heating, and finishing work are included.

Most contractors will give a quote for the overall job, though some specialists will include all the jobs in the price, including structural engineers and the relevant paperwork. Always ask for a detailed breakdown so you can compare like-for-like.

Planning Permission for a Garage Conversion

Generally speaking, planning permission isn't required for a garage conversion as it is often considered as Permitted Development allowing you to make home improvements without any further applications. This is especially the case if the garage is connected to your property.

There are, however, some exceptions such as listed buildings and conservation areas, where it's recommended to check first with your local authority before continuing.

If you share a wall with one or more neighbours, you may have to adhere to the Party Wall Act. Unless you can get a waiver from them, expect to pay within the region of £700 to £1,000 per neighbour to complete a Party Wall Agreement form.

Even if planning permission is not required, building regulations approval is usually always needed for a garage conversion. This ensures the new room is safe, energy-efficient, and legally habitable.

Building regulations cover the following:

• Structural stability and foundations.
• Insulation, damp proofing, and ventilation.
• Electrics and plumbing.
• Fire safety and escape routes.
• Change of use

With smaller developments, you can apply for a building notice application, which has an estimated cost of £200-£500.

For more significant works, a full Building Regulations application may be required, which will mean you have to submit plans in advance. Prices are dependent on your local Building Control, and approval can take between 5-8 weeks.

To get more insight into the construction sector, be sure to check out our Construction Industry Statistics guide.

What's Involved in Converting a Garage?

There is a lot involved in taking on a garage conversion project, albeit with the end result of a well designed garage conversion creating an incredible extra living space along with the potential to increase the property value of your home.

However, given the costs involved in changing the existing structure, along with the skills and expertise required, this isn't a job to take on lightly. As such, the work isn't suitable for DIY and you should always have a professional garage conversion specialist on hand to advise what is (and isn't) possible.

With MyJobQuote it is highly recommended to arrange for at least three quotes, which you can do so without any obligation to go ahead.

Although, assuming you decide to continue with your garage conversion design, below we take a look at just conversion process involved:

Before the Job Starts

• Structural Inspection — Having inspected the garage to confirm whether any structural repairs or reinforcements are necessary, architectural drawings are prepared ahead of starting your garage conversion project.
• Permission & Party Wall Agreement — Complete and submit any Building Control paperwork, confirm if planning permission is required and check any shared walls with neighbours regarding a Party Wall Agreement.

During the Job

• Removal of Doors and Flooring — Remove the current garage door along with the flooring where required.
• Doors, Windows & Brickwork — Install any new access doors or windows and lay the necessary brickwork to support them.
• Damp Proofing & Insulation — Damp proof and insulate the existing structure.
• Stud Walls — Install stud walls, costing £850 each on average, to section off functional living space if splitting into multiple rooms, along with adding an internal door where needed.
• Electrical & Plumbing — If the garage conversion project requires re-wiring a house, updating circuit boards, or any plumbing work, it is possible to connect it to the main property where practical.
• Flooring, Plastering & Decorating — Lay flooring (including underfloor if required), plaster walls, and complete painting, decorating, and any necessary finishing touches.

After the Job

• Final Checks — Once the garage conversion is complete, check over everything to ensure the build is safe, secure, and finished to a high standard.
• Certification — Ensure Building Regulations Compliance Certification is obtained if required, either via self-certification by the contractor or local building authority sign-off.

Ask a Trade

Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.

Ask your question

Labour Costs and Timescales

If you plan on hiring professionals to convert your garage, you should consider the costs of various trades, which are set out in the table below.

Expect the time to increase, as well as the costs, should the work be for a double garage or in the London area.

Another main factor to consider is how far away the garage is from the property.

Integral garages are the most cost-effective, but the further it is away from your home, the more it costs for things such as connecting electricity and pipework for kitchen or bathroom conversions.

Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!

It's FREE and there are no obligations

Get started

Additional Garage Conversion Costs

In addition to labour costs, there are other costs to consider, including:

Flooring for Converted Garage

Depending on your existing floors, you may need to have new concrete poured before you can make a start on carpets, tiles or wooden floors.

Most modern garages should be ready to go, but for older properties, a new concrete floor may be required. Concrete prices are based on the area of coverage–the average cubic metre costs within £65 to £85.

The following options for flooring are mostly selected based on preference and budget.

• Vinyl flooring – Vinyl flooring could be viable and a good bet for kitchen or bathroom conversions. Available in vinyl sheets that offer complete coverage or as luxury tiles that can be replaced individually as and when required. The common price for vinyl sheets is around £18 per m².
• Wooden flooring – Available both as laminate flooring and natural wood, wooden flooring offers a natural, authentic look. Average prices are within £30 per m².
• Tile flooring – Tiled flooring is a good, robust option; however, you’ll need a very level floor for this to be suitable, which sometimes isn’t possible when joining a garage conversion with another room. Tile flooring can be an excellent choice for any room and has a sophisticated, sparkling finish. Most tile flooring costs per square metre are around £20.

Garage Door

Replacing a garage door with additional windows costs within the region of £1,300 to £1,500.

An additional door for access can cost on average at about £750, the same average cost per stud wall to insulate the garage further.

Garage Heating and Water

You will need adequate heating for the colder months so the installation of a new standard boiler will cost within the region of £2,400 depending on the brand, i.e. Worcester, and your location; London and South East areas are known to be a premium price.

An alternative form of heating could be underfloor heating. The average cost of underfloor heating, which includes installation, would be £800 for the average-sized garage.

Garage Lighting

The cost of lighting up your new garage conversion will depend upon the room and the mood you would like to create in it. Conventional bathroom and kitchen lights are best suited with downlights that are integrated into the ceiling, maximising space. Alternatively, wall lights or even spotlights can either offer subtle up lighting or focal points in a room.

• Downlights – Downlights are best suited where space is limited, or where you need to light multiple areas in a cost-effective way. A typical unit costs approximately £8 and is usually LED-based, meaning it lasts a long time and is easy to replace.
• Spotlights – Spotlights are suitable for lighting any type of room. While dimmable options are available, they are often better suited to darker rooms or spaces that need focal points of light. The average cost per unit is £40 to £65.
• Wall lights – On average, wall lights cost around £22. As they are easily accessible and don’t require additional structural support, designs can be more decorative, with high-street prices exceeding £100 per unit.

Garage Electricals

The average cost of adding additional electricity will be around the £600 to £700 mark, which includes labour and materials.

An extractor fan may also be needed for kitchen or bathrooms, expect to pay around £150 for the cost of a fan and the installation cost by an electrician.

Supply Only Costs

In order to save money on your final garage conversion cost, you may wish to purchase the following items independantly in order to find the best deals once the main structural and decorating work is completed:

Kitchen Garage Conversion

Bathroom Garage Conversions

Additional Garage Conversion Materials

Professional Fees: Architect and Structural Engineer

While a builder can handle many aspects of a garage conversion, you may need to hire an architect or structural engineer for the planning, design, and structural sign-off. Their fees are a key part of your initial budget.

Do I Need an Architect?

An architect can include aspects of the design that you may not have accounted for, from aesthetics to safety.

By hiring an architect's services, they can also liaise with your local Building Control by presenting architectural drawings and ensure your garage conversion is going to adhere to Building Regulations. Architect fees are usually within the £500 to £2,000 range.

Do I Need a Structural Engineer?

You may also need the services of a structural engineer to sign off on the work. This is particularly important for any structural changes, such as removing the garage door and replacing it with a window, or assessing if the existing foundations are adequate.

Structural engineer costs often start at around £250 for an initial visit, with a typical hourly rate in the region of £60 to £110. While you can complete the planning work yourself, you would need a structural engineer to inspect the building at a minimum.

Checklist: Hiring a Garage Conversion Specialist

When hiring a builder or garage conversion specialist, here are some key points to consider:

• Are they qualified and experienced? Look for contractors who specialise in garage conversion projects, ideally with recognised qualifications or membership in trade bodies such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or CITB. These accreditations show they meet industry standards for safety and workmanship.
• Do they understand building regulations? Your contractor should have a solid understanding of UK Building Regulations, particularly for insulation, fire safety, ventilation, and structural stability. Check they can self-certify their work or handle building control submissions and planning applications on your behalf.
• Are they covered by insurance? Reputable companies will at least have public liability insurance and, if applicable, employer’s liability insurance. Although not a legal requirement, it helps in the event of an accident or personal injury.
• Do they have positive reviews? Request examples of previous garage conversions and check their MyJobQuote profile to see reviews, ratings, and feedback from verified customers.
• Have they provided a detailed quote? By working with MyJobQuote, you can request three separate quotes to establish the best value for your garage conversion. The quote should be broken down by materials, labour fees, waste removal, VAT, and any optional extras.
• Are there any additional costs? As well as the conversion itself, check if the quote includes hiring additional tradesmen such as electricians and plumbers.
• Do they offer a warranty? Look for a written guarantee covering workmanship and materials (often 5–10 years). A warranty provides reassurance if any defects arise later.

FAQs