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myGarage Conversion Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost for a garage conversion is £14,500.
- Garage conversions typically take around 4 weeks to finish.
- A breakdown of garage conversion costs for integral, attached, and detached garages.
- How long the job will take and a general overview of what the job involves.
- Whether you need to get planning permission.
- How to find a local garage converter using MyJobQuote.
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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 transforming 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!
£14,500
Table of Contents
- How Much is a Garage Conversion?
- What's Included in a Garage Conversion?
- Shell Garage Conversion Costs
- Partial or Half Garage Conversions
- Garage Conversion Costs by Use
- Planning Permission and Building Regulations for a Garage Conversion
- What's Involved in Converting a Garage?
- Labour Costs and Timescales
- Additional Garage Conversion Costs
- Key Things to Consider Before Your Garage Conversion
- Checklist: Hiring a Garage Conversion Specialist
- FAQs
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 factors influence these costs:
- Project Size and Type - Converting a small single garage will cost around £10,000 to £20,000. A detached garage or larger double garage conversion will typically cost £20,000 or more due to the increased floor area, extra insulation, and additional service connections required.
- Specification - Higher-quality materials, bespoke features, or added facilities such as plumbing or en-suite bathrooms will increase costs.
- Location - Garage conversion costs in central London are often 10% to 25% higher in labour fees, while properties in the north of the UK will be cheaper.
What types of garage conversions are there?
- Integral Garage conversion costs in the UK are the lowest as they're built into the main house, making them cost-effective to convert. They're usually insulated on two walls with an electrical connection.
- Attached Garages share a wall with the property, and sit mid-range for costs.
- Detached Garages are self-contained structures, and are often the most expensive to convert because they may need extra foundations, insulation, and service connections.
What's the difference between a single and a double garage?
A single garage in the UK is usually around 18m², while a double garage averages 36m².
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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.
Garage Conversion Costs by Size and Type
| Type of Garage | Single Garage (18m²) | Double Garage (36m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Integral | £8,100 – £13,500 | £16,200 – £27,000 |
| Attached | £14,500 – £19,800 | £29,000 – £39,500 |
| Detached | £19,800 – £30,600 | £39,600 – £61,200 |
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Garage Conversion Costs by Project Type
| Project Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Partial Garage Conversion | £5,000 – £12,000 |
| Shell Conversion (DIY finish) | £6,000 - £46,000 |
| Integral Garage Conversion | £8,100 - £27,000 |
| Detached Garage Conversion | £19,800 - £61,200 |
| Standard Single Garage Conversion | £8,100 - £30,600 |
| Standard Double Garage Conversion | £16,200 - £61,200 |
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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.
The table below shows average costs per m², based on converting a single or double garage:
| Type of Garage | Average Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Integral | £450 – £750 |
| Attached | £805 – £1,100 |
| Detached | £1,100 – £1,700 |
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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.
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.
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.
How long does it generally take an architect to complete plans/designs for a medium-sized garage conversion?
"It would typically be about a week or two for an initial draft depending on the complexity of the rest of the house (making the rooms work etc) This does include the time to survey the house (measure up)"
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.
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.
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:
| Type of Garage | Single Shell (18m²) | Double Shell (36m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Integral | £6,000 - £10,000 | £12,000 - £20,000 |
| Attached | £10,500 - £15,000 | £21,500 - £30,000 |
| Detached | £15,000 – £23,000 | £30,000 – £46,000 |
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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 conversion, although your choice will have a significant bearing on the final costs involved.
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 to £20,000 or double garage £20,000 to £40,000.
Transforming a 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.
Cost of Converting a Garage into a Kitchen
- Key Benefits: Expands kitchen space and improves home functionality.
- Garage Conversion Cost: Small kitchen costs up to £10,000, and a large kitchen costs up to £30,000.
The garage conversion cost of changing your garage into a kitchen depends on the size of the room, the quality of materials, and appliances.
Budget worktops cost around £18 to £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 remodelling 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 to £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 an independent living space, ideal for elderly relatives or rental income.
- Garage Conversion Cost: £25,000 to £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.
I am looking at purchasing a property where the integral garage has been converted into a cinema room with a false wall behind the garage door. Is it possible to convert the garage door to a window and external wall so that the cinema room could then be used as a bedroom?
"Yes, this is possible. Many garages are converted into bedrooms. You have an option on the garage door footings where a lintel option is possible rather than footings. It sounds like most of the work has been done internally."
The most popular types of garage conversion include:
| Type of Conversion | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Bedroom / Guest Room | £10,000 – £30,000 |
| Living Room / Family Room | £10,000 – £40,000 |
| Home Office | £10,000 – £35,000 |
| Home Gym | £10,000 – £35,000 |
| Home Cinema / Man Cave | £10,000 – £35,000 |
| Utility Room | £10,000 – £35,000 |
| Bathroom / Shower Room | £1,000 – £3,000 |
| Kitchen Conversion | £10,000 – £30,000 |
| Annexe / Granny Flat | £25,000 – £50,000+ |
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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.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations for a Garage Conversion
Planning Permission
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 some exceptions - such as listed buildings and conservation areas - where it's recommended to check first with your local authority.
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.
Building Regulations
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:
- 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 to £500.
For more significant works, a full Building Regulations application may be required. Prices are dependent on your local Building Control, and approval can take between 5 to 8 weeks.
To get more insight into the construction sector, be sure to check out our Construction Industry Statistics guide.
I am wanting to do a DIY garage conversion. Our garage is detached and we want to convert into two bedroomed accommodation. Can anyone advise on planning and building regulations?
"If you want to convert your garage to a habitable dwelling then you have to apply for change of use, which means it will need building regulations approval.
You need to take into account what services may need to be run to garage (water, waste, electrics) too. However, you don't need planning if you're not changing the the size or shape."
You need to take into account what services may need to be run to garage (water, waste, electrics) too. However, you don't need planning if you're not changing the the size or shape."
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 the 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.
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Labour Costs and Timescales
If you plan on hiring professionals to convert your garage, here are the costs of the various trades you'll need to get the job done:
| Tradesperson | Daily Rate | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | £190 - £240 | 1 - 2 days |
| Kitchen Fitter | £130 - £160 | 1 day |
| Carpenter | £170 - £220 | 1 day |
| Electrician | £220 - £265 | 1 day |
| Plasterer | £120 - £170 | 1 - 2 days |
| Painter and Decorator | £120 - £220 | 1 - 2 days |
| Bricklayer | £170 - £230 | 1 - 2 days |
| Window Fitter | £170 - £200 | 1 day |
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What is an internal garage and what makes it different?
"An internal garage is normally built at the same time as the property. It has at least two walls that are insulated as they are part of the main house so in effect it's warmer."
Additional Garage Conversion Costs
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, and the average cubic metre costs between £65 to £85.
The following options for flooring are mostly selected based on preference and budget:
- Vinyl flooring – Vinyl flooring is a good choice for kitchen or bathroom conversions. 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, but 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 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, 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 and your location. London and the South East are known for premium prices.
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.
I installed a radiator in garage conversion by fitting tees in flow and return pipes just above a boiler. After refilling of system and bleeding pump and all radiators they are not getting warm and boiler is overheating. What may cause that?
"The system has an airlock or a blockage somewhere preventing flow.
On a separate note, radiators should only be tee'd off the radiator circuit itself and not the boiler 'primaries' as this will affect the boiler, both in flow, controllability and temperature sensing.
On a separate note, radiators should only be tee'd off the radiator circuit itself and not the boiler 'primaries' as this will affect the boiler, both in flow, controllability and temperature sensing.
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.
Key Things to Consider Before Your Garage Conversion
- Is your garage part of any existing planning permissions? If the existing plan requires the garage to be kept specifically 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.
I have a tandem garage that has been partially converted, with a room added at the back. However, the outer wall, which includes a door and a window, is only a single skin. This makes the room cold and damp. How can I address this issue?
"There are lots of ways to do this but the cheapest and most practical way is to build a stud wall internally with cavity insulation between the existing 4” brick wall. Then plasterboard the stud wall, skim, and place skirting boards for a warm seal."
Checklist: Hiring a Garage Conversion Specialist
When hiring a builder or garage conversion specialist, here are some key points to consider:
- Are They 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.
- 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.
- Do They Have Public Liability Insurance? Reputable companies will at least have public liability insurance and, if applicable, employer’s liability insurance.
- 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 an Itemised 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.
- Is There a Warranty? Look for a written guarantee covering workmanship and materials (often 5 to 10 years).
I recently had a garage conversion completed, but the builder did not follow the approved architectural plans. As a result, the conversion has failed to meet building regulations, and the builder refuses to correct the issues. Instead, they are demanding final payment, despite the job being incomplete. What are my rights, and how should I proceed?
"You're within your rights to withhold any outstanding money. Did the builder provide a written contract before the work started?
Personally, within our contract terms, we specify that the final completion payment is due only when building control has signed off the project, any snagging issues are resolved, and the customer is satisfied."
Personally, within our contract terms, we specify that the final completion payment is due only when building control has signed off the project, any snagging issues are resolved, and the customer is satisfied."
FAQs
Whose Responsibility Is It To Meet Building Regulations?
Though building firms may offer to take this up with your local Building Control, it's still your responsibility to ensure regulations are followed. We recommend you get a professional to complete these for you.
Where Can I Dispose of my Garage Door?
Most companies will include disposing of it within your overall garage conversion cost. You can also contact your local council to see if they will collect it for a small fee.
Can I Convert a Garage Myself?
In order to meet legal standards, it isn't recommended. However, if you wish to save money by doing some of the garage conversion yourself, then a shell conversion can be a safer and more practical option.
Is It Possible To Add An Additional Floor To My Existing Garage?
This is a possibility, but with it comes a significant amount of cost as well as the appropriate planning needed. The average cost of an extension over your existing garage can cost around £1,800 per m².
