Garage roof conversion?

Can we convert our attached garage roof into a livable space? What kind of cost are we looking at? It's a double garage that's attached to the house with a tiled roof.

Asked by lauren on 12th Apr 2026
Expert Trade Answers
"Yes, it is possible to convert an attached double garage into a habitable living space, depending on the structure of the roof and foundations and compliance with UK Building Regulations.
Estimated cost:
Basic conversion: £15,000 – £25,000
Medium conversion (with bathroom/windows): £25,000 – £45,000
Full high-spec conversion: £40,000+
A structural survey is recommended first to confirm suitability before starting the work."
Answered on 12th Apr 2026 - Member since May 2025 - report
"It’s all depends what you are going to do inside, the start cost is 10000£+"
Answered on 8th May 2026 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"Yes, in many cases you can convert a garage roof space into a liveable area, but it depends on a few key factors:

* Structure – Most garage roofs aren’t designed to take the load of a room, so you’ll likely need structural upgrades (steel beams, new floor joists, etc.)
* Roof height – You need enough head height to make it practical (usually 2.2–2.4m ideally)
* Access – A proper staircase will be required, not just a loft ladder
* Insulation & ventilation – Must meet building regulations for a habitable space
* Planning/building regs – Building control approval is a must, and sometimes planning permission depending on changes

Rough costs:

* £15,000 – £30,000+ depending on structure, size, and spec

A double garage gives you decent potential, but it’s definitely not a simple job—it’s more like a small loft conversion in terms of work involved.

Best step is to get someone out to assess the structure properly before making plans.



Or… you could always get Redstone Renovations & Landscaping Ltd to come and do it for you 😂"
Answered on 23rd Apr 2026 - Member since Oct 2025 - report
"The short answer is, in most cases, yes it will fall under permitted development, athough it is advisable to obtain a certificate of lawful development or do I need planning permission consent. Building Control will need to be involved as it is a conversion to a livable space. Cost varies dependant on finishes etc but the average cost falls in the region of £950 per square metre."
Answered on 14th Apr 2026 - Member since Apr 2026 - report
"Short answer: yes, it’s often possible — but converting a garage roof into a livable space (i.e. building above it) is a very different job from a standard garage conversion, and the cost jumps quite a bit.

Here’s how it breaks down 👇

🏠 1. What you’re actually proposing

You’ve got two main options:

✅ Option A — Convert the garage itself (ground floor)
Turn it into a room (office, bedroom, etc.)
Cheapest and most common

💷 Typical cost (UK):

Double garage: £12,000 – £30,000 depending on spec"
Answered on 21st Apr 2026 - Member since Apr 2026 - report
"You'll need to consult architect snd structural engineer. Make plans to. submit to building control. Or though it could fall under some sort of permitted development, I would personally say it would planing approval.
If truss roof forget about it cost would be big, and hard to find a structural engineer that would take the project on.

Probable areas I ser would be

Foundations ( will need to expose existing foundations ) can they support loadings from the additional room above

Fire checking (barrier) from garage to the ne habitual room

Ard going down the planning permission route neighbours could be a issue may object to your proposal"
Answered on 16th Apr 2026 - Member since Feb 2026 - report
"Yes, in many cases it is possible to convert the roof space above an attached garage into a livable room, but it really depends on the existing structure, roof height, foundations, and whether the current garage walls are suitable to support the additional load.

As it is a double garage with a tiled roof attached to the house, it would need a proper structural assessment first to see what is feasible and whether any strengthening works would be required.

Costs can vary significantly depending on the specification and structural work involved, so the best option would be to arrange a site visit to assess everything properly and discuss the different possibilities."
Answered on 8th May 2026 - Member since May 2026 - report
"Around £5000 - 8000 for labour.
Converting the roof often requires structural assessment to ensure foundations can support new, heavier flooring and insulation.
A Structural Engineer is necessary to determine if the existing garage walls and foundations can bear the weight of a new floor and habitable room.
Roof Upgrades: The existing roof will likely need structural strengthening, modern insulation, and potentially new windows/dormers to make it habitable.
it's essential to obtain multiple quotes to ensure the best value and to work with experienced insulation specialists."
Answered on 20th Apr 2026 - Member since Oct 2025 - report
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