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This guide explains typical garage conversion costs in the UK, what affects the price, how different garage types compare, and what to check before you ask contractors for quotes.

If your garage has slowly become a holding pen for bikes, tools, boxes and things nobody quite knows what to do with, converting it can be a clever way to gain useful space without building out into the garden.

For some people, it becomes a home office. For others, it’s a playroom, utility room, downstairs bedroom, gym, teenage hangout or extra living space.

The main appeal is that you’re working with a structure you already have. That doesn’t mean the work is simple — insulation, floors, walls, heating, electrics and building regulations all matter — but it can be a more cost-effective route than building a full extension.

How much does a garage conversion cost?

As a guide, the average garage conversion cost in the UK is £10,000–£20,000 for a 16m² integrated or attached garage.

Detached garage conversions usually cost more because services such as electrics, water and heating are harder to connect from the main house.

Unless stated otherwise, these prices are based on a 16m² garage conversion, including basic fit-out costs.

These costs assume:

• Insulation and screed can go above the existing slab

• Existing services are suitable for the proposed work

• The garage is in reasonable structural condition

Costs include:

• Blocking up the existing garage door

• Battening and insulating existing external walls

• Basic fit-out costs

Costs do not include:

• Moving meter boxes

• Cutting out new doorways in external walls

• Additional kitchen fixtures

• Additional bathroom fixtures

Get a quote for your garage conversion

For an accurate garage conversion price, it’s best to speak to a few checked local garage conversion specialists.

A written quote should explain what’s included in the conversion, whether the garage needs structural upgrades, what finish is being allowed for, and whether electrics, plumbing, heating or building regulations work are included.

Enter your postcode to compare garage conversion companies covering your area.

Garage conversion costs at a glance

• Average garage conversion cost: £10,000–£20,000

• Integral garage conversion: £10,000–£14,000

• Attached garage conversion: £10,000–£20,000

• Detached garage conversion: £15,000–£25,000

• Double garage conversion: £20,500 (integral) – £45,000 (detached)

• Partial garage conversion: £5,500–£8,500

• Garage conversion cost per m²: £625–£1,250

• Typical timescale: 2–4 weeks

Garage conversion cost per m²

Based on the average garage conversion cost of £10,000–£20,000, you can expect to spend around £625–£1,250 per m² converting your garage into a usable room.

That’s usually cheaper than building a house extension, which normally costs around £1,800–£3,000 per m².

This is one of the main reasons garage conversions are popular. You’re not creating a brand new structure from scratch — you’re improving and upgrading space that already exists.

Garage conversion costs by type

Several factors can affect the cost of converting a garage into a room. These include:

• The type of garage you have (e.g., attached, detached, or integral)

• Its size (e.g., single or double)

• Its intended use (e.g., bedroom, gym)

To help you understand how much your garage conversion could cost, we've provided ballpark estimates for some of the most common types of projects.

Integral garage conversion cost

Integral garages are built into the footprint of the house, which usually makes them the simplest and cheapest type to convert.

Typical cost: £10,000–£14,000.

Because the garage is already part of the house, it may be easier to connect heating, electrics and access from the main living space.

When done well, an integral garage conversion can feel like it was always meant to be part of your home.

Attached garage conversion cost

Attached garages sit to the side or rear of the house and are one of the most common types of garage in the UK.

Typical cost: £10,000–£20,000.

This figure does not include the cost of removing a load bearing wall, should you wish to create an open plan space.

Attached garages can work well for home offices, playrooms, utility rooms or extra living space. If you want to open the room up into the main house, costs may rise because structural work could be needed.

Detached garage conversion cost

Detached garages are usually more expensive to convert because they’re separate from the main house. However, they're generally still cheaper than building most single-storey extensions.

Typical cost: £15,000–£25,000.

Costs are higher because it can be more involved connecting electrics, heating, plumbing and water. You may also need more work to improve insulation, security and access.

Detached garage conversions can be a good option for:

• Home offices

• Studios

• Gyms

• Hobby rooms

• Spaces that benefit from being separate from the house

Double garage conversion cost

Double garage conversions cost more overall because there’s more space to convert.

Typical cost: £20,500–£45,000, based on a 36m² space.

A double garage gives you more flexibility. You might convert the whole space into a large room, or split it so you keep some storage while gaining a usable living area.

Partial garage conversion cost

A partial garage conversion can be a useful compromise if you don’t want to lose your garage completely.

Typical cost: £5,500–£8,500.

For example, you might keep the front section for bikes, tools and storage, then convert the rear into a utility room, office or small downstairs WC.

It can help keep costs lower because you’re only converting part of the space.

Carport to garage conversion cost

If you already have a carport, converting it into an enclosed garage can give you better storage and more security.

Typical cost: £10,500–£22,000.

This won’t create a fully habitable room in the same way as a garage conversion, but it can be useful if you need protected parking or enclosed storage.

Garage conversion ideas and cost impact

The way you plan to use your garage has a big impact on the final cost you're quoted. For example, a simple home office or playroom usually costs less than a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom with an ensuite.

Small garage conversion ideas

A single garage can still work hard and provide plenty of benefits. Popular small garage conversion ideas include:

• Home office

• Utility room

• Playroom

• Snug

• Hobby room

• Small gym

• Downstairs bedroom

These are often more affordable than rooms that need plumbing, drainage or heavy structural work.

Garage-to-bedroom conversion cost

Converting a garage into a bedroom usually costs between £10,000–£20,000, with extra costs if you want to add an ensuite or downstairs bathroom.

This can be useful if you need a downstairs bedroom for changing family needs, visiting relatives, or future accessibility.

Garage conversion with bathroom or kitchen

Bathrooms and kitchens push costs up because they usually need plumbing, drainage, ventilation, electrics and fixtures.

• A bathroom could add £5,500–£9,000 to your project costs

• Adding a kitchen could increase your total cost by between £15,000–£35,000

Structural changes and building costs

Some of the biggest garage conversion costs come from making the space feel like a proper room rather than 'the room that used to be the garage'.

A typical garage conversion may involve:

• Removing or replacing the garage door

• Building up the front wall

• Adding windows

• Insulating walls and floors

• Upgrading electrics

• Plastering and decorating

• Improving access from the house

What affects garage conversion costs?

Garage conversion prices vary because every garage starts from a different place. Some of the factors that can affect your project cost include:

• Type of garage: Integral and attached garages are usually cheaper to convert because they’re already connected to the house. Detached garages often cost more because services and access are more complicated

• Size of garage: A double garage naturally costs more than a single garage, but the extra space can give you more design flexibility

• Condition of the structure: If the garage walls, roof, foundations or floor are in poor condition, they’ll need to be brought up to standard before the space can be used as a room

• Intended use: A home office, snug or playroom will usually cost less than a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or utility room

• Heating and insulation: Garages are not usually built to the same comfort standards as living spaces. Insulation, heating and damp proofing are often key parts of the job

• Structural work: Opening the garage into the main house, removing walls or adding new openings can increase the cost

• Location: Labour rates are often higher in London and the South East

Additional garage conversion costs to budget for

The main conversion price may not include every extra.

Depending on your plans, you may also need to budget for:

• Architect drawings and/or structural engineer fees

• Building regulations approval

• Party wall matters

• Moving meter boxes

• Upgraded electrics, heating and insulation

• Plumbing and drainage

• Flooring and decoration

• Waste removal

• Parking or access arrangements

Not every conversion will need all of these, but they’re worth discussing early.

Architect drawings

Architect drawings for a garage conversion cost around £2,000.

They can help with layout, building regulations, contractor quotes and planning applications if your project needs one.

Structural engineer fees

If you’re building above the garage or making structural changes, you may need a structural engineer to size roof joists and foundations. Typical cost: £500–£1,000.

Garage conversion labour costs

Several trades may be involved in a garage conversion, especially if you’re adding plumbing, electrics, windows, heating or fitted units.

Typical labour rates include:

• Plumber: 1–2 days at £325–£375 per day

• Kitchen fitter: 1 day at £250–£350 per day

• Joiner: 1 day at £240–£360 per day

• Electrician: 1 day at £250–£500 per day

• Plasterer: 1–2 days at £300 per day

• Painter and decorator: 1–2 days at £250–£400 per day

• Bricklayer: 1–2 days at £240–£320 per day

• Window fitter: 1 day at £25–£35 per hour

Rates are usually higher in London and the South East.

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What should be included in a garage conversion quote?

A clear quote should help you understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Look for:

• Structural work

• Insulation

• Damp proofing

• Garage door removal

• Windows and doors

• Flooring

• Electrics

• Heating

• Plumbing, if needed

• Plastering and decorating

• Waste removal

• Building regulations support

• VAT

• Exclusions

• Expected timescale

It might seem like a lot, but having clarity early on helps you know what to expect and avoid unwelcome surprises once work is underway.

What does a garage conversion involve?

Every garage conversion is slightly different, but most projects include a few common stages. Our garage conversion planning guide goes into more detail, but as a quick overview, here's what the process typically involves.

1. Checking the existing structure

The garage needs to be structurally sound before it can become a usable room.

Your contractor may check:

• Walls

• Roof

• Foundations

• Floor slab

• Damp

• Ventilation

• Access

2. Improving the floor

Garage floors are often lower than the floor level in the rest of the house.

The floor may need:

• Insulation

• Damp proof membrane

• Screed

• Final floor finish

3. Replacing the garage door

The garage door is usually removed and replaced with a wall and window. This helps the converted room look and feel more like part of the house.

4. Upgrading walls and insulation

Garage walls often need insulation to meet building regulations and make the room comfortable. This is especially important if the garage has single-skin external walls.

5. Adding heating, electrics and ventilation

Most garages only have basic lighting and sockets. Depending on the new room, you may need:

• More sockets

• Heating

• Ventilation

• Plumbing

• Drainage

• Upgraded lighting

How long will a garage conversion take?

A garage conversion usually takes around 2–4 weeks, depending on the garage type, condition and specification.

A simple integral garage conversion may be quicker. A detached garage, double garage or conversion with plumbing and structural work may take longer.

Garage conversion cost calculator

Use our garage conversion cost calculator to get a rough idea of what your project could cost before requesting quotes from local contractors.

You’ll need to think about whether your garage is integral, attached or detached, the size of the garage, purpose of the new room, whether plumbing or heating is needed, whether structural changes are required and the level of finish you want.

Job Estimate Calculator

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This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. A local garage conversion specialist will be able to assess your project properly and provide a written quote based on your requirements. For a clearer idea of what you’ll actually pay, request quotes from a selection of checked local garage conversion companies who cover your area.

Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?

Planning permission is not usually needed for a garage conversion if the work is internal and doesn’t enlarge the building.

However, you may need planning permission if:

• You’re converting a detached garage

• The external appearance will change significantly

• Your home is listed

• Your property is in a conservation area

• You live in a new housing development with restrictions

• You’re creating a separate dwelling

• Your permitted development rights have been removed

Can you convert a garage yourself?

A DIY garage conversion can cost in the region of £4,500–£10,000, but most garage conversions are not suitable as full DIY projects.

That’s because the work can involve several skills that should only be carried out by a trained professional, including:

• Installing insulation

• Damp proofing

• Electrics

• Plumbing

• Structural changes

• Fire safety installations

• Ventilation

Compliance with building regulations is also key.

You may be able to do some finishing work yourself, such as painting and decorating, but the main conversion is usually best handled by experienced contractors.

Garage conversion cost checklist

• Is your garage integral, attached or detached?

• How will you use the new room?

• Does the structure need repair?

• Will you need plumbing, heating or drainage?

• Is the garage door being replaced with a wall and window?

• Do you need planning permission?

• Have you checked building regulations requirements?

• Are architect drawings or structural calculations needed?

• Have you compared itemised written quotes?

• Does the quote include finishing, decoration and VAT?

Is a garage conversion worth it?

A garage conversion can be a very practical way to gain extra room without moving house or building a full extension.

It can work especially well if your garage is underused, attached to the house, and already has a suitable structure.

For many people, the value is not just financial. It can mean finally having a proper home office, a downstairs bedroom, a playroom that doesn’t take over the living room, or a utility space that gets laundry out of the kitchen.

If parking is tight in your area, it’s worth thinking carefully before losing the garage. But where the garage is mainly used for storage, a well-planned conversion can make day-to-day life much easier.

When should you speak to a garage conversion company?

It’s worth speaking to a garage conversion company once you know how you’d like to use the space and what level of finish you’re aiming for.

A good contractor can assess the structure, explain what’s involved, flag any planning or building regulations requirements, and give you a realistic idea of cost.

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Find garage conversion companies near you

Comparing quotes from local garage conversion specialists is the best way to understand what a fair price looks like for your project.

A reputable company should inspect the garage properly, explain your options clearly, and provide an itemised written quote before work begins.

FAQs

How much does it cost to convert a garage in the UK?

A garage conversion in the UK usually costs between £10,000–£20,000 for a 16m² integrated or attached garage. Detached garages, double garages and conversions with bathrooms or kitchens usually cost more.

What is the average garage conversion cost per m²?

Garage conversion costs usually work out at around £625–£1,250 per m².

How much does a double garage conversion cost?

A double garage conversion costs around £20,500 (integral) – £45,000 (detached), depending on whether the garage is integral, attached or detached.

How much does a detached garage conversion cost?

A detached garage conversion typically costs between £15,000–£25,000.

Do I need permission to convert my garage into a room?

Planning permission is not usually needed if the work is internal and doesn’t enlarge the building. However, building regulations approval is still needed because the garage is being converted into a habitable room.

What is the 10-year rule for a garage conversion?

The 10-year rule relates to planning enforcement. In simple terms, some unauthorised work or changes of use may become immune from planning enforcement after 10 years, but this is not a shortcut for avoiding approvals.

It also doesn’t replace building regulations approval. If you’re unsure whether an existing garage conversion is lawful, ask your local planning authority about a lawful development certificate.

Is it cheaper to convert a garage or build an extension?

It’s usually cheaper to convert a garage. Garage conversion costs are around £625–£1,250 per m², while house extensions average around £1,800–£3,000 per m².

What is the cheapest way to convert a garage?

The cheapest way is usually to keep the layout simple and avoid adding plumbing, drainage or major structural changes. A home office, snug or playroom will normally cost less than a kitchen or bathroom.

How long does a garage conversion take?

Most garage conversions take around 2–4 weeks, depending on the condition of the garage and the complexity of the work.

Does a garage conversion add value to a home?

A garage conversion can add value to a home, depending on the quality of the work, the use of the new room and local demand for parking. In some cases, a garage conversion could add up to 20% to the property value.

Can I use my garage conversion as a bedroom?

Yes, you can use a converted garage as a bedroom if it meets building regulations for a habitable room. If you’re creating separate accommodation, you may need planning permission or change of use approval.

Is a garage conversion suitable for a small garage?

Yes, a small garage conversion can still work well. Popular single garage conversion ideas include a home office, utility room, playroom, snug, hobby room or compact gym.

How can someone tell if their garage is suitable for conversion?

If your garage is made from block or brick and is structurally sound, it's likely to be suitable for conversion.

However, an architect or surveyor will be able to give you proper advice on the suitability of your garage, especially when it comes to the soundness of the foundations, walls, and roof.

Does a garage conversion devalue your house?

No, usually a garage conversion will add value to your home. In fact, it could add up to 20% depending on what type of garage you have, its intended use, the value of your property, and the quality of the finished space.

While removing a garage entirely can devalue your house in some circumstances, replacing your garage with additional living space is typically seen as a positive thing for most homebuyers.

What are the rules for converting a garage?

Generally speaking, you won't need planning permission for a garage conversion, as long as it falls within your permitted development rights.

That said, you will need to adhere to building regulations and get a completion certificate for the work.

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