Last updated on February 22nd, 2024
How much does a garage conversion cost in 2024?
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Fast Facts
- The average garage conversion cost in the UK is £10,000 - £20,000
- Converting a garage into a usable room costs less than building a house extension
- Garage conversions could take around 2 – 4 weeks to complete
If you need some extra space at home and you’re willing to say goodbye to your garage, a garage conversion could be the perfect solution.
Read on to discover the average garage conversion cost along with tips and tricks for completing the project.
How much does the average garage conversion cost in the UK?
Based on a 16m² structure, the average UK garage conversion cost for an integrated or detached garage is around £10,000 - £20,000.
| Garage type | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Garage conversion cost | £10,000 - £20,000 | £15,000 |
| Integral garage conversion cost | £10,000 - £14,000 | £12,000 |
| Attached garage conversion cost | £10,000 - £20,000 | £15,000 |
| Detached garage conversion cost | £15,000 - £25,000 | £20,000 |
| Double garage conversion cost (Based on 36m²) | £20,500 (integral) - £45,000 (detached) | £32,750 |
| Carport to garage conversion cost | £10,500 - £22,000 | £16,250 |
| Partial garage conversion cost | £5,500 - £8,500 | £7,000 |
| DIY garage conversion cost | £4,500 - £10,000 | £7,250 |
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Unless we’ve stated otherwise, these prices are based on a 16m² garage conversion, including basic fit-out costs. We’ve assumed that insulation and screed will go above the existing slab and that services are suitable for delivering the full extent of the works.
Costs include blocking up the existing garage door, as well as batten and insulation of existing external walls. However, there’s no allowance for moving any meter boxes, cutting out doorways to external walls, or additional kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
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.
Compare that to the average cost of a house extension – around £1,800 - £3,000 per m² – and you can see just that a garage conversion could be a budget-friendlier option.
Cost of a garage conversion by type
There are lots of different factors that 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, here are some ballpark estimates for some of the most common types of projects.
Attached garage conversion cost
Attached garages are garages that are directly attached to the side or rear of your home.
They’re the most common type of garage in the UK. And luckily, they’re amongst the simplest of garage conversion projects!
As attached garages are joined onto the main part of your home, they usually have some basic electrics already. Plus, any new pipework can be run from the main house.
These garages also give you the option to knock down a wall and extend an existing living space to make it open plan.
Converting an attached garage can cost from £10,000 - £20,000. This doesn’t include the cost to remove a load bearing wall.
Integral garage conversion cost
Similar to attached garages, integral garages are already connected to a home.
However, these garages slot into the house, rather than appearing at the side or rear of a property. That means they’re already taking up valuable living space that you can now reclaim.
They are the cheapest conversion option and if done well, will look like a natural addition to your home that was always meant to be there.
Integral garage conversions cost between £10,000 - £14,000.
Detached garage conversion cost
Garages that aren’t directly attached to a home are amongst the most expensive to convert – although they’re still cheaper than building most single-storey extensions.
Costs are higher because it’s harder to add electrics, water and gas. It can also be labour-intensive to build trenches for these lines and pipework.
Sometimes, a reinforced frame will need to be added to the structure, which will further increase your garage conversion costs.
Despite all this, detached garage conversions are great for those who work from home and want a separate space for their office or business. They’re also a fun opportunity for garage conversion ideas that have a completely different identity from the main house.
For instance, why not convert yours into a playhouse for children or a fun space for adults such as a home bar?
Detached garage conversions cost from £15,000 - £25,000.
Double garage conversion cost
With a much larger space to play with, double garage conversions cost a fair bit more than single garage conversions.
However, you’ll have a whole 30-36 m² to play with when designing your new space. This comes with a whole host of opportunities. For instance, you could create a new living room, a kitchen diner, or a bedroom with an en-suite.
You could also split the space in half, choosing to keep part of the space as a traditional garage or storage area.
Based on a 36m² space, integrated double garages cost around £20,500 to convert. Meanwhile, a detached double garage conversion of the same size costs approximately £45,000.
Partial garage conversion cost
If you don’t want to lose the ability to use your garage as a storage space, then one option is to conduct a partial garage conversion.
This way, the garage can be split to serve two purposes, separated by a stud wall.
For example, it could be a storage space and a downstairs bathroom. Or, it could be used as an extension to your living room and a space for utilities.
This can help keep the costs down as you can keep the existing garage door and only need to convert part of the space.
Partial garage conversions cost between £5,500 - £8,500 .
Garage-to-bedroom conversion cost
People are moving home less and less often, but living for longer. This means the way we use our homes changes over time.
For people getting into their later years, a downstairs bedroom can be the difference between staying in their own home or having to move out. That’s why many people decide to convert their garage into a bedroom.
Alternatively, as families grow and their needs change, adding an extra bedroom downstairs can be a lot cheaper and easier than moving to a larger house.
Converting a garage to a bedroom can cost from £10,000 - £20,000, with additional costs if you want to add an en-suite or downstairs bathroom.
Carport-to-garage conversion cost
One other interesting option to explore if you only have a carport is to consider converting that space into a garage.
You already have the space pre-prepared. By turning it into a garage, you’ll give your car extra security and gain useful storage space.
This won’t turn the garage into a liveable room – you’ll need to do a full single-storey extension for that – but it’s a useful option if you need more storage space.
Carport garage conversions cost between £10,500 - £22,000 .
| Structural Changes and Building Costs | Range low | Range high | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removal of garage doors and replace | £1,300 | £1,500 | ||
| Door and window addition | £1,200 | £1,500 | ||
| Flooring (slab) | £1,000 | £1,250 | ||
| Stud wall addition | £750 | £950 | ||
| Addition of utilities : electric socket | £90 | £100 | ||
| Addition of utilities : pipes | £1,000 | £3,000 | ||
| Standard garage conversion total | £5,000 | £7,800 |
Last updated: May 2024
How much does labour cost to turn a garage into a room?
When planning your garage conversion budget, you’ll need to factor in the various tradespeople who might be involved in the project. After all, they’ll all come with labour costs.
Below is a list of the average garage conversion labour costs for some of the professionals you’re most likely to hire – plus how long they’ll need to complete the work.
It’s worth noting that day rates in London and the South East of England will generally be higher than in the rest of the country.
- 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
What factors influence the cost of a garage conversion?
As we’ve already covered, the type of garage, its size and its distance from your home can all affect your total garage conversion cost.
But there are also other factors at play.
Quality of structure
If the current garage foundations, walls and roof are in disrepair then they’ll need to be brought back up to standard. This will increase your garage conversion price.
If your garage is in especially poor condition, then it may even be easier to demolish it and start again with a new structure.
Heating
Your garage will likely have basic electrics and lighting that can be upgraded. However, it’s unlikely to have any form of heating.
Adding new radiators or underfloor heating will add to the cost of your garage conversion. So, you should discuss with your contractor the best way to do this.
It’s also important to check with them if your current boiler can cope with the extra demand.
Purpose of the room
If you want to convert your garage into a home office, living room or bedroom then costs will likely be at the lower end of the scale.
However, if you’d like to turn the space into a kitchen or bathroom then costs will be higher. This is because you’ll need to add water and gas, as well as the necessary white goods and fittings.
Expect to pay £5,500 - £9,000 extra for a bathroom and £15,000 - £35,000 for a kitchen.
| Room | Unit | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom extension cost | Price per bathroom | Add £5.5k - £9k to the total cost (average) |
| Kitchen extension cost | Price per kitchen | Add £15k-£35k to total cost (average) |
Last updated: May 2024
Garage door replacement
The way you choose to replace your garage door will affect your garage conversion cost.
The cheapest option is to opt for a new garage door with a window, although this won’t offer the insulation or security options of adding a new wall.
Adding a new wall and window is typically the best option to increase the value of the home and for overall aesthetics.
Removing load-bearing walls
When it comes to attached and integral garage conversions, you’ll be able to choose whether to add a door between your garage conversion and the main house, or whether to remove the wall separating them altogether.
If you opt to have a wall knocked down between the garage and current living space then this will be more expensive. Our guide on the costs to remove a load-bearing wall offers some useful advice on the prices and timeframes to do this.
Why should I convert a garage into a room?
Let’s face it, garages are usually one of the most poorly utilised spaces in a home.
They’re often used to store junk, piles of boxes, garden tools and everything else that doesn’t have a set place. As such, they can often become rooms of embarrassment we barely venture into. And that’s such a shame.
Ways to convert a garage include:
- Expanding a living or dining room
- Adding a kitchen or bathroom
- Adding a downstairs bedroom
- Building a utility room
- Creating a unique home gym
- And many more!
It’s no wonder that garage conversions are an increasingly popular way to improve a home.
With space at a premium and house extension costs ranging from £40,000 – £140,000+, garage conversions are one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a home.
As an added plus, you won’t have to give up any of your garden space either.
Does converting a garage add value to my home?
When weighing up whether to invest in a garage conversion, homeowners often ask whether a garage conversion adds value to a house.
The good news is that yes. A garage conversion certainly can add value to your home – potentially up to 20% of the property value.
That said, the exact value a garage conversion could add will depend on the size of the conversion, what you use the new space for, the quality of the finishes and the location of your home.
To find out more, read our expert guide: How much value does a garage conversion add?
Do I need an architect for a garage conversion?
Many garage conversions fall under your permitted development rights. This means that you likely won’t need planning permission and therefore won’t need to submit architect drawings to your local authority.
That said, you might still personally want to have the involvement of an architect near you to plan the garage conversion and produce official drawings to scale.
Just some of the benefits of having architect drawings include:
- They can help you make the most of the space
- They clearly set out the building project, which you can share with tradespeople you hire
- Useful for Building Regulations
If you do need planning permission – for instance, if you’re planning to extend your existing garage building – then you will need an architect as you’ll need to supply architect drawings as part of the application.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?
As we’ve already touched upon, planning permission typically isn’t needed to convert a garage into a habitable room. This is because most projects are classed as permitted development.
However, there are still several occasions where you might need to get planning permission. For instance, it’s more likely to be needed if you’re converting a detached garage.
Some other instances where you might need garage conversion planning permission include:
- For properties in conservation areas
- Listed buildings
- Homes in new housing developments
- If you’re planning for your garage to become a separate home after the conversion
Either way, your work will be subject to building regulations, and you’ll need to attain a completion certificate for the work. This can be issued by your local authority or a private approved inspector. Contact them before work begins.
You should also read the deeds to your home to check that there are no terms mandating that the garage be kept as parking.
So, do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in your area? If in doubt, speak to your local planning office to confirm any restrictions that might affect garage conversion.
How much do architect drawings cost for a garage conversion?
The average cost of architect drawings depends on the nature of the project. You can expect architect garage conversion drawings to cost in the region of £2,000.
If you’re planning to build on top of your garage, you may also need a structural engineer to size roof joists and foundations. This will typically cost around £500 - £1,000.
For more information on prices, check out our guide to architect fees.
Converting a garage: what to expect
Wondering what happens during a garage conversion? Here are some of the main things you should know about the process of converting a garage.
What does a garage conversion involve?
Every garage and conversion will be different. So, your project is likely to be unique to you and your home’s bespoke needs.
That said, here are a few main elements you’ll need to bear in mind when your garage is being converted.
Structure
Although you already have an existing structure, this doesn’t mean it’s fit for purpose.
Walls in an integral garage are likely to be double-skin blockwork with a cavity. However, it’s unlikely this cavity will have been insulated.
Likewise, if the garage is attached then it’s likely that the external walls will only be single-skin blockwork.
In either case, the walls will need to be made structurally sound and be insulated to the same standards as the rest of the house. This may include the need to make improvements to the existing foundations.
Floor
The floor of the garage will be below that of the rest of the house.
So, sufficient floor insulation and a damp proof membrane (DPM) will need to be added before you lay the final finished floor.
Garage door
The garage door will need to be removed, and the front wall filled in (with the same improvements to structure and energy efficiency).
Most people opt for a bay window (often to attempt to match the one on the other side of the front door). But it may well be worth thinking about something a bit more ‘designed’ to get around potential privacy issues.
A tall, narrow ‘slit’ window will bring in sufficient light but mean that you don’t have to worry about feeling exposed to the street.
Internal door
If you’re converting an attached or integral garage, the internal door from the garage into the house (utility or kitchen) will be a 30-minute rated fire door.
As the garage is becoming a regular living space, this can be turned back into a standard door.
Utilities
Your garage will have minimal electricals in place – usually just enough for a fluorescent strip light and some sockets. It’ll also have no heating or water.
So, this will need to be addressed depending on the future use of the room.
Finishing
Of course, there are many additional elements you’ll need to factor into your garage conversion budget – from plastering through to decorating and joinery.
These will all add to your total garage conversion cost.
How long will a garage conversion take?
Depending on the type of garage you have, a conversion project could take in the region of 2 – 4 weeks.
This is significantly quicker than other home extension projects.
Read our guide on how long a garage conversion takes to learn more.
Can I convert a garage myself?
Converting a garage isn’t something you’re likely to be able to complete as a DIY project.
Garage conversions involve a range of different jobs, usually carried out by a variety of specialists – including bricklayers, window fitters, plasterers, electricians, joiners and more.
It requires both careful consideration and significant building work.
You may be able to take on a few specific tasks relating to the conversion yourself if you have the right experience – such as painting and decorating. However, you’re unlikely to have the vast range of skills required to carry out all the work yourself – or the required understanding of building regulations.
There’s also the added complication of how you would remove the waste materials – especially the heavy garage door.
If you did wish to attempt this project yourself, a DIY garage conversion can cost from £4,500 - £10,000.
However, we would recommend finding a local, reputable professional in your area to help. To get started and receive personalised garage conversion prices for your project, use our free search feature.
Key takeaways
- Garage conversion costs per m² are lower than other home extension projects
- The location and size of your garage play a role in determining the price of your garage conversion
- Your intended use for the room will also affect the cost, especially if you want to use it as a kitchen or bathroom
FAQs
How much should a garage conversion cost in the UK?
The average cost for a garage conversion in the UK is around £10,000 - £20,000 for a 16m² integrated or attached garage. However, you can expect to spend more for a double or detached garage. Costs will vary depending on size, finishes and where you are based in the UK.
Is it expensive to convert a garage?
Converting a garage is less expensive than building a house extension. So, it tends to be a cost-effective way to gain extra living space.
What is the cheapest way to convert a garage?
Detached and attached garages are typically the cheapest to convert.
You can also save money by turning your new space into a room that doesn’t require water or gas – by which we mean something other than a kitchen or bathroom.
Plus, keeping your garage as a separate room will be cheaper than using it to create an open plan space. That way, you won’t need to remove a load-bearing wall.
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.
Is it a good idea to convert a garage into a room?
Converting a garage into a room can be an excellent idea, especially if you don’t currently use your garage much. This way, you can use it to gain useful extra living space and potentially even add value to your house.
However, garage conversions aren’t for everyone. For instance, it might be better to explore other home extension options if you currently use your garage a lot.
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.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to get the advice of a local estate agent.
Do I need a structural engineer for a garage conversion?
You might need a structural engineer for your garage conversion if you’re planning to build on top of your garage.
They’ll typically charge around £500 - £1,000.
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.
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
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