If your home’s garage is little more than a dark, chilly space that’s used to stash away DIY tools, garden furniture and old shoes and wellies, it’s likely that you’ve already entertained the idea of converting the space into extra living accommodation. A typical single garage serves up around 15m2 while a double garage offers a roomy 30m2, so converting the space into a habitable zone has the potential to transform the way you use your house.

But there’s a lot to consider when converting a garage, from how you plan on using the space to whether planning permission will be required. 'Garages often become popular additions like gyms, offices or nurseries,' says Mark Hood from Resi. 'I’ve also seen them become essential living areas, helping families stay in their homes by creating ground floor bedrooms and bathrooms for elderly parents.'

However, one of the most common dilemmas many homeowners face when weighing up whether to go ahead with a conversion is if it’s worth sacrificing the valuable storage space the garage provides, in favour of creating extra living space.

According to the pros, with careful planning and clever design it is possible to achieve the best of both worlds, maintaining space for storage as well as creating a new, habitable room.

Should you sacrifice storage space in favour of a garage conversion?

The design of many large modern vehicles means they sometimes struggle to fit inside standard single garages, and so it makes sense that there’s a trend for using the garage for other purposes, with storage being the number one function of most garage spaces.

But if you find you need to increase living space, and you don't want to move, then you might find yourself torn between keeping the storage option and creating a new room instead.

'Consider how important the garage is as a storage space and how often you use it,' explains Mark from Resi. 'Once you understand that, weigh it up against the value of creating a more functional space. If it makes sense to proceed, look at planning constraints, potential value uplift in your property, and whether the intended function of the space would be affected once you upgrade the insulation.'

If you're debating between the two, you're not alone. According to RAC Home Insurance, more than half of the UK’s garages are not used to park cars in – mostly because they’re too full of household junk.

According to survey results, more than eight in ten drivers (83% say that the garage is used for additional storage. Furthermore, almost half (47%) use the space as a DIY workshop, 9% as a home gym, while only 8% had converted their garage into another room.

So, if you’re considering your garage as a way of boosting living space and adding value to your home, assessing how you currently use the space is an important starting point.

If you convert your garage, where do you store your belongings?

According to the same RAC survey, items most commonly stored in UK garages include DIY tools and materials (90%), gardening tools and furniture (74%), bicycles and scooters (55%), wellies and shoes (36%) and camping equipment (24%). So, if you do go ahead with converting your garage, what are the options for storing these items elsewhere?

An additional shed in the garden is probably the go-to solution for most people, with sheds ranging from compact plastic or wood structures to bespoke multi-purpose solutions. If you’re simply using your shed to store gardening and DIY paraphernalia, a basic waterproof shed is probably sufficient. Find out where to buy a shed that will suit your needs with our handy guide.

However, if your current garage also serves the purpose as a DIY workshop as well as a space for storage, a larger structure with room for shelving and a work bench will probably suit your requirements better.

For keen gardeners, opting for a potting shed design rather than a basic Apex or Pent roof shed will offer space and light to cultivate plants, as well as storing your gardening tools.

If you have a small garden and don’t want a shed that’s going to gobble up precious space, there are more compact garden storage ideas available. For instance, dual purpose storage benches, like this Keter Eden plastic storage bench, £135 at B&Q, can double up seating and as a place to keep garden furniture and gardening tools.

Deck boxes and chests, like this VonHaus 270L storage box, £69.99 at Amazon, also provide a fair amount of space to keep items that are being moved out of the garage and into the garden. Plus, they’re a cost-effective solution if you want to channel the bulk of your budget towards kitting out your newly converted garage.

If you’re looking for a more attractive solution, an outdoor cabinet this Keter Moby tall storage cupboard, £140 at Argos, could provide the ideal option for items that you want to access more regularly and keep organised, such as barbecuing kit or the kids’ garden toys.

Is a partial garage conversion an option?

If sacrificing storage space by converting your garage is going to be an dealbreaker, there are several clever design strategies you can adopt that’ll allow you achieve the best of both worlds: a newly converted living space plus an area that can be used for storage.

If you’re planning to convert the entire garage into living space, discreet storage can be built into gable walls to house smaller items. You can also use integrated overhead racks for some of the items being displaced by your conversion project.

'Multi-purpose furniture is a godsend, too,' says Mike Vasiliou from Dobuild. 'In some cases, wall-mounted storage and a fold-down bed for guests works wonders, maximising the available square footage.'

A partial garage conversion can be achieved by building a partition wall that splits the garage into two rooms. If you’re simply looking for enough space to accommodate a utility room, cloak room or home office, this might be the best solution as it’ll allow you to retain the garage door and house bulky items like bikes and garden furniture in the garage portion of the space.

For instance, taking just a few metres of your garage space to create a utility room with a washer and dryer can free up a lot of space in the kitchen and potentially transform the flow of the space.

If you have the head room in your garage, you could potentially add in a mezzanine level above your newly converted living space to be used for storage. If you have a bigger budget, it might also be possible to extend upwards over your garage; maintaining storage space on the ground floor with new living space above.

If you want your garage to serve multiple functions as an area for storage, working from home or even as a home gym, it can be worth bringing in a design expert. They will have the skills and experience to help you get the most out of the space you have available. 'Hiring a professional designer is invaluable,' says Mike from Dobuild. 'They have an eye for detail and can save you from making costly blunders down the line.'

If you decide you can make a conversion like this work, then make sure you research plenty of garage conversion ideas to create the ideal space.

Extending over the garage is a hugely popular project, allowing you to add to your first floor layout without actually increasing the overall footprint of your home.

In many cases, people look into how to convert a garage and decide that they would, in fact, like to retain it for storage. Other times, when designing their garage conversion, homeowners realise that it makes sense to build above it at the same time.

If you are wondering what is involved in extending above a garage and whether this is a viable option for your home, our guide is here to help, with advice on everything, from structural implications to costs.

Is it a good idea to extend over a garage?

There are lots of reasons why extending over a garage is a good idea. Not only does it allow homeowners to add additional space at first floor level, but it is also a very effective way to keep a lid on extension costs.

That said, this is not always a totally straightforward project and there is usually more to it than simply building a new room on top of your old garage.

In many cases, structural reinforcement will be required before work can begin, to either the existing garage or to its foundations – or both.

How easy is it to extend over a garage?

How straightforward it is to extend above a garage very much depends on the condition of the garage in question.

The two main issues people usually find cropping up when building an extension of this type concern the existing walls of the garage, and its foundations.

As garages weren't designed to carry additional weight over the top, you will need a structural engineer to come and assess the foundations and walls. They will stipulate whether any reinforcement is needed.

Will foundations need underpinning to extend over a garage?

There are several checks that will need to be carried out before extending above a garage.

In cases where your house was built after 1990, its foundations may be deep enough to support an extension. That said, they would have had to be built to comply with building regulations. If in doubt, your local building control office may be able to provide you with the original approved drawings and a completion certificate.

'Before any building work takes place, your existing foundations will need to be inspected by a structural engineer, who will be able to assess whether or not they will be able to support the new additional storey,' picks up Oliver Burgess, head of design at Resi.

'Generally speaking, your foundations should be at least 600mm wide and 1000mm deep,' continues Oliver. 'However, this depth will need to be confirmed on-site and checked against your ground conditions, alongside other site constraints.'

Reinforcing garage walls for an extension above

This is another area of your garage conversion ideas in which you'll need to involve a structural engineer.

'If the external walls of the new first-floor extension are built right above the existing garage walls, it’ll need to be established whether or not they can accommodate any extra weight,' explains Oliver Burgess.

Building regulations may stipulate that internal columns or steel beams are added to provide adequate support for a new floor above.

'Your engineer will also need to look at the width of your existing walls,' continues Oliver. 'If the garage is made of single leaf walls, you will not be able to build new cavity walls on top of them. You may need to add an internal loadbearing inner leaf to the existing single leaf garage wall or consider different structural support for the new walls of the first floor.'

How do you extend over a garage?

Once the foundations and garage walls have been assessed and either deemed adequate for extending over, or reinforced appropriately, work can begin on the extension.

An extension over a garage is not too different to any other kind of extension ideas once the structure below has been supported. It will consist of a floor and a frame, windows and doors, just as you would expect.

Do you need planning permission to extend over a garage?

While garage conversion planning permission often falls under permitted development, you shouldn't assume this will be the case when extending over the garage.

'With both detached garages and side garages, you will be unable to add an additional storey under permitted development rights,' confirms Oliver Burgess.

Make sure you obtain planning permission before you start any building work to keep the project as stress-free as possible.

How much does it cost to extend over a garage?

Costs will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, as well as how much input you plan on having on a DIY basis and the extension design features you have your heart set on.

According to Resi, you can expect costs to come in at between £45,000 - £80,000.

FAQs

What if you can't extend over your garage?

If, for whatever reason, you discover that extending over your garage just isn't going to be viable, what are the alternatives worth considering?

If you are keen to keep the footprint of your house as it is, you could demolish the old garage and build either a single or two-storey extension in its place.

Alternatively, side extensions are a fantastic option, often being cost-effective, easy to obtain planning permission for and simple to construct.

If you decide that extending over the garage isn't going to work for you, research how to build a side return extension instead. They are a brilliant way to add new rooms without using up valuable garden space.

If you need extra space within your home but are keen to avoid the cost and disruption of a full-blown extension, then a garage conversion could be the answer.

That said, when it comes to how to convert a garage, it isn't completely straightforward. True, planning permission won't usually be required, but there are other factors to consider too if you want the project to add value and exactly the kind of space you need.

In this guide, we explain garage conversion building regulations – which you need to be aware of and how you can ensure your new addition complies.

Do building regulations apply to garage conversions?

There are very few extension and home improvement jobs that don't require building regulations approval – and your garage conversion ideas are no exception.

'In almost all cases, you'll need building regulations approval for a garage conversion,' confirms Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance. 'This is because you're changing the use of a space and potentially altering its structure, insulation and services, such as heating and electrics.'

'Building regulations apply to garage conversions if said garage is being converted into a habitable space, such as a bedroom or an office,' picks up Alistair Mayne, chief operating officer at Garolla. 'This is required to ensure health and safety, as well as energy efficiency and structural integrity.'

Which specific building regs relate to garage conversion?

Just as when building an extension, it is really useful to understand which sections of the building regulations your garage conversion will need to adhere to. It allows you to see the reasoning behind them and the importance of getting each element spot on.

According to Paula Higgins, building regulations ensure the work meets standards for:

• Structural integrity (Part A)
• Fire safety (Part B)
• Insulation and ventilation (Part L and Part F)
• Damp-proofing (Part C)
• Energy efficiency (Part L)
• Escape routes and accessibility (Part B)
• Electrical safety (Part L)

'The regulations in question also include site preparation and moisture resistance, sanitation and water efficiency, energy efficiency and, in some cases, suitable access,' adds Alistair Mayne.

'The regulations covering damp-proofing are important in a garage as often the existing slab level is level with the driveway and so can allow for water ingress,' points out architect Tina Patel from Architect Your Home. 'This can all be designed out but does need careful consideration so that you don't run into issues later on.'

What kind of application do you need to submit?

It can be a little confusing when it comes to actually submitting a building regulations application.

'You can apply for building regulations approval in two ways,' explains Paula Higgins. 'Either through a Full Plans Application, where detailed plans are submitted and approved before work begins, or via a Building Notice, which is quicker but doesn't provide the same reassurance of pre-approval.'

'As a garage conversion is a relatively small project, we would make a submission to either local authority or a private building control company under what is known as a Building Notice,' picks up Tina Patel. 'This means you can start works after up to five days of the notice being submitted.

'As part of this type of application, the building control officer will undertake visits to check the work at key intervals during the build, such as when the waterproofing is installed and the insulation.'

'Once complete, you'll receive a completion certificate – crucial if you ever decide to sell your home,' adds Paula Higgins.

Can your architect submit an application on your behalf?

For some people, having to submit for building regulations for extensions or conversions approval can just be something that they don't have time for – in which case, your architect or designer can absolutely help you out.

'If you have had drawings prepared and worked with an architect, they would normally advise and make the submission,' explains Tina Patel. 'If not, the application can be done by your builder, although legal responsibility sits with the homeowner.

'Following recent legislative changes to the building regulations, you will need a 'principle designer' to co-ordinate for compliance and they will be required to sign the respective forms at the end of the works to obtain the final certificate,' points out Tina. 'If you have not engaged an architect, you may have to engage someone else and demonstrate that they have the competence to take on this role.'

What happens if you don't adhere to building regs when converting a garage?

It is never a wise move to try to skip applying for building regulations approval or to attempt to cheat the system.

'If you do not obtain the right type of building regulations sign off for your works, this is likely to be problematic should you ever need to sell your home,' explains Tina Patel. 'Without the right completion certificates and paperwork, you may need to take out an indemnity insurance or see buyers drop out or reduce their offer due to uncertainty over the legality and quality of the work.'

There are also some even more serious consequences to bear in mind.

'If you do not adhere to building regulations, there are some severe consequences, including having to remove the conversion work at your own expense, potential legal action, and even issues with insurance claims,' warns Alistair Mayne.

What other permissions do you need?

In addition to building regulations, there are a few other rules and regulations to bear in mind.

The good news is that, in most cases, planning permission won't be one of them.

'If your garage is integral to your house (attached or part of the structure), you usually do not need planning permission to convert it into living space,' confirms Paula Higgins. 'This type of work generally falls under permitted development rights, which allow homeowners to make certain changes without formal permission.

'Garage conversions are a very popular project to pursue under permitted development,' continues Paula. 'In fact, only 10% of projects undertaken require a full planning application.'

'If you happen to be in a conservation area, the conversion of a garage may require planning so it is always worth checking with a local architect who has experience in conversions,' points out Tina Patel. 'We would always advise making an application for a certificate of lawfulness to ensure you have a paper trail to prove the works have been done under the correct legislation.'

Will I need to serve a Party Wall Notice?

Planning permission aside, you may need to take the Party Wall Act into consideration.

'Party wall consents may be required if you need to underpin or instate new foundations to make the garage space habitable,' picks up Tina Patel. 'If you are raising a shared wall or cutting into this in any way – and this can include instating a damp proof membrane – then this may all need Party Wall Notices to be submitted.'

FAQs

How much are building regulations application fees?

You will need to factor these into your overall garage conversion costs.

While this can vary, depending on where in the country you live, expect fees to start at around £600.

While it is usually possible to carry out this kind of project under permitted development, it is still worth looking into garage conversion planning permission to make sure you aren't breaking any rules.

A garage conversion is a cost-effective and time-efficient way of gaining valuable living space. As older garages are often not suited to modern vehicles, they often become dumping grounds for bits and bobs that aren't used very often. This could be wasting their excellent potential to ease space pressures on the rest of your home.

But is converting your garage worth the time, effort and cost? Well, that will depend on your lifestyle, current home and what you perceive as ‘value’ - it could be added market value, value in keeping your home suitable for your needs, or value in being happy in the space you’re in.

Below, we break down, with the help of home design experts, the potential of garage conversion and how to determine if they’re worth it for your home and life.

Is a garage conversion worth it?

Whether a garage conversion is worth your time and money will hinge on the quality of the existing garage and what you are trying to achieve. If the structure is sound and the new space will meet your requirements, and you don't want to sacrifice any of your garden, then it's worth it.

However, if you need more space than a garage conversion can provide, and a remodel won't help you get it, then it might not be the right solution.

Similarly, if you are after an additional bedroom and want to keep them all on the first floor, then a garage conversion isn't going to fit the bill, and you might be thinking about extending over the garage instead.

If budget is a primary concern, and your existing garage structure is not up to scratch, then the project becomes more complex, which can add to the cost. It may be more straightforward, in that case, to start from scratch with a new extension.

Before you decide, it's important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages based on your specific needs and home.

Pros of a garage conversion

• Can be useful extra space, especially when combined with a remodel of an existing floorplan
• Best for ‘public spaces’ as they’re on the ground floor and usually street-facing
• Work with existing footprint (especially useful in Listed Buildings or those in Conservation Areas)
• Usually already have foundations, decent walls and a solid roof
• Generally uses less building materials, making it a cost-efficient and ‘greener’ way of adding more space
• You won't have to sacrifice any precious garden.

Cons of a garage conversion

• May not be suitable if you're wanting to add an extra bedroom or bathroom (and don't want a downstairs option)
• Access to natural light can be limited
• Converting the garage can reduce storage and parking opportunities
• If the existing structure is not sound, the work is far more complicated (and therefore costly)
• Can be tricky with planning permission, building regulations and the disruption of building work

‘Garage conversions can have more scope for an impactful change to a house as they are on the ground floor with a potential connection to the garden,’ begins Kieran Gaffney, design director at Konishi Gaffney Architects.

‘They tend to be easier to make into "public" rooms as they are usually at the front of the house but their size often limits this.’

However, when designed effectively, a garage conversion can be a great alternative to building an extension.

‘Garage conversions often deliver the best return on spatial efficiency - they allow homeowners to increase usable floor area without extending the building footprint,’ adds Bogan Rasu, founder of VATRAA Architecture.

‘Compared to a loft, which may involve structural interventions like dormers or stairs, and compared to rear extensions which require foundations and external envelope work, garage conversions can be relatively straightforward. They’re also a good opportunity to reconfigure the ground floor layout - for example, opening up to the garden or creating a more fluid connection between living spaces.’

‘But like a loft conversion there can be structural and fire issues to solve,’ says Kieran Gaffney. ‘Loft conversions often require re-enforcement of the roof structure — doubling up rafters and the like, garage conversions often need the foundations/slab to be thicker and deeper. If underpinning is required, this can make garage conversions much less affordable and more akin to new builds.’

Does a garage conversion add value to your home?

Most home improvement projects will add value to your home, be it in market value or improved lifestyle and a garage conversion is no different. According to Checkatrade, done well, a garage conversion could add between 10 and 20% to your home's value.

‘Garage conversions can be good value for money as the foundations and walls are already in place,’ advises Kieran Gaffney.

‘They can be excellent value, particularly when the structure is sound and already integrated into the home’s footprint,’ adds Bogdan Rasu. ‘Because much of the envelope may already exist, construction costs are often lower per square metre than new extensions. Plus, by improving the layout and usability of the ground floor, a conversion can significantly enhance both day-to-day living and property value. The key is to approach it with proper design and technical care — that’s where the real value emerges.’

However, for some potential buyers, the lack of a garage could prove problematic. But if you combine your well-executed garage conversion, with suitable alternative storage and parking, then you can try to offset any negative impact on your home's value.

What should you consider before converting your garage?

In order for a garage conversion to provide the most value to your home and lifestyle, there are key considerations that will need to be made to ensure this is the right home improvement project for you.

1. How much extra space can a garage conversion provide?

Garages can be narrow at the best of times, then when you add the necessarily insulation to the roof and walls to make them habitable spaces, then can become narrower still.

‘So, our first question is how big is the garage?’ Kieran Gaffney adds. ‘Modern single garages are typically too narrow for much other than a study / single bedroom with en-suite. But double garages can house bigger spaces and offer more scope.'

Consider combining a garage conversion with a remodel of the rest of the ground floor for a truly transformed space.

2. Do you have alternative parking provisions in place?

Before you get too invested in the potential of a garage conversion, you have to think about suitable provisions for parking. Although it is rare that a car even fits into an old garage these days, planning departments will still consider them as a parking space.

A decent-sized drive will need to provide off-road parking if your garage conversion is to be genuinely considered.

3. Will using an architect get the most out of the project?

Decide whether you want to use an architect or designer to convert the space — a professional will have better knowledge of planning rules and building regulations than most homeowners and will be able to come up with creative ideas that could transform not just the garage, but how it works with your home as a whole.

When working with an architect, ‘it’s useful to come with clarity on how you want to use the space — whether it's a workspace, snug, guest room, or part of a larger open-plan kitchen/living area,’ says Bogdan Rasu.

‘A good brief goes beyond just listing functions — it might include your routines, storage needs, or the atmosphere you’re hoping to achieve. Photos, inspiration, or even dislikes can all help shape a clear and personal brief.

'This gives us enough information to develop a design that connects with the rest of the home, both spatially and in terms of light and flow, while reflecting the homeowner's personality.’

If it's an additional bedroom you're after, then planning a loft conversion might be a better option to give you the space you need.

In the majority of cases, a garage conversion is one of the best ways to add space and value to a house without extending – but there are always exceptions.

If you want your newly formed space to be an asset, you need to know exactly how to convert a garage in a way that ensures it ticks all the boxes, both in terms of what you need and want from it as well as when it comes to building regulations and planning approval.

With this in mind, we asked the experts for the most common garage conversion mistakes they see homeowners making time and time again – so you can avoid doing the same.

1. Not checking the planning rules

This is a really important one to take note of. While garage conversion planning permission is not usually required, you should not just assume this – it could mean you end up in some seriously hot water. You could find your neighbour objects to your garage conversion, which could put your project in jeopardy, or you could face having to make changes or even undo all the work you have done.

'Even if most garage conversions don’t require planning permission, that’s not always the case,' picks up CEO of HomeOwners Alliance Paula Higgins. 'Always check with your local authority first, especially if your home is part of a newer development or in a conservation area. Contact your council’s planning department and get confirmation in writing.'

If you live in a conservation area on in a listed building, you will almost certainly need permission to convert your garage – once again, check with your local planning department first, as this will add to your garage conversion costs.

Converting a detached garage will need a change of use application, so make sure you research what you need before any building work begins.

2. Overlooking the need for building regulations

All too often, in the excitement of getting started adding new habitable space to a house, homeowners overlook the need for building regulations approval – big mistake.

'Even if you don’t need planning permission, your conversion must comply with building regulations – covering things such as insulation, ventilation, fire safety and structural integrity,' explains Paula Higgins. 'You should work with a contractor who understands the regulations and make sure you apply for building control approval.

'Building control approval is essential to ensure the conversion is safe and legal,' adds CEO of Back to Front Exterior Design, Alexandra Hull.

3. Skipping good design advice

Garage conversions are not always as straightforward as they might first appear and to ensure they are adding maximum space and value to your home, a great, well-planned design is crucial.

'A garage can feel cold or disconnected from the rest of the house if the design isn’t carefully thought through,' warns Paula Higgins. 'Poor lighting, low ceilings, or a mismatched aesthetic can all make it less usable or appealing.'

'A bad layout can make the room feel awkward or limit its use,' picks up Alexandra Hull. 'Plan the space just as carefully as any other room in the house.'

Paula Higgins has some more advice on getting garage conversion ideas just right.

'Hire an experienced architect or designer to create a layout that integrates well with your existing home,' she says.

It really will pay to ask to see their previous projects and talk to their past clients to ensure that they have experience of the kind of end result you are aiming for.

If you are planning on selling your home down the line, designing the conversion with broad appeal and futureproofing in mind will be desirable to whoever may inherit your garage conversion after you move.

4. Not considering parking or resale value

Converting a garage is one of the best ways to add value to your home, but if you want this to be the case with your own project, there are some important points to bear in mind.

'Although converting your garage can add up to 20% to the value of your home, this depends on your particular situation,' advises Paula Higgins. 'Converting your garage could reduce the available parking space on your property, which can be a concern in busy urban areas and may negatively affect your home’s value or appeal to future buyers.'

'Converting a garage that’s your only off-street parking can put off future buyers,' adds Alexandra Hull. 'Consider your location and long-term needs.'

'Think about local parking pressure,' picks up Paula Higgins. 'Have your neighbours converted their garage? If so, take a look at house price data to see if they added value. Or ask a local estate agent. If you do go ahead, consider adding alternative parking where possible.'

From your own perspective, if you currently use your garage for storage, do consider where you will put all the stuff you are keeping there once the space has been converted.

5. Failing to insulate the space properly

Both in terms of building regulations compliance as well how comfortable the newly formed space will feel to spend time in, good insulation is so important.

'Garages aren't built for comfort,' points out Alexandra Hull. 'Failing to insulate walls, floors and ceilings can make the space feel cold, damp, and unusable year-round.'

There are lots of different ways to insulate a garage conversion, both internally and externally.

'The simplest way to add insulation to the walls is with insulated plasterboard fitted to timber battens above the damp proof course,' says Paula Higgins.

6. Installing too few windows into the space

Remember, for any room to be somewhere you look forward to spending time in, it needs to receive adequate natural light and be well ventilated – and garage conversions are no exception.

'A garage conversion can add valuable living space – but only if done right,' says Alexandra Hull. 'Garages often lack natural light and airflow. Not adding enough windows or good mechanical extraction can leave the space feeling dark and stuffy.'

In many cases, windows alone will provide enough ventilation, but if you are including a bathroom or shower enclosure into the new space, mechanical ventilation, in the form of a great bathroom extractor fan, is a must.

7. Forgetting to inform your neighbours of your plans

While your neighbours can't actually put a stop to your garage conversion if they decide they don't like the idea of it, they can cause a few headaches.

Providing your project falls under permitted development and doesn't require you to apply for planning permission and complies with all the necessary building regulations, you are free to proceed.

That said, it is common courtesy to inform your neighbours of your plans if they are nearby. Usually this will allay any worries they might have and give them a chance to ask questions.

FAQs

Is there a minimum ceiling height for a garage conversion?

Very often the floor of a garage will need to be raised for a conversion in order for insulation and a new layer of screed to be added. This means that the ceiling height might not suffice for a habitable space.

You may also need to consider the effect of underfloor heating if you plan on installing it in this new space.

'At least 2.2–2.4 metres of headroom is needed, assuming the floor is raised 15cm above external ground,' advises Paula Higgins.

A garage conversion is a great way to add space to your home without extending, but if you don't have one or need it for storage, why not consider a loft conversion instead – another brilliant way to increase the size of your house without altering its footprint.

A garage conversion can be the perfect way to gain extra space within your home without extending its footprint. Utilising what is often wasted space, used not, as originally intended, for housing a vehicle or two, but for dumping all kinds of things no-one quite knows what to do with, this is a structure that holds so much potential.

Converting a garage comes with other benefits too. Very often no planning permission is required to carry out the project, they cause little in the way of disruption to everyday life and they have the potential to boost the value of your home too.

Of course of all this does come at a price and that is where our guide comes in. We explain how much to budget as well as the areas where you can make some savings.

How much does a garage conversion cost?

Predicting what any type of home extension or improvement will cost is never going to be an exact science – there are just so many variables that can influence this. In short, the garage conversion ideas that you are hoping to create are unlikely to come in at exactly the same price as someone else's.

'Costs of converting a garage into a usable living space will vary depending on the size, complexity and and level of polish required to make it look good,' explains Alexandra Hull, managing director of Back to Front Exterior Design. 'The nuts and bolts will typically cost between £15,000 and £25,000.

'Core expenses include insulation, electrics, heating, windows, flooring, and labour,' continues Alexandra. 'If plumbing or structural changes are required, expect higher costs.'

What elements make up the cost of a garage conversion?

Just as when building an extension, when calculating what your garage conversion project is likely to cost, it is useful to understand the individual elements that go towards these overall figures. In this way, you are more likely to be able to see where savings could be made, as well as avoiding any nasty surprises.

In general, according to Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, the cost of a garage conversion will be made up of the following:

• Professional services, such as architect or designer fees.
• Planning permission or building regulation approval fees.
• Structural engineer services, if necessary.
• Structural reinforcement (if needed) of walls and roof.
• Upgrading the floor: levelling, damp-proofing, and insulating.
• Infilling the garage door, often by bricking it up.
• Wall and roof insulation.
• New windows and external doors.
• Installing or upgrading heating and electrical systems.
• New plumbing.
• Decoration.

What factors affect the cost of a garage conversion?

While it is possible to estimate what a standard garage conversion will cost, it is useful to understand the decisions you will be faced with that could affect these figures.

In some cases, lower costs than those stated above can be achieved, according to Paula Higgins.

'The average cost to convert a garage ranges from £5,000 to £7,000, according to the builders and architects we spoke to,' says Paula. 'However, this cost can rise depending on whether there are any structural alterations needed for adding plumbing and utilities (for example if you are planning a bathroom to be added into the space.) The condition of the current garage also plays a role in the overall cost.

'Additionally, if it’s a detached garage rather than integrated into the house, this will cause costs to rise,' continues Paula. 'A detached garage will require a change of use application from the local planning authority. In addition it may need new or reinforced foundations and additional costs for bringing electricity and plumbing to the building.

'Other factors that increase costs include its condition and the type of structure and whether or not repairs to walls, floors or roofs are required,' adds Paula. 'If it’s in particularly poor condition, it may be cheaper to demolish and rebuild.'

How can you reduce the cost of a garage conversion?

If these figures were a little higher than you had budgeted for, fear not – there are ways to shrink them a little.

'Work within the existing structure to avoid major alterations as much as possible,' advises Alexandra Hull, who goes on to make some more cost-cutting suggestions.

'Tackle easy DIY projects, such as painting or decorating, yourself,' she says. 'And always get multiple quotes, clarifying exactly what’s included.

'Early planning and realistic expectations are also key,' continues Alexandra. 'Even a basic cost breakdown can help steer your project in the right direction – without blowing the budget.'

Will a garage conversion add more value than it costs?

If you are going to the trouble and expense of converting your garage, you are probably going to want some reassurance that the new addition will add value to you home as well as extra space.

According to HomeOwners Alliance, you can expect an uplift of around 20% in value after carrying out a well-designed and properly constructed garage conversion, making this a very worthwhile project.

'Converting a garage into a liveable room can be a relatively low-cost way to expand your home's usable space,' points out Paula Higgins. 'Unlike an extension, a garage conversion often doesn't require new foundations or external walls, and many garages already have power supply in place.'

FAQs

How long does a garage conversion take?

Even if you have weighed up garage conversion and extension costs and decided that converting your garage is the best way to get the additional space you need for the budget you have available, you will most likely still be keen to know how long this project is going to take, from start to finish.

According to Checkatrade, the average garage conversion takes between three to six weeks, although this will obviously very much depend on the condition of your existing garage, what you intend on using the new space for and the kind of specification you are aiming for.

If you plan on carrying out a large proportion of the work on a DIY basis, this will usually mean longer timescales too.

If, on reflection, you decide that a garage conversion isn't quite right for you, take some time to consider a few loft conversion ideas – the extra space you crave might just be lurking in your attic.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Making better use of your home's existing footprint is a cost-effective way to ease space pressures on your home without adding an extension. If you have an attached garage that is used as a dumping ground for stuff you rarely use, then converting it into usable living space could be a sensible move. But do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?

The world of planning permission can be complex as the rules may change depending on where you live and what changes have previously been made to your home. When it comes to converting your garage, in many cases you can do this without submitting a formal planning application, but you should always check before you start building to make sure you don't fall foul of the law.

Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?

In general, converting an attached garage is one of those projects that you can do without planning permission. This is because the work often falls within the scope of Permitted Development.

However, this is not a blanket rule. If your home is situated in a designated zone, like a Conservation Area or National Park, then your Permitted Development rights may be restricted or removed altogether, which means you would need to apply for planning permission, which will add to your garage conversion costs.

You might also be required to apply for planning permission if your home has already been significantly extended since it was built, as your Permitted Development allocation may have been used up. Similarly, if your property is a new build, there may be limitations in place, so you should always check with your local planning authority.

'In most cases, if the work is internal, uses similar building materials to the existing home and does not enlarge the building, then planning permission is not normally needed,' advises Tabitha Cumming, a property expert from The Lease Extension Company.

However, you will need to check with the council that it meets strict height criteria to class as Permitted Development.

You may also find there are also stipulations under Permitted Development in terms of where you can put windows to ensure you don't negatively impact your neighbours privacy. In most cases you can, however, add a window to the front where a door was present before the works, without needing planning consent.

Make sure you adhere to the rules to the letter, otherwise you could give your neighbour cause to stop your garage conversion plans.

It is also important to check with your local authority whether there are any planning conditions in place on your property that may stipulate that garages can only be used for parking. If there are such conditions, you will need to apply to your local authority to have them removed.

Any additions at all to the outside of the garage will require planning permission, and if you think this applies to your project, you'll want to read these tips on securing planning permission first time round.

Are the rules different for detached garages?

If you have a standalone detached garage, then the rules may be slightly different, and you may be required to apply for planning permission to change the use.

This is because the space is separate to your home, and so changes would not count as internal works, and therefore not permissible under Permitted Development.

Does a garage conversion need building regulations approval?

Even if you don't need planning permission to convert your garage, it will need to meet the requirements of the building regulations on things like ventilation, fire safety, acoustics and thermal performance.

‘Even when planning permission isn’t required, it is still crucial that all applicable building regulations are followed, to ensure the structural integrity of the building is maintained, and there are appropriate provisions when it comes to ventilation, fire safety and insulation,’ says Rob Stone, Managing Director of GarageFlex.

Depending on the specifics of your project, you'll need to submit either a Building Notice or Full Plans application to your local authority's building control department. They will send an officer out at specified points throughout the project to inspect the work and ensure it is compliant and will issue a completion certificate when the work is done to confirm it meets the requirements.

FAQs

Do I need a lawful development certificate?

Even if you do not require planning permission to convert your garage, it may be wise to obtain a lawful development certificate.

While not a legal requirement, this piece of documentation essentially proves to your local authority and any future buyers – if and when you choose to sell – that your project was constructed legally. It also protects you if planning policies change between when you converted your garage and when you go to sell your home.

For those who would like that added bit of assurance, this could be a worthwhile option.

What happens if I convert my garage without the necessary permissions?

If it turns out that you should have applied for planning permission to convert your garage and you didn't, you could seek retrospective planning permission to gain consent after it has been built. However, this is a real risk. After all, there is no guarantee that consent will be granted and you could find yourself facing a hefty fine or having to undo the work completely.

Similarly, if you build without building regulations sign off, you could be prosecuted, face fines, have to fork out to change non-compliant work, or have to undo the work in its entirety. It could also jeopardise your chances if you want to sell your home in the future, as well as negatively impacting your home's value.

On top of all of that comes a whole load of stress that could be avoided by checking with your local authority and securing the necessary permissions before you start.

If your garage is also connected to your neighbour's home, you may need a party wall agreement in place.