Find a Garage Conversion Specialist near you
The average rating for Bark Garage Conversion Specialists is 4.74, based on 232,284 reviews
5/5
based on 232,284 reviews
Get more living space and boost your property value with a garage conversion. Read on to find out how much it costs and how to find a local professional.
Garage conversions have become increasingly popular among homeowners in the UK, particularly because they're a cost-effective solution to getting extra living space without moving. They can even increase property value by £43,000 (or £150,000 in London)! But before jumping into your new project, you'll want to know all the costs and extra considerations. In this guide we'll explore average prices, labour expenses, the factors influencing your building budget, and more - so you know where to start.
The prices outlined in this guide are based on national averages, so while they're a good place to start, your unique conversion will have specific costs associated. To get a clearer idea of how much your project will cost, get free quotes from local garage conversion specialists here.
A garage conversion is exactly what it sounds like - taking a garage and repurposing it so you can get more use out of it. Using a garage to park the family car is becoming increasingly less usual, leaving many households with extra, unused space. The reason for the decline in garage use is simple - when homes were more commonly built with garages, vehicles had a tendency to rust or their engines to degrade in bad weather. Thanks to advances in technology and manufacturing, it's no longer necessary to park a modern car 'inside'.
Converted garages can be turned into extra living spaces, bedrooms, dens, or even home officed. Converting a garage into one of these habitable spaces involves several stages, including:
Initial assessment
Your builder assesses the feasibility of the conversion, considering factors such as space, access, and structural integrity.
Design and planning
Your builder or architect will make detailed plans outlining the layout, structural alterations, and necessary permits.
Preparation
You'll need to clear out the garage, address any damp or structural issues, and install insulation and utilities as required.
Construction
The conversion will be carried out according to the approved plans, including framing, insulation, electrical and plumbing installations, and interior finishes.
Completion
Once construction is complete, a professional will undertake any necessary inspections and snagging before enjoying your new living space.
The average cost of converting a garage in the UK is £15,000, with a normal range being £10,000 to £20,000. The below prices are a rough range based on an attached garage which doesn't need extensive restructuring:
| Type of garage conversion | Average price | Lowest average price | Highest average price |
| Small | £8,000 | £6,000 | £10,000 |
| Medium | £15,000 | £10,000 | £20,000 |
| Large | £22,500 | £20,000 | £25,000 |
Of course, garage conversion costs vary depending on factors such as location, size, and desired specifications. On average, homeowners can expect to invest around £15,000 for a basic garage conversion. However, for high-end conversions with extensive structural changes and luxurious finishes, costs can easily exceed £40,000.
Let's get a bit more precise. The type of conversion you choose significantly impacts the overall cost. A basic conversion, which involves minimal alterations and utilises existing structures, tends to be more economical. On the other hand, a full conversion, where the garage is completely transformed into a habitable space with insulation, plumbing, and electrical installations, incurs higher expenses. Below you'll see more prices based on the size and type of your garage. Where you fall in the price range will depend on your location and which of the above jobs need to be done to get your garage in perfect shape.
Remember, these prices are national averages for the UK. Your particular needs, your location, and the size of your property will all play a part, so for the best price estimate, get free garage conversion quotes from a local expert.
| Conversion type | Average price | Lower end | Higher end |
| Attached garage | £15,000 | £10,000 | £20,000+ |
| Detached garage | £20,000 | £10,000 | £30,000 |
| Integral garage | £15,000 | £10,000 | £20,000 |
| Double-wide garage, detached | £38,500 | £30,000 | £47,000 |
| Double-wide garage, attached | £20,000 | £15,000 | £25,000 |
| Double-wide garage, integral | £20,000 | £15,000 | £25,000 |
Note: a detached garage is a garage that isn't connected to the main house. Popular uses for converted detached garages, especially double-wide ones, include 'guest' annexes. An attached garage is one that is connected to the side of the property, usually with an internal door, while integral garages are fairly similar except they tend to be built more 'into' the house instead of appearing bolted onto the side.
Another option, if you have an attached garage and don't want to pay the price of a full conversion, is to get a partial conversion. This usually involves:
Keeping the original garage door
Installing a stud wall to split the garage in half
Using the side with the garage door as storage space, and the 'new' half as an extension for your home.
On average, the cost of this is a bit cheaper - expect to pay around £8,000 for a medium-sized space.
Labour costs typically constitute a significant portion of the total expenditure for garage conversions. Professional fees for skilled tradespeople such as builders, electricians, plumbers, and decorators can range from £1,000 to £15,000, depending on the complexity of the project and local labour rates.
Here are some rough prices for the labour needed to convert a garage:
| Labour type | Average day rate | Average days needed |
| Bricklayer | £290 | 1-2 |
| Electrician | £380 | 1 |
| Plasterer | £250 | 1-2 |
| Painter/decorator | £250 | 1-2 |
| Joiner | £300 | 1 |
Several factors influence the cost of a garage conversion, including:
Size of the garage
Larger garages require more materials and labour, thereby increasing costs.
Structural changes
Extensive structural alterations, such as removing load-bearing walls or adding windows and doors, contribute to higher expenses.
Quality of materials
Opting for premium materials and finishes will elevate the overall cost.
Insulation and heating
Installing proper insulation and heating systems is essential for comfort and energy efficiency but adds to the budget. Here's a guide to central heating installation prices.
Planning permission
While many garage conversions fall under permitted development rights, obtaining planning permission for certain alterations can incur additional costs.
As well as lighting, heating, power and insulation, the garage door will be removed and bricked up, usually with a window added to the front. Towards the back, a door can be added or you can knock through to create one long extended space. New windows will set you back £500, and if they are aluminium or particularly high spec the cost could be higher.
Building regulation checks will also need to be carried out which cost £200 on average. This is necessary to ensure your garage conversion is fire regulated, energy-efficient, moisture-proof, structurally sound and that all the electrics are safe.
Remember your quote will need to cover the building work itself, as well as the internal decoration.
Converting a garage into a habitable room offers several benefits
Additional living space
Garage conversions provide extra room for a variety of purposes, such as a home office, gym, guest bedroom, or entertainment area - and you don't need to move!
Increased property value
Adding usable living space through a garage conversion can enhance the resale value of your property, which is great for your financial position in the long run. More on that below.
Cost-effectiveness
Compared to extensions or loft conversions, garage conversions typically offer a more budget-friendly way to increase living space.
Maximising your home's potential
Many garages serve as messy storage areas or are otherwise underutilised. Converting them into functional rooms maximises the potential of your property - and you don't have to move house to get that extra space!
As mentioned above, expert say that a good garage conversion could add an average of £40,000+ to the value of your home. That's an average, so it will depend on where you live and the rest of your home, but it's certainly true that it can 'wow' buyers and attract people looking for a larger living space than your property already has.
Another popular method of working out the average added value is based on the percentage rule: roughly estimated, a garage conversion could add 10%-20% more to your home. According to the ONS the average value of a home in 2023 was £285,000, meaning a garage conversion would add up to £57,000 to your property's price.
Of course, the true figure depends on your location, the scope of the work carried out and to what standard. Getting a valuation from a local estate agent is the best way to be sure. Either way, given garage conversions are much cheaper than property extensions, it’s a much more affordable way to add value onto your home.
While not always necessary, consulting with an architect or architectural designer can be beneficial, especially for complex conversions involving structural changes. An architect can help with design ideas, obtain necessary planning permissions, and ensure compliance with building regulations. However, for straightforward conversions, a skilled builder or contractor may suffice.
To decide whether or not an architect is in your budget, check out this guide to architecture costs.
Garage conversions in the UK offer a cost-effective way to add living space and increase property value.
Costs vary depending on factors such as size, type of conversion, labour expenses, and quality of materials.
Consulting with professionals such as architects and builders can streamline the conversion process and ensure compliance with regulations.
Q: Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion? A: In many cases, garage conversions fall under permitted development rights, but certain alterations may require planning permission. It's advisable to consult with your local planning authority or a professional architect to confirm. Here are some great resources to help you understand planning permission in the UK,
Q: How long does a garage conversion take to complete? A: The duration of a garage conversion varies depending on factors such as the scope of work, weather conditions, and availability of materials. On average, a basic conversion can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, while more complex projects may extend to several months.
Q: Can I convert my garage into a habitable room if it's attached to my neighbour's garage? A: Converting a garage attached to a neighbour's property may require approval from the neighbour and adherence to building regulations regarding party walls and fire safety. Before you start asking for quotes, let your neighbour know you're thinking about converting your garage so there aren't any surprises down the road.
In short, garage conversions offer a versatile and cost-effective solution to maximising your living space and enhancing property value. By understanding the associated costs, considerations, and benefits, you should be armed with everything you need to get your project underway with a local contractor. Happy building!
The average rating for Bark Garage Conversion Specialists is 4.74, based on 232,284 reviews
5/5
based on 232,284 reviews
