Garage conversions are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners look for ways to expand their living space without moving house. A garage is a useful space that can be used in multiple ways, but it’s important to be aware of all of the costs associated with converting your garage so you won’t be taken by surprise by unexpected charges.
Many people underuse their garage space. Very few people actually use their garage for housing their vehicle. Typically, they’re used for storing junk, tools, and unwanted items instead. It’s no wonder that so many people consider turning this wasted space into a new room that could make their existing living areas larger. Turning a garage into a dining room, living room, bathroom, kitchen, or even a bedroom can improve your property significantly and add a lot of value too.
On average, a garage conversion will cost around £15,000 with an integral garage conversion costing slightly less than an attached one at around £12,000. A detached garage conversion could cost around £20,000 while a double garage can be converted for around £32,750. If you have a carport that you’d like to convert into a garage, that will cost around £16250, while a partial garage conversion could cost about £7000.
A typical garage conversion will cost between £625 and £1250 per square metre – significantly less than the typical cost of £1250 – £2500 per square metre for a regular home extension, so it’s easy to see why so many homeowners go for this option.
Which Factors Impact The Cost Of Converting A Garage?
There are many factors to take into account when determining how much a garage conversion will cost. These include:
- The space’s size
- The garage type
- How far it is from the property
- The structure’s quality
- Heating
- Whether the space is being turned into a kitchen or bathroom extension
- Replacing the garage door, potentially with a window and wall
- Removing the load-bearing walls
What Are A Garage Conversion’s Labour Costs?
Various tradespeople will need to work on your garage conversion project, and each one will charge for labour. The day rates for contractors will vary depending on where you’re located in the country, with those in the South East and London generally charging more.
Plumbers – between £325 and £375 per day (1-2 days’ work)
Kitchen fitters – between £130 and £160 per day (1 day’s work)
Joiners – between £200 and £300 per day (1 day’s work)
Electricians – between £200 and £300 per day (1 day’s work)
Plasterers – between £150 and £250 per day (1 or 2 days’ work)
Painters and decorators – between £260 and £280 per day (1 or 2 days’ work)
Bricklayers – between £240 and £320 per day (1 or 2 days’ work)
Window fitters – between £150 and £200 per day (1 day’s work)
Will I Require An Architect’s Services?
A lot of garage conversions will be covered by Permitted Development so no planning permission will be needed and no architect’s drawings will have to be submitted to the local authority. However, involving an architect is often a good idea, especially if your plan is to extend the existing garage building since planning permission will then be required. An architect will also help you make better use of the available space and will set out the project clearly so the other tradespeople working on the project will have clarity.
An architect may charge around £2000 for drawings and if you’re going to build on top of the garage, a structural engineer’s services may also be necessary to size the foundations and roof joists which will cost another £500 to £1000.
Is Planning Permission Needed?
Usually, you won’t need planning permission to convert your garage into a room since the majority of projects are permitted developments. If your garage is detached, though, planning permission may be required.
The work will always be subject to the necessary building regulations, with a completion certificate required to be attain for the works, so you should get in touch before any work commences. It’s also important to check your property deeds to ensure there aren’t any terms that require the garage to remain for parking purposes.
Properties located in a conservation area, any listed buildings, and properties in new-build developments are likely to need planning permission and speaking to the local planning office is wise before beginning work.
How Long Do Garage Conversions Take?
Conversion projects typically take between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the scope of the project – far less time than most other extension projects.
What Is Involved In Converting A Garage?
While your garage is an existing structure, it requires work to make it fit for use as a room. The walls have to be insulated and made structurally sound, and that may require improvements to be made to the foundations. The floor will also require more insulation and damp proofing membrane to be added before the finished floor is laid.
The external door will require removal and the wall to be filled in with a window or wall, while the internal wall can be changed to a regular door instead of a fire door. Most garages have very little in the way of electricals and no water or heating. You will need to potentially add these depending on how the room will be used. Finally, joinery, decorating, and plastering may also be necessary to complete the job, which will also increase the cost.
Could I Convert My Own Garage?
Garage conversions are complex jobs that require many different skills to complete to a professional standard. Careful consideration is needed alongside major building works. It’s unlikely that you can complete it as a Do-It-Yourself project, particularly since there are many specialists who need to be involved from bricklayers to window fitters and from electricians to plasterers.
Furthermore, you’ll need to get rid of all the waste material, including the garage door. You can, however, order all the materials independently, and this will reduce your costs still further to around £2500 to £6000.