Converting Your Garage – What You Need to Know

In the majority of cases, the work involved in converting a garage will be classed as permitted development. However, if you live in a Conservation Area, a location where development can be restricted to protect the appearance of the surroundings, or on a new estate with strict guidelines, it’s worth checking what’s allowed.

If you’re in doubt, make sure to apply for a certificate of lawful development from your local authority at a cost of £86. Do remember, the removal of permitted development does not rule out the potential of a garage conversion, but you’ll need to ensure the design is sensitive to the setting and apply for full planning permission, which costs £172 in England. Listed properties will need listed building consent, too! We know, it’s a lot to take in.

A basic garage conversion usually costs around £1,000 to £1,500 per square metre – if the walls and floor are stable, there is a watertight roof, and the ceiling height is sufficient to leave around 2.2-2.4m of headroom after building up the floor by 15cm above external ground level. This doesn’t take into consideration design costs, which vary depending on who you ask.