Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?
Usually not — converting an attached garage into living space is normally permitted development. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, newer estates where permitted development rights have been removed, and detached garages or annexes. We check for you. See our planning permission guide for the detail.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
Yes, always. Building Control check the structure, damp-proofing, insulation, ventilation, fire safety and electrics, and issue a completion certificate at the end. We manage the whole process and include the fees in our quote.
How much does a garage conversion cost?
A single garage conversion typically costs £8,000–£15,000 in the North West, depending on the room type and the condition of the garage. Double garages start from around £16,000 and annexes from £28,000. Every quote is fixed-price and itemised.
How long does a garage conversion take?
Two to three weeks on site for a single garage, three to four weeks with an en-suite, and four to six weeks for a double garage annexe.
Will the new room be as warm as the rest of the house?
Yes. We insulate the floor, walls and ceiling to current Building Regulations U-values and connect heating to your existing system (or fit underfloor heating), so the room performs like any other in the house.
Will I lose parking?
You lose the garage bay, but most garages in the region are too narrow for a modern car anyway and are used for storage. If parking matters, a half conversion of a double garage keeps one bay. Some councils protect off-street parking — we check this at the survey.
Does a garage conversion add value?
A properly certified conversion — especially a bedroom, en-suite or open-plan kitchen — typically adds more to the sale price than it costs. Estate agents can market a three-bed as a four-bed if the conversion meets bedroom standards.
What happens to the garage door?
It's removed and replaced with an insulated, brick-matched wall containing a window or doors. Some clients keep an insulated roller door on gyms or workshops, or retain a small storage area behind a new front door.
Can I keep some storage?
Yes. A 1–1.5m deep storage area at the front of a single garage, behind a new door, is a popular option. On a double garage you can keep one bay entirely.
Will the floor be level with the house?
Yes. Garage floors are usually 100–150mm lower than the house. We raise, insulate and screed the new floor so the conversion is level with the adjoining rooms.
Can you add a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, subject to drainage. En-suites, wet rooms, downstairs WCs, utility rooms and kitchenettes are all routine additions and we check drain positions at the survey.
Do you deal with the council?
Yes. We submit the Building Regulations notice, arrange every inspection, deal with the inspector and hand you the completion certificate. If planning permission is needed we prepare and submit the application too.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry public liability insurance and all electrical and gas work is carried out by registered engineers who certify their own work.
Do I need to be at home during the work?
No. Most clients give us access in the morning and get on with their day. We protect the house, keep the site tidy and lock up when we leave.
Which areas do you cover?
Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire — see our full list of areas with local contact numbers on the Areas We Cover page.