A garage conversion is one of the most popular ways to add usable space to a Solihull home without the cost and disruption of building an extension from scratch. Because the structure is largely already there, you are generally paying for insulation, flooring, a finished interior and any new services, rather than foundations, brickwork and a new roof. As FMB-registered builders with over 20 years of experience across Solihull and the West Midlands, this guide sets out what drives the cost of a garage conversion and what to expect at each stage.
What affects the cost of a garage conversion?
Several factors determine the final price of a garage conversion, and they can move the cost considerably in either direction:
- Size of the garage — a single garage is a smaller, cheaper project than a double garage with more floor area to insulate, floor and finish.
- Intended use — a simple home office or playroom is less expensive than a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen extension, which need plumbing, drainage and stricter building regulations compliance.
- Existing condition — an integral garage in good structural condition with a sound roof and damp-free walls costs less to convert than one needing repairs first.
- Structural changes — removing or widening the wall between the garage and the house, for example to create an open-plan kitchen, adds the cost of a structural engineer, a new beam and building control sign off.
- Specification and finish — flooring, glazing, electrics, heating and the quality of the fit-out all affect the final figure, just as they would on any other room in your home.
Typical garage conversion cost ranges
Because garages vary so much in size and condition, and because the end use changes the specification needed, we do not publish a single fixed price per square metre here. As a general rule, a basic garage conversion into a simple insulated room, such as a home office, playroom or storage-to-living space, sits at the lower end of the cost scale. A conversion that adds plumbing, such as a bathroom, utility room or kitchen extension, costs more because of the additional services involved. A conversion that includes structural work, such as opening the garage into the main house or adding new windows and doors, sits at the higher end. For an accurate, like-for-like figure based on your garage's size, condition and intended use, a free site visit is the most reliable way to get a proper quote.
Garage conversion cost compared to a house extension
A garage conversion is generally more cost-effective than a comparable-sized house extension, because you are not paying for new foundations, external walls or a new roof structure. If you are weighing up a garage conversion against building a new extension, our guide to garage conversion ideas covers the most popular options, or you can compare against our house extensions page to see the full range of what we build.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Solihull?
Most garage conversions do not need planning permission, because the work is internal and does not change the size or appearance of the building, which means it typically falls under permitted development rights. Planning permission becomes more likely if the garage conversion is part of a larger extension, if your property is listed, if you are in a conservation area and making external changes such as new windows or doors, if the garage is subject to a planning condition requiring it to be kept as parking, or if permitted development rights have been removed on your property, which is sometimes the case on newer estates. Even where planning permission is not needed, a garage conversion always requires building regulations approval, covering structural work, insulation, fire safety, ventilation and electrics. We check the specifics for your Solihull property before work starts, as part of a free quote.
How long does a garage conversion take?
Timescales depend on the scope of work, but a straightforward garage conversion, such as a home office or playroom with no structural changes, is typically one of the quicker projects we carry out, often completed within a few weeks. A more involved conversion, such as one that includes a new structural opening into the house, a bathroom, or a kitchen extension, will take longer to allow for groundwork, first and second fix, and building control inspections at each stage. We give you a realistic timescale specific to your project as part of your free quote.
What is included in a garage conversion quote?
A proper, itemised quote from HK Builders sets out exactly what is included at every stage, for example:
- Removal of the existing garage door and replacement with a suitable wall, window or door
- Damp proofing, insulation and a new floor build-up over the existing concrete base
- First and second fix electrics, including sockets, lighting and any additional circuits needed
- Plastering, decoration and flooring to match the rest of your home
- Any plumbing, heating or structural work specific to your chosen use
- Building regulations applications and sign off, managed on your behalf
We always recommend comparing quotes on what is actually included, not just the headline figure, since a vague one-line price can hide extra costs that appear once work is under way. Our guide on how to choose a builder in Solihull covers this in more detail.
About HK Builders
HK Builders Ltd is an FMB-registered, fully insured, family-run building company based in Solihull, with over 20 years of experience converting garages, lofts and building extensions across Solihull and the West Midlands, including Dorridge, Knowle, Shirley, Sutton Coldfield, Harborne, Moseley, Coventry and Redditch. As our reviews show, clients value our clear, itemised quotes and the way we keep them informed throughout. Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote on your garage conversion.
Call 07393 194 336Get a free quote
Frequently asked questions
How much does a garage conversion cost in Solihull?
Is a garage conversion cheaper than an extension?
Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion in Solihull?
What does a garage conversion quote include?
Guides worth reading
Guides from the HK Builders blog on conversions, costs and planning permission.
