Published 7 June 2026
By Jon Thompson, Director — Living Design & Build Ltd, FMB-member builder, Bridgnorth
A garage conversion in Shropshire or the West Midlands typically costs £18,000–£32,000 for an integral garage and £25,000–£45,000 for a detached one in 2026. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to add a usable room to your home — you already have the walls, foundations and roof, so most of the spend goes on making the space warm, dry and habitable.
Garage conversion costs (2026)
- Integral single garage → habitable room: £18,000–£32,000
- Integral garage with en-suite or kitchenette: £28,000–£45,000
- Detached garage conversion (annexe/office): £25,000–£45,000
- Double garage conversion: £30,000–£55,000
What the work involves
Garages weren't built to be lived in, so the conversion is mostly about bringing the space up to habitable standard:
- Insulating the floor, walls and roof to current Building Regs
- Building up the floor level and damp-proofing
- Filling in the garage door opening with a new wall, window or French doors
- New heating (radiators or underfloor), electrics and lighting
- Plastering, flooring and decoration
- Tying the new room into the rest of the house's heating and access
Best uses for a converted garage
- Home office or studio — the most popular use since 2020
- Playroom or teenager's snug
- Downstairs bedroom with en-suite (great for multi-generational living)
- Utility and boot room with a gym area
- Self-contained annexe (detached garages, subject to planning)
Do you need planning permission?
Most internal garage conversions fall under permitted development and don't need planning permission, because you're not changing the building's footprint. You will need Building Regulations approval. You'll need full planning permission if the property is listed, in a conservation area, if permitted development rights have been removed (common on newer estates — check your original planning consent), or if you're converting a detached garage into separate living accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a garage conversion take?+
An integral single-garage conversion typically takes 3–5 weeks. Detached garages and conversions with an en-suite or kitchenette run 5–8 weeks. We give a written programme before starting.
Will a garage conversion add value to my home?+
Usually, yes — turning dead garage space into a proper room often adds more value than it costs, especially a home office or a downstairs bedroom. The exception is areas where off-street parking is at a premium; there, losing the garage can offset the gain. We'll give you an honest view for your street.
Does the floor really need raising?+
Almost always. Garage floors sit lower than the house and have no damp-proof membrane, so we build up and damp-proof the floor to match internal levels and meet Building Regs. It's a standard part of every conversion.
Living Design & Build is an FMB-member builder in Bridgnorth covering Shropshire and the West Midlands. Book a free site visit for a fixed-price garage conversion quote.