Claire Pigeon

One of the first questions most people ask us is how long will a garage conversion take? For a straightforward single conversion we would expect to be complete within 2 weeks. For a double garage or something slightly more complex e.g. a bathroom or kitchen we would usually be finished within 3-4 weeks.

Because we specialise in just garage conversions we are quick and efficient. We’ve converted over 200 garages in our time and our team are like a well-oiled machine. All the tradesmen have been working with us for many years and operate to the highest standards.

We survey and prepare everything in advance including the brick match, so on day one we we hit the ground running. You can expect a huge transformation by the end of the first week and by then you’ll be able to see it taking shape. When we finish at the end of week two you’ll only have the carpet to put down and the walls to paint, everything else is done.

We only do one job at a time, we don’t try to run multiple sites, so you’ll have our full attention while we’re converting your garage. Our director, Scott, will be onsite every day project managing, which means that we finish quickly and efficiently and the job doesn’t drag on.

It is this unique combination of experience, logistics and expertise that enables us to work to such a short timescale. This means less disruption for you and your home could be transformed in a matter of weeks.

To understand our process fully please see our Converting Your Garage page.

Here are our top 5 reasons to convert your garage. There’s plenty more of course and we’re always happy to discuss your project further and answer any questions you may have. See our FAQ page for more details.

1. The footprint is already there. You don’t have to take up precious garden space, consult the neighbours or go through planning permission (usually). You already have the floorspace and this saves plenty of time, money and energy.
2. It will more than pay for itself. On average, a garage conversion adds far more value than it costs. According to Real Homes a garage conversion could add up to 20% of the value of your home. Not only do you get to enjoy all the extra space but you can significantly increase the value of your home.
3. It will look seamless. The layout already exists so we’re not trying to tag something on or find a way for an extension to look unobtrusive. With the right contractor you will never know there was a garage there. We tooth out the bricks (remove every other one so there’s no ‘seam’), match them perfectly and custom build your window to match too. Therefore the house looks as though it was always built that way.
4. You can be flexible. If you still need some utility space, or want a bit of storage at the back you can split the garage into more than one room. Many people opt for a living area at the front with a new window but keep a little room at the back for their old garage storage.
5. You won’t lose any natural light, in fact most people gain some. With an extension you usually have to lose a window or two to accommodate the new space. A garage conversion uses the existing space but we usually put in a full size window across the front, opening up your home to more, not less, natural light.

One of the most confusing aspects for our clients is building control. Thankfully we take of everything, from the initial application, booking the inspections, liaising with the officer and ensuring you receive your certification at the end of the project.

However, many people still want to understand what it’s all about so here’s our top 5 building control facts:

1. If your work entails any structural change (e.g. removal of load bearing walls), electrical wiring, installation of heating appliances, work which needs to meet fire safety regulations (e.g. escape routes), plumbing or ventilation then building control will be required. This covers almost all garage conversions.
2. Building control certificates will be requested if you later sell your home so don’t employ a contractor who says you don’t need to go through building control. Retrospective building control certificates can be issued but this will not be without extensive remedial work to uncover what’s been done and make any appropriate changes.
3. The homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring building control certification is received. This is normally delegated to your contractor but don’t be afraid to ask for details of the initial notice, inspection reports and always make sure you receive the final certificate at the end.
4. Planning permission and building control are not the same thing. They are entirely different. Planning permission is concerned with controlling the way in which areas are developed. Building control ensures the safety, environmental impact and control of how a building or renovation is built.
5. Approved building control companies (which are our preferred choice of provider) are a perfectly legal and legitimate route for building control. They are authorised to issue the certificates and undertake all the work on behalf of your local council. We prefer to use them as they are experts in building control, given that’s their sole line of business. It is a highly regulated field and you can be assured anyone licensed to issue certificates is held to extremely high competency standards.

We’ve been converting garages for a long time so we know a thing or two by now. The most common garage conversion mistakes are completely avoidable. If you employ and expert you’ll make sure you don’t fall into these traps.

These are our top 5 most common garage conversion mistakes

1. Make sure you know if you need building control. You almost always will. Any quality builder will take care of this for you but be very careful if someone tells you you don’t need it. If you’re changing your garage into habitable space then you will need to meet building control regulations. This is usually all included in the quote and a good quality builder will have their own strong relationships with the local building control officers. You should expect periodic inspections and to receive a building control certificate at the end of your project.
2. Don’t scrimp on insulation. Most garages have at least 2 or 3 external walls which make them susceptible to being cold. Building regulations will specify a high level of insulation anyway (and all builders should be complying) but if it’s recommended to increase this then take the advice. The upfront cost of the insulation will be paid for quickly with lower heating bills. It’s much harder to add additional insulation at a later date than whilst the build is taking place.
3. Don’t underestimate the cost. Your contractors should include all the costs in their quote including VAT, building control certification, all materials and labour in a clear and open fashion. Short quotes, with very little details should ring alarm bells. The quote usually forms the basis of the contract so it’s a very important document. You should be clear on exactly what is included and what isn’t. If you have any queries your contractor should clear them all up with you before beginning the job. A quote that is significantly lower than others is cause for alarm. See this independent information on average garage conversion prices (https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/costs/garage-conversion-cost). If a contractor is quoting less than the costs of materials and labour for a fully compliant job then they’re cutting corners somewhere. Check reviews and testimonials such as Which? Trusted Traders (https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/businesses/midland-garage-conversions-midlands-ltd/#reviews) and the contractors own testimonial page (https://midlandgarageconversions.co.uk/garage-conversion-testimonials/)
4. Don’t think you can do it yourself. There’s a lot more involved than many people think and it’s not a job for the DIYers or friends and family. There are building regulations to meet, health and safety issues, wiring, plumbing, plastering and drainage. There will usually be work that can only be undertaken by a qualified person such as the wiring and gas works. You will end up spending more and taking many times longer than getting an expert in.
5. Think carefully about what you want – don’t rush your decision and explore your options. You need to work out why you need the extra space and how to best achieve that. You may want to add a small ensuite to an extra bedroom or knock through the walls to create an open plan kitchen. Whatever your ideas are, you should discuss these in detail with your contractor. They should have plenty to offer in terms of ideas and experience.

When looking for more space in your home, one of the key considerations is ‘Will I add value?’ Nobody wants to throw away money, so it’s important to make sure your investment pays for itself. The key is to look at garage conversion costs compared to the costs of other options. Then find the added value, subtract the cost and see which makes the most profit.

The options for more space are:

Moving home

An extension

A garage conversion

As a quick comparison, the average costs involved in moving home in the UK in 2021 are around £9000. This includes stamp duty, surveyors, conveyancing, valuation fees, estate agents fees, EPC, removal company and post redirection (source https://www.comparemymove.com/house-removals/cost-of-moving-house-calculator)

On top of these costs (which you won’t see any benefit from) you then pay for the extra square metres on the value of your new home which is, on average, around £3000 per square metre (source Which? https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/03/house-prices-average-3000-per-square-metre-where-to-find-the-best-value-for-money/)

An extension on average costs between £250 and £2000 per square metre (source https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/garage-conversion-cost/) and you lose valuable garden space to accommodate it. You also need to bear in mind the upheaval as the house is knocked through and the potential planning permission requirements.

In contrast, an average garage conversion costs between £500 and £1200 per square metre with no planning, no loss of outside space and no hassle of moving home. The disruption is also minimal as we do all the work separately from the house and break through the doorway in one go with very little mess or disruption.

The average garage conversion adds between 10 and 20% value to your home, so the return on investment is excellent. If the average cost for a garage conversion is £13000 and the average home costs £250000 then you’re looking to add between £25000 and £50000 to the value of your home with a £13000 investment. Compared to the other options for adding space it’s by far and away the most cost efficient.

We are pleased to have been approved for the government endorsed quality scheme TrustMark for work in domestic homes.

In order to become a TrustMark Registered Business, we have been thoroughly vetted to meet required standards, including a considerable commitment to good customer service, technical competence and trading practices.

You can find out more about the TrustMark scheme here