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Compared to extensions, garage conversions are relatively quick to complete. The actual time required to convert your garage will depend on:

• The size of the garage

• The condition of the garage

• The complexity of your plans

• Any extra work needed on the foundations

• Whether you’re adding plumbing and electrics

• The materials you plan to use

  So, roughly how long does a garage conversion take? Bearing the above factors in mind, most garage conversions take between 3 and 6 weeks. Read our handy guide for more information and advice about how long garage conversions take.

While extensions eat into your outside space, garage conversions make better use of a space that already exists. This means they are less expensive than paying for a full extension.

To predict the average cost of your garage conversion, consider the following:

• How large your garage is

• The condition of your garage and whether structural changes are needed

• If you plan to add utilities

• Your location

• If you need to replace a current garage door

• What you’ll use the garage for

• The quality of materials you use

• The type of garage conversion e.g. attached, detached or double garage conversion

Garage conversion cost

For a single garage conversion you can expect to pay around £14,500. If your garage is detached however, this will rise to around £20,000. A partial garage conversion can be much cheaper, at around £7,000.

For more prices and considerations, check out our garage conversion cost guide.

While you’ll need to invest a fair amount of funding into your garage conversion, the good news is that a garage conversion increases the value of your home. This means if you decide to sell your property, you’ll likely more than recover your investment. In fact, you could increase the value of your home by 20% with your conversion.

Read our guide titled how much value does a garage conversion add to your house for more information, including the benefits of converting your garage and average prices.

Although it is possible to do a DIY garage conversion, this isn't recommended for anyone without construction experience. A garage conversion requires a wide range of skills, as well as a significant amount of labour. That’s why we’d recommend working with professionals to realise your vision.

If you’re curious how to do a garage conversion, below we’ve summarised the steps involved:

• Planning: Set a budget, if necessary get planning permission, set a schedule of works and look into building regulations.

• Preparation: Decide how you want your conversion to look, get drawings made up, get in touch with tradespeople and source the necessary materials.

• Construction: Add flooring, insulation, put up walls, add a door and if necessary, windows.

• Utilities: Install heating, plumbing and electrics if you plan to use them in your conversion.

• Finishing touches: Decorate the space, bring in furniture and soft furnishings.

If you’d like to learn more about the garage conversion process, please see our guide on how to convert a garage room.

Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?

Usually you won’t need planning permission for your garage conversion as this is classed as permitted development. Having said that, sometimes you’ll need permission for a detached garage conversion. You can find further guidance in our garage conversion cost guide.

Other types of conversions

If a garage conversion isn't the only change you want to make in your home, we have a range of informative conversion cost guides that may help. You can find average prices as well as lots of handy information about these conversions by clicking below:

• Shed conversion cost guide

• Loft conversion cost guide

• Cellar conversion cost guide

• Barn conversion cost guide

If you’re looking to turn your garage into a practical living space, you’ll want to find the right tradesperson for your project. Look for someone with the right qualifications and experience. They should also be happy to guide you through the process and answer your questions.

Once you’re eager to get started, let us help you find garage conversion builders in Orkney. You can try the following options:

Our free search feature allows you to add your postcode and instantly search for local garage conversion builders.

Alternatively, send us the details of your plans through our request a quote feature. We’ll pass the information to three trustworthy garage conversion builders near you, then they’ll contact you with a quote.