So you’ve got a garage. Solid walls, decent roof, bit of draught—but let’s be honest, it’s mostly collecting cobwebs and bikes with flat tyres.
That’s exactly where most of our clients start. Whether you’re after a quiet office, a warm guest room, or just need to stretch your living space without building out, converting your garage is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to a UK home.
Here’s how we approach every garage conversion at Timba—from blank brick shell to fully liveable room.
1. First: Can You Actually Convert It?
Before we even lift a crowbar, we check the legal side. Some properties have covenants (especially new builds) that restrict garage use, so we always look at your deeds and planning status first.
In most cases, garage conversions fall under Permitted Development—no full planning needed, as long as we’re not altering the structure or roof. But if you’re in a conservation area, a flat, or have used your PD rights already, we’ll guide you through the full planning route.
Bottom line? Don’t skip this step. It saves headaches later.
2. Get Building Control Involved Early
Even if you don’t need planning permission, Building Regulations still apply. That means insulation, ventilation, structure, fire safety—every detail matters if you want the job signed off properly (and to avoid problems when you sell).
We notify Building Control right at the start. That way, we can schedule inspections at key stages—floor insulation, stud framing, fire barriers—so nothing gets missed.
3. Let’s Talk Floor, Walls & Warmth
Garages aren’t made to be lived in. Cold concrete slab, maybe a single brick skin, no insulation at all. So we start by building from the inside out:
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Floor: We raise the slab using foil-backed PIR insulation and chipboard. That cuts off ground chill and brings the level flush with the rest of the house.
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Walls: If they’re single-skin brick, we build an independent timber stud with 100mm insulation, leaving a 25mm air gap to avoid moisture problems.
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Roof: We friction-fit insulation between rafters, and sometimes below too (depending on head height) to meet UK thermal standards.
Basically, the whole shell gets wrapped to feel like part of the house—not like you’re sitting in the garage next to a toolbox.
4. Plan Electrics, Heating & Plumbing Now (Not Later)
Before the plasterboard goes up, we run everything:
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Sockets go where you actually need them (not where the garage light used to be).
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Radiators or underfloor heating get piped in depending on the layout.
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Water or waste? If you’re adding a loo or utility sink, we’ll work out the waste run early—even if it means adding a macerator.
Futureproofing matters. Even if you’re not fitting a bathroom now, we always think about what the space might need in 5 years’ time.
5. Keep It Compliant, Keep It Sellable
A great garage conversion adds value—but only if it’s done properly. That means:
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Fire-safe partition if part of the garage remains storage.
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Trickle vents for airflow.
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Minimum ceiling heights over 2.1m.
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U-values that hit Part L requirements.
We handle all that. We also photograph each layer of the build—so you’ve got proof for Building Control and future buyers.
6. What Does It Cost?
Every garage is different, but here’s a rough guide for 2025:
| Conversion Size | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single (18 m²) | £6,000 – £15,000 |
| Double (30–36 m²) | £12,000 – £30,000 |
The wide range depends on whether you’re adding bathrooms, bespoke joinery, or simply want a warm room with clean finishes.
So, What’s the Payoff?
A garage conversion won’t just give you more space—it can seriously boost resale value. In most parts of the UK, you’re looking at a 10–20% increase in property value, especially if you create a usable bedroom or office.
No digging foundations. No steel beams. Just smart use of what’s already there.
Thinking of Converting Your Garage?
At Timbaglobal Ltd, we’ve turned garages into guest rooms, studios, gyms, playrooms—you name it. Every build is custom. Every step is fully signed off.
Ready to reclaim your square footage?
Let’s make your garage liveable.
