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Global Insight Network

How much will a garage conversion cost?

Author

Michael King

Updated on May 01, 2026

Just be sure you get professional Auckland Builders and renovators help and do the job right. How much does a garage conversion cost? A garage conversion can cost from $30,000 upwards, with higher end conversions over $120,000.

Also asked, does a garage conversion add value?

A garage conversion could add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home, while you'll gain valuable extra living space that's less prone to planning complications. So if the cost of the project is less than the extra value added to your property, this works out as a cost-effective way to add more space.

Additionally, how much does it cost to convert a single garage into a room? Turning your garage into a family room can average anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on whether you need to add a window or door. By law, your family room needs at least one window big enough to use as an emergency exit.

Likewise, do you need planning permission to turn a garage into a room?

Planning permission is not usually required to convert your garage into additional living space for your home, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building. A condition attached to a planning permission may also require that the garage remain as a parking space.

How long does a garage conversion take?

5 Answers from MyBuilder Conversion Specialists

Anything between 2 and 4 weeks. 2 being a basic insulated,plastered room with a screed floor,bricked up front and window inserted,small knock through and usual electrics,2nd fix etc.

Related Question Answers

Is converting a garage a good idea?

One of the best things about converting your garage is that you get extra space to work with in a way that's relatively fast, unobtrusive, and inexpensive. But the good news is that converting a garage is still faster and much less expensive than buying a new home or building an addition on your home would be.

Will my house lose value if I convert the garage?

No value gain: A garage conversion rarely will increase the property value. Many buyers place a premium on a protected parking space, and this is lost with a garage conversion.

Do you need architect drawings for a garage conversion?

Other garage conversions will require Full Planning Permission. It is important to note that regardless of whether or not your garage conversion requires planning permission or not, you will definitely need to submit scaled architectural drawings to your local authority.

What's worth more garage or extra room?

We've found that most people value a garage more than an additional bedroom. The need for extra storage space along with the reality that most conversions aren't done very well leaves us converting about 90% back to garages.

How much does it cost to turn a 2 car garage into a room?

A garage can be turned into a simple bedroom or living space for as little as $5,000, but if you require plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen, the project can cost closer to $25,000.

Is it legal to convert a garage into a bedroom?

Yes, your garage conversion can most definitely become a living space! To legally do this you must convert a garage by turning it into either a guest quarter or an accessory dwelling unit. A guest quarter is a living space that has a bathroom and a wet bar, but no kitchen.

Does a finished garage count as square footage?

Garage space is not included in square footage, and many standards do not count basements (even if they're finished) in overall square footage. You could list it as 3,300 square feet with 1,000 square feet of unfinished basement and a 600-foot garage.

How important is a garage when selling a house?

A good-looking garage is worth its weight in gold, and can be a strong selling point. In fact, a recent realtor.com® survey found that 32% of home buyers say the garage is one of the most important rooms in a house!

Can I put a toilet in my garage?

You can put a toilet in your garage but will almost always need a permit to begin work. There are guidelines for how large the room is and how much space is around the toilet that must be followed. You'll also need to consider the cost of of any structural changes needed to add the plumbing.

Can I live in my garage?

Answer: A garage is not a “habitable” area and therefore, in all likelihood, the tenants are in breach of planning instruments, zoning etc., of local council. A garage is not a “habitable” area and therefore, in all likelihood, the tenants are in breach of planning instruments, zoning etc., of local council.

Can I convert half of my garage?

There are a number of benefits in choosing a garage conversion as a way to extend your home, the main one being that it's fairly cheap to do. If you're lucky and have a double garage, you can even convert half the space, keeping somewhere to park your car but still benefiting from a new room.

Can I build above my garage?

Building over an existing garage can be a great way to gain an extra bedroom or master suite, a study or guest bedroom. Building on top of an existing structure can mean you have to make some compromises in the design as you will be working to an existing footprint.

How do I temporarily turn my garage into a room?

There is no way to temporarily transform a garage into a habitable living area. The space will never be weather-tight, properly insulated and heated in winter, and would require new windows for ventilation and a host of other improvements.

How much does it cost to insulate and drywall a garage?

Sebring estimates it costs about 50 cents to $1.25 per square foot to insulate a garage. This means insulating a two-car garage would cost about $338 - $845.

How much does it cost to drywall a two car garage?

Installing drywall in a garage ranges from $1,200 to $5,100, depending on the size of the garage. Contractors often use thicker or fire-resistant panels for this space, which cost up to 50% more than the average.

Cost to Drywall a Garage.

Number of Cars Price
2 $1,400 - $4,200
3 $1,700 - $5,100

How can I enclose my garage without removing the door?

Add a Wall

If your garage is large enough, you may want to consider building a wall a few feet from the garage door. This will allow you to keep the garage door on the outside while adding more insulation and soundproofing to the converted room.

How much does it cost to build a 24x24 garage?

The cost for a 24x24 Two Car Garage ranges from around $13,500 for a Standard Garage with SmartSiding to around $30,900 for a Legacy Two Story Detached Garage with clapboard siding.

How do you finance a garage conversion?

How to finance your new garage
  1. Savings. One of the best ways to finance most home improvement projects is to pay out of pocket.
  2. Garage loans. Some lenders offer dedicated garage loans, and some builders or suppliers also offer financing.
  3. Personal loans.
  4. Home equity loans.

How long does it take to convert a garage into a bedroom?

around 4-6 weeks