Turn unused garage space into living space.
An integral or attached garage is often the easiest way to add a proper additional room without extending. We convert garages into snugs, home offices, gyms, utility rooms and playrooms — as well as handling wider internal alterations to reshape how your home works.
Scope of work
Every project is scoped individually, but here's what a typical garage conversions & alterations project with ADB SW covers.
- Full garage conversions — insulated, heated & finished
- Structural alterations — removing internal walls
- New openings, RSJs & lintels
- Reconfiguration of layouts
- Full plastering, flooring & decoration
What is a garage conversion?
A garage conversion adapts an existing garage into usable internal space, such as an office, snug, gym, utility room or playroom. Unlike an extension, it makes use of the existing footprint, but that does not mean the space is automatically ready to live in. The floor, walls, roof, openings and services need to be assessed so the finished room performs appropriately as part of the home.
The scope may include managing damp, improving insulation, heating and electrics, altering an opening, plastering, flooring and decoration. The garage's current construction and its connection to the house influence what is needed. Integral and attached garages can present different practical considerations; a feasibility check should establish floor levels, existing walls, structure and service routes before the specification is confirmed.
Flooring, warmth and cost considerations
Garage floors may sit at a different level from the house and may not have the same insulation or damp protection. The right build-up depends on the existing slab, moisture conditions, available height and the required finished level. These checks influence thresholds, door clearances and how the new room connects to adjoining spaces. Flooring should be selected after the underlying floor requirements are understood, rather than treating the visible finish as the whole solution.
A cold conversion can result when insulation, ventilation, damp management and heating are not considered together. The construction needs to be assessed and detailed for the actual garage, including the walls, roof and floor. A site visit can identify the work needed; the design and specification should explain how the converted room will be made comfortable and how building control requirements are addressed.
A look at similar projects
A clear, considered process
Feasibility check
We look at floor level, existing walls, insulation and services to plan the conversion properly.
Structural plan
Any structural changes coordinated with an engineer where required.
Build & fit-out
Insulation, damp management, heating, electrics, plastering and finish all managed end to end.
"Tony and his team did a fantastic job on our new kitchen build. The quality of the finish is excellent, and the space has been transformed exactly as we hoped. They were professional, friendly, and easy to work with throughout the project. We're really pleased with the result and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable construction team."
Common questions
Can't see your question? Give us a call and we'll answer honestly.
Do garage conversions need planning permission?+
Many don't, but it depends on your property and local rules. We'll advise honestly at the site visit.
Can you remove internal walls to open up rooms?+
Yes — this is a common alteration. We coordinate a structural engineer where an RSJ is needed.
What is a garage conversion?+
It is the adaptation of an existing garage into usable room space within the home, with the necessary work to its structure, insulation, services and finishes defined for the property and intended use.
Will a converted garage be cold?+
It should be assessed as a building space, not assumed to have the same performance as the house. Insulation, damp management, ventilation, heating and construction details all affect comfort.
What flooring can be used in a garage conversion?+
The finish depends on the existing slab, moisture, floor level and required build-up. Assess these conditions first, then select a suitable floor finish as part of the overall specification.
Can I call a garage conversion an ADU in the UK?+
ADU is not the usual UK term for this work. It is clearer to describe it as a garage conversion or converted living space; whether it can function as a separate dwelling depends on separate requirements and should not be assumed.
What affects the cost of a garage conversion?+
Condition, floor levels, damp and insulation work, structural changes, openings, electrical and heating services, and finishes affect scope and cost. A feasibility check and written project-specific quote clarify what is required.
Tell us about your garage conversions & alterations project.
The more you can share, the more useful our first conversation will be. Include drawings if you have them.
Guides for garage conversions & alterations
Browse the guides library →- Garage conversion costsWhy floor, wall and door upgrades drive garage conversion pricing.
- Garage vs extensionWhether to convert your existing garage or build a new extension instead.
- Ground floor constructionHow suspended timber, beam and block, and solid concrete ground floors compare for South Devon sites.
- Annexes & garden roomsHow to decide between a garden room and a full annexe, and what foundations each needs.
- Garage conversion approvalsWhen a garage conversion needs planning permission, what building regulations cover and how approval works.
- Garage conversion ideasBedroom, office, kitchen, bathroom or annexe: what each garage conversion idea needs.