What is the cheapest way to turn a garage into a room?

Author: Stephan Rodriguez  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

Typically, the cheapest type of garage conversion will just involve blocking up the garage doors and finishing out the walls, floors, and ceiling with insulation, drywall, carpet, or other flooring material. Think of a bonus room, family room, playroom, game room, or man cave.

How much does it cost to convert a garage into a room?

A single-garage conversion cost is around £7,000 – £20,000. Double garages, while significantly more expensive, offer better flexibility in terms of design and the potential for larger, more complex living areas. A double-garage conversion costs around £15,000 – £55,000, depending on whether it is attached or detached.

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.

How to convert a garage on a budget?

10 cost-effective garage conversion ideas – Real Examples
  1. Be sensible about your build limits. ...
  2. Build above an old garage. ...
  3. New window styles make the biggest impact. ...
  4. Make space for your hobby or side hustle. ...
  5. Create a whole separate room. ...
  6. A kitchen makes for the perfect garage conversion project.

What is the cheapest option for a garage?

Pole Buildings/Garage

One of the quickest and least expensive ways to get a garage up and running is to erect a pole-style post frame construction. Many refer to these pole style building, as post-frame buildings or pole barns because they believe they are superior than traditional stick-built garages.

The Cheap House You Can Build In Your Own Backyard

What is the cheapest way to convert a garage into a bedroom?

Typically, the cheapest type of garage conversion will just involve blocking up the garage doors and finishing out the walls, floors, and ceiling with insulation, drywall, carpet, or other flooring material.

What are the cheapest walls for a garage?

Drywall is a common, budget-friendly option for garage walls despite its durability concerns. Metal panels, plywood, OSB, and backer boards offer cost-effective alternatives for garage wall finishing. Organising a cluttered garage enhances safety, efficiency, and time management.

Can I legally convert my garage into a room?

Since California has passed the new ADU laws this year, usable rooms like garage conversions can be used as a source of passive income. Even if you're only planning on converting the garage to an additional bedroom or home office, permits will be needed for residential construction.

What is the best flooring for a converted garage?

As general advice, if you're planning on using the converted garage solely to work in, ceramic tiles are a good way to go. They're easy to maintain, durable, and are great for underfloor heating. Flooring for garage conversions that require a dual purpose, we'd suggest either floor tiles or vinyl flooring.

Is it worth converting a garage into a room?

Does Converting a Garage Add Value to Your Home? As long as you complete your garage conversion properly, it will add value to your home. The value itself depends on how seamless the conversion is and the type of room you build. Typically, you can expect to recoup about 80% of the project cost.

Is it legal to build a room in a garage?

Discover What Statewide Legislation Has to Say About Garage Living. Due to the housing crisis, California now allows homeowners to convert their garages to a living space. Living in a garage in California is only legal if the garage has been converted to a habitable space through the proper channels.

How long does a garage conversion take?

On average, a garage conversion takes as little as 4-6 weeks. Compare this to a loft conversion (8-10 weeks) or rear extension (10-14 weeks) and you can appreciate why homeowners love how quickly this project can be turned around.

Do I need permission to brick up my garage door?

Generally speaking, planning permission is not needed to brick up a garage door if the work is internal and doesn't involve enlarging the house. However, if your home is listed, if you live in a conservation area, or you're converting the garage into a separate house, you will need planning permission.

Can I convert my garage into a room myself?

Alternatively, if you only have a small budget and are a skilled DIY-er, another option is to plan and build the garage conversion yourself. Just be aware that your work will be checked by a building control inspector and any work that doesn't comply with building regulations will have to be redone at your expense.

How do I insulate my garage?

To insulate garage walls:
  1. Use a hammer and a screwdriver to remove screws and hooks from the walls.
  2. Remove the wall covering, if any. ...
  3. Check your walls for holes, cracks and gaps.
  4. Cover the area with a sealant.
  5. Let the sealant dry before starting the installation process.
  6. Apply the insulation of your choice.

How much does it cost to add a bedroom to a garage?

Bedroom: The cost to convert a garage to a bedroom can range from $12,000 to $25,000, depending on the amount of electrical and/or plumbing work required. Replacing your garage door with a wall for privacy will increase the costs.

What is the cheapest way to cover a garage floor?

One of the most affordable garage floor ideas is concrete paint, which is, essentially, a tougher version of interior wall paint for your home. Highly susceptible to damage from road salts and other chemicals, floor paint is not as tough as the other options on this list. It is, however, the least expensive by far.

What is a converted garage called?

Yes, if you own a single-family home anywhere in California with residential zoning you can build a Garage Conversion ADU. Each city and county have slightly different requirements for converting your garage into an ADU.

Should I convert garage floor or walls first?

Starting with the flooring is also important as you'll want to ensure you have a solid foundation before moving onto the walls and ceiling. Here at West Yorkshire Garage Conversions, we've done countless conversions. So trust us, when we say, we know how important flooring is in your garage conversions.

Do you need a permit to insulate a garage?

When building a new structure, obtaining a building permit for insulation is almost always necessary. This is part of a broader requirement where permits are needed for various aspects of construction, including excavation, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishing.

How many square feet is a 2 car garage?

The average sized 2 car garage's square footage usually ranges from 400 (20×20), 576(24×24), and 720 (24×30) square feet.

Do you need planning permission to put a toilet and shower in a garage?

If you're converting a non-residential space, like a loft or garage, into a bathroom, planning permission might be required. This is because you're changing the use of the space, which could impact the overall property.

What is the most affordable garage?

As stated above, post-frame construction is one of the most cost-effective building methods for garages. Although you can probably find garage kits at similar prices, they don't always provide the quality and customizable properties you need.

Can I use plywood instead of drywall in my garage?

The structure of plywood is stronger than drywall, making it suitable for utility areas like laundry rooms and garages. To improve the visual appeal of plywood walls, you can use varnish or sealer, stain or paint, or decorative accents.

Is drywall the cheapest wall covering?

The price of wall paneling usually depends on the quality. The more thickness vinyl panels possess, the higher the price would be. When you compare the price of vinyl wall paneling with drywall, you will come to know that the cost of wall paneling is higher than the drywall.

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