Not every garage is the same, and that matters more than most people expect when they start thinking about a garage conversion. A garage that is built into the house (an integral garage) is a very different job from a separate garage standing in the garden (a detached garage). We get asked about both across Burntwood, Cannock, Lichfield and the wider West Midlands, so here is an honest, plain-English comparison of the two.
What is the difference?
An integral garage sits inside the footprint of your house, usually with a door through to the hall or kitchen and rooms above or beside it. An attached garage is joined to the side of the house. A detached garage stands on its own, often at the end of the drive or down the side of the plot. In practice, integral and attached garages behave very similarly for conversion purposes, so we will group them together here.
Integral and attached garages: the easier route
Converting a garage that is already part of the house is usually the simpler and cheaper project. The heating, electrics and plumbing are close by, the walls and roof are already part of the home’s structure, and the new room opens straight into your existing living space.
- Services are nearby. Extending a radiator circuit or adding sockets is far easier than running new supplies across a garden.
- Planning permission is usually not needed because the work is mostly internal, although some homes have a planning condition that requires the garage or parking to be kept. It is worth checking before you commit.
- It feels like part of the house. With the right insulation and flooring, the new room blends in and is comfortable all year round.
The main jobs are usually blocking up the garage door opening with a properly insulated wall and window, raising the floor level if needed, insulating the walls, floor and roof, and making sure the room is dry and ventilated.
Detached garages: more freedom, more to think about
A detached garage can make a fantastic home office, studio, gym or guest annexe, and because it is separate from the house there is less disruption to family life while the work goes on. But there are extra things to plan for.
- Services have to be brought in. That can mean a new electrical supply cable, water and drainage runs, and heating. Trenching across a garden adds time and cost.
- Planning can be more involved. Using a detached building as a home office or hobby room is often fine, but using it as a bedroom, self-contained annexe or separate dwelling is a different matter and can need planning permission. Rules on outbuildings near boundaries can also apply. Your local council can confirm what applies to you, and our guide to garage conversion planning permission covers the basics.
- Older structures may need more work. Many detached garages have thin single-skin walls, a flat or asbestos-type roof and a basic slab with little or no damp protection. Sometimes a rebuild of part of the structure is the sensible option.
Do both need building regulations?
Yes, in most cases. Turning a garage into a habitable room, whether integral or detached, normally needs Building Regulations approval. That covers insulation, damp proofing, ventilation, fire safety, electrics and structural work. It is separate from planning permission, and it is what gives you the completion certificate you will want when you come to sell. If you would like the detail, see our guide to garage conversion insulation and building regulations.
How do the costs compare?
Every garage is different, so we always prefer to look at it in person before giving a price. As a general rule, an integral or attached garage tends to cost less than a detached one of the same size, because the services are already there and the structure is already part of the house. A detached garage can end up costing more once the new supplies, drainage and any structural upgrades are added in, though a very sound, well-built outbuilding can come out closer than you might think. For typical figures, our garage conversion cost guide is a good starting point, and we will always put the numbers in writing with no hidden costs.
Which one is right for you?
There is no single right answer, but a few questions help:
- Do you want the extra room to feel like part of the main house, such as a playroom, snug or extra bedroom? An integral or attached garage is usually the better fit.
- Do you want somewhere separate to work or relax, away from the noise of the house? A detached garage could be ideal.
- Is the structure in good condition? A solid garage is much cheaper to convert than one that needs rebuilding.
- Is there a planning condition, parking requirement or covenant on your property? Check this early.
Frequently asked questions
Can any detached garage be converted?
Most can, but it depends on the condition of the walls, roof and foundations, and on what you plan to use the space for. We will assess it on a free site visit and tell you honestly if it is worth converting.
Will converting a garage affect my parking?
It can. If your driveway cannot fit the cars you lose from the garage, that is worth thinking about, and some councils attach parking conditions to the original planning permission.
How long does it take?
Many conversions take a few weeks on site, though detached garages that need new services can take a little longer. Our guide on how long a garage conversion takes covers the stages.
Get an honest answer for your garage
Whether yours is built into the house or tucked away at the bottom of the garden, we are happy to take a look and tell you what is realistic. DJF Building is a family-run, Checkatrade-rated firm based in Burntwood, covering Staffordshire and the West Midlands. See all our services, or contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.