Garage conversions in Shirley

Garage conversions in Shirley: approvals and local details

Converting a garage in Shirley usually doesn't need planning permission if the work is internal and doesn't enlarge the building. Some newer estates have conditions that remove those rights, so check your planning history with Solihull Council. Building Regulations approval is always needed.

Every new habitable room needs an openable window for purge ventilation plus trickle vents or similar background ventilation.
The footing under the old garage door is often shallow, and building control may ask for a new foundation beneath the infill wall.
Pumped or macerator WCs are only allowed where the house also has a toilet draining to a gravity drainage system.

Postcode district: B90
Planning and building control: Solihull Council
From our West Bromwich base: 10 miles

Choices to weigh up in Shirley

Utility and downstairs WC

Moving the washing machine, dryer and coats into a converted garage frees up the kitchen and hallway. Adding a WC alongside makes the space more useful still. Plumbing runs are short when the garage backs onto the kitchen, and this is often one of the more affordable layouts to build.

Full conversion to a living room or study

The whole garage becomes one room: the door opening is bricked up with a matching window, the floor is raised to meet the house, and walls and ceiling are insulated and plastered. A new doorway from the hall or kitchen usually replaces the old side door, so the room feels like part of the house rather than an add-on.

Garage conversions prices in Shirley

Expect to budget between £7,500 and £40,000 depending on size and specification in Shirley. A single integral garage converted into a study or playroom: typically £13,500–£18,000.

Guide prices for garage conversions
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Partial conversion with front store kept	£7,500 – £12,000	Utility, gym or office behind a new insulated door
Single integral or attached garage	£12,000 – £20,000	Suits a study, playroom or snug
Double, detached, or with a shower room	£20,000 – £40,000	More floor, drainage or roof work involved

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Your questions answered

How much does a garage conversion cost?

In the West Midlands, most garage conversions cost between £7,500 and £40,000, including VAT where it applies. A single integral garage turned into a study or playroom typically costs £13,500–£18,000, finished ready for decorating. Adding a shower room, converting a double or detached garage, or moving meters adds to the price. After the free survey you get a fixed price for the agreed specification.

Which postcodes in Shirley do you work in?

We cover B90 and the streets around them. If you're on the edge of Shirley, neighbouring Hall Green and Olton are covered too.

What do I need to sort out before work starts?

Clear the garage, find a home for anything stored there, and look out your deeds and any planning documents for the house. If you're on a newer estate, we'll check whether permitted development rights were removed. Think about how you'll use the room, as a bedroom, an office or a utility each need different sockets, heating and ventilation.

Who approves garage conversions in Shirley?

Not usually for planning, unless a condition on your estate removes permitted development rights — Solihull Council can confirm. Building Regulations approval is always needed for a garage conversion.

Nearby places we cover

Other home improvements in Shirley

Tell us what you'd like the garage to become, and we'll come out, measure up and price it, free and without obligation.