How we work

What to expect from our garage conversion services

At Lexden, we employ a team of specialist contractors in-house, so we have access to all the skills and expertise we need to complete your garage conversion to exacting standards.

Here’s what you can expect from the process, and more information on some of the challenges we may face during your project.

Securing the right permissions and approvals

Because most properties have permitted development rights, it’s likely that you won’t need to apply for planning permission for your new conversion. However, you will need to secure building control approval, as you’re turning a storage area into a habitable space.

Building control inspectors will visit your property at various stages throughout the project to make sure the garage door has been removed correctly; suitable insulation has been added to the ceiling, walls and floor; and any new brickwork, windows or electrical works have been supplied with their relevant safety certificates. You don’t need to worry about providing these consultants with everything they need, though. We’ll liaise with them on your behalf to manage all the paperwork, pay the relevant fees, and get the go-ahead from your local authority.

So, to recap, our team will support you through the garage conversion process by:

Liaising with your local borough council and other authorities on your behalf

Arranging planning permission where required

Specifying and arranging building control fees

Arranging steel calculations

Calculating the costs for all works

Arranging appropriate safety certificates

They will make sure your conversion:

Is structurally sound
Has a suitable damp course
Has been fully moisture-proofed
Has energy efficient wall, floor and loft insulation
Contains safe electrics
Is suitably ventilated
Meets fire regulations

KIND WORDS - See what our customers have to say about our service

Read our testimonials

Other things you might need to consider

MAINTAINING STORAGE SPACE & HIDING PIPEWORK

It’s likely that your garage already holds electric meters, existing boilers, and masses of piping. We can box these features in to hide them from view and deliver a cleaner, slicker look to your interior. If you want us to, we can incorporate plenty of storage into your designs, so you don’t lose valuable space.

RAISING YOUR
CEILING

To ensure your conversion is carried out according to current building regulations, you may need to raise the height of your ceiling. It must be between 2.2m and 2.4m away from the finished floor level. The shape and construction of your roof could have a bearing on what needs to be done to achieve the right specifications. Speak with your consultant for advice and guidance.

ADDRESSING YOUR
FLOORING

We recommend that the level of your floor is consistent throughout the existing building and your new conversion, without the need for a step. You’ll need to work with your consultant to achieve a ‘u’ value that’s suitable for habitable floors. Depending on the nature of your conversion – and other factors like the age and style of your property – you may need to look into damp-proofing and insulating your floors, too.

INFILLING YOUR GARAGE
DOOR

Most of the time, your builders will simply brick up your existing garage door to create a completely enclosed space. In some cases, you may want to retain the opening but change the door or its features so it’s more in keeping with your design. Your consultant will be able to discuss your options with you in more detail.

INSTRUCTING A
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

If you are going to create an opening that’s over 2.5m long, you may need to install a steam beam from the main property through to the conversion. In this case, you may need to enlist the help of a structural engineer, who will provide calculations to make sure the knock through is structurally sound.

INSTALLING OR ADJUSTING YOUR HEATING & ELECTRICS

The services in your garage might not be fit for its new purpose. We can advise on the works that will need to be carried out to ensure these systems support your design. This may include rewiring the space, inspecting existing circuits, extending your central heating network, installing underfloor heating, or cleaning/power flushing old or underperforming pipework.

COULD IT MAKE MORE SENSE TO START AGAIN?

It doesn’t happen often – but occasionally, we come across garages that they can’t be salvaged. If the walls, floor or roof are
irreparable, it may be cheaper to demolish this part of your building and create a new structure.

Check out our work

Standard Conversion Specs

Garage conversion diagram From fitting additional light switches to installing kitchens, bathrooms and custom workspaces, we’ll do whatever we can to develop your dream conversion.

The specs always vary from project to project, but here’s an example of the fittings and fixtures that might be included at the interior second fix stage:

4 double plug sockets
1 light switch
6 LED down lights
1 pendant light
1 uPVC window to your design, with trickle vents approximate size 1350mm x 1200mm
1 window board
1 single convector radiator, approximate size 1400mm x 450mm or Haverland electric oil-filled radiator
Skirting and architrave

How much will your garage conversions cost

The cost of your conversion will depend on a range of factors. For example, if planning permission is required, you will need to set aside funds to cover the fees and labour involved in getting through the planning process. Structural changes, additional plumbing and extra utilities will all drive up the price, too.

As a general rule, you can expect your single garage conversion to come in at around £750 plus vat per square metre. Most builders and architects would put the total price of a standard garage conversion at between £9,000 to £12,000 plus vat, depending on specification.

What our clients say...

I have engaged Lexden Builders a few times now, firstly for a garage conversion and then subsequently for a rebuild of two bathrooms. On every occasion, the work is carried out in such a professional manner. The team are really friendly, and Steve drops in on occasion to check on how the work is progressing. Steve comes round to the house to review what is needed, agrees an amount for the work and then provides dates. I have never known a job to move from the original date; it starts and finishes on time every time. When the work is carried out, everything is kept tidy and a clean-up is completed at the end of each day. They have regular suppliers that they use, provide brochures, set up appointments to go and select the items you want and then they take care of the rest. Some builders I have used in the past, the pricing changes as the job progresses, but with Lexden Builders the pricing is very transparent and rarely moves, only if you upgrade what you are asking for and even then you get options to choose from. At the end of the job, they walk you round to check that you are happy with everything too. To date I have never found a snag post completion of the job.

I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone looking for work to be completed. My neighbours seem to be booking them for work too as they can see great results. If you are looking for a builder that is reasonably priced but complete everything to a really high standard, on time and takes care of everything, this is the builder for you.
Mr & Mrs Bryant - Garage Conversion, Downstairs Toilet & Upstairs Bathroom – Location: Highwoods, Colchester, Essex
From the first day we contacted Lexden Builders, it was clear how easy it was going to be to work with them and what an excellent outcome we would have. Their level of attention to detail was evident in the planning and at all stages of the work.

When the work was complete, it was truly complete, with care taken to ensure aspects outside of the original scope were also left in the best condition possible. They were always tidy, polite, hardworking, perfectionists! and a delight to have working around the home.

We now have a beautiful garage conversion and outdoor areas. They managed the entire project, making all the additional aspects like flooring, decorating, kitchen, bathroom really simple to organise.

We have already, and will continue to highly recommend Lexden Builders. Thank you!
Steph - Double Garage Conversion to a One Bedroom Annexe – Location: Lexden, Colchester, Essex
Right from the initial quote Steve was clear and knew exactly what needed to be done and from day 1 of the build the guys were great, respectful, tidy, even when asking for additional work they fitted it in. Dealt with building controls right from day 1, this was a completely stress-free build. Quality of build is better than we could of imagined and the additional room has changed the way we use our house. Now looking forward to be able to call upon Steve and the rest of the team when we are ready for the larger extension.
Mr & Mrs Howells - Garage Conversion – Location: Witham, Essex
Really quick response to my enquiry, Steve came round to look at our very sad looking garage and listened to our ideas for a utility/ storage space. From there on, he took it all in hand with an easy to understand quote, architect, planning and suppliers to go and look at for ideas. Throughout the building phase, we were really impressed with the tidy way the team worked, with regular drop ins and contact from Steve. It really felt that everyone knew exactly what was going on.

A really lovely functional space is what we we given and it’s a joy to be in, no glitches and everything is in fact better than we had asked for including the purpose built cupboards which are a joy!
Heidi - Garage Conversion – Location: Colchester, Essex
I highly recommend Steve and his team. They made what was for us, a step into the unknown, a stress free process. The team were able to complete the build in the estimated time. There was activity on most days on site by one trade or another, meaning there was steady progress throughout. The team were professional, experienced, knowledgeable, highly skilled, polite and very tidy. Where there was the inevitable hiccup, Steve was able to explain and guide me through what needed to be done. Our project had complexities which Steve and his team overcame with minimal fuss. They understood our vison and delivered far more than we expected. This is the first time we have ever undertaken home improvements of this size. I gathered numerous quotes from builders who varied in experience and price. Steve’s quote was competitive and realistic. I found him a personable character and very easy to communicate with.

If I consider improvements to our house or others in the future, I would without hesitation call Lexden builders.
Del & Hazel - Garage Conversion & Linked Extension – Location: Colchester, Essex

Get free quotes and advice

Contact our team for expert guidance and free, no-obligation estimates.

Tel: 01206 577591 or Mobile: 07990 836008