Builders in Crawley
Crawley's planned neighbourhoods are full of terraced and semi detached houses that can often gain space through the garage or the roof. We connect homeowners with up to 3 checked local builders for free, no obligation quotes.
Crawley homes and the space they hide
Crawley was designated a new town after the Second World War, and much of its housing was built in planned neighbourhoods from the 1950s onwards. As a result, many streets are lined with terraced and semi detached family houses, often with modest gardens and an attached or integral garage. Later neighbourhoods such as Maidenbower and Forge Wood added more recent homes, while some older buildings survive from before the new town was built.
Where gardens are small, homeowners often look first at the space they already have. A garage that is used for storage, or a loft that holds little more than boxes, can become a bedroom, a home office or a playroom without giving up outdoor space. Both projects are usually quicker than an extension, although they still need careful design and building regulations approval.
Garage conversion costs in Crawley
No source gives prices for Crawley itself, so the figures below are national guide prices from Checkatrade. They are based on a 16m² conversion, which Checkatrade says typically takes two to four weeks.
| Garage type | Typical range | Average | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integral garage | £10,000 to £14,000 | £12,000 | Checkatrade |
| Attached garage | £10,000 to £20,000 | £15,000 | Checkatrade |
| Detached garage | £15,000 to £25,000 | £20,000 | Checkatrade |
| Partial garage conversion | £5,500 to £8,500 | £7,000 | Checkatrade |
Checkatrade lists replacing the garage door at £1,300 to £1,500 and adding a bathroom at £5,500 to £9,000, with professional fees on top. An integral garage is often the simplest to convert because it already shares walls and services with the house. Read our garage conversion cost guide for a fuller breakdown.
Loft conversions for terraced and semi detached houses
The type of loft conversion that suits a Crawley house depends largely on its roof. A rooflight or Velux conversion keeps the existing roof shape, a rear dormer adds full height floor space, and a hip to gable conversion straightens a sloping side roof on a semi detached or end of terrace house. Checkatrade gives average costs for a 30m² loft of £27,500 for a Velux conversion and £50,000 for a dormer.
For hip to gable work, MyJobQuote gives £35,000 to £50,000 for an average sized semi detached house and £50,000 to £65,000 for a large one. Under permitted development, the Planning Portal limits additional roof space to 40 cubic metres on a terraced house and 50 cubic metres on a semi detached or detached house. Our loft conversion cost guide compares the main types in more depth.
Check your planning position first
Permitted development rights apply to houses only, not to flats or maisonettes, and they can be removed by a planning condition or an Article 4 Direction. Planned estates sometimes carry conditions of this kind, so ask Crawley Borough Council whether your property still has its rights before you assume a project can go ahead without an application. Listed buildings and conservation areas are subject to different rules again.
If you need planning permission, GOV.UK sets the householder application fee for a single dwellinghouse at £548 from 1 April 2026. If you want written confirmation that a project is permitted development, a lawful development certificate costs half the normal planning fee, according to the Planning Portal. The certificate is not compulsory, but it can be useful when you come to sell.
Building regulations for conversions
Turning a garage or loft into a habitable room brings in building regulations covering structure, fire safety, insulation and ventilation. GOV.UK says you can use the local authority or a private registered building control approver, and that work which fails to comply can lead to prosecution and a fine for the person doing it. Charges vary by council, so check the building control page that covers your address for current figures, or ask a private approver for its own fee. Electrical work can be self certified by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme.
How to compare quotes
Tell us about your project through the short form or by calling 01273 115520, and we will pass it to up to 3 checked builders who work in Crawley. It costs nothing and you are not obliged to accept any quote. When the quotes arrive, check whether each one includes the same items, such as the staircase, the garage door infill, insulation, decoration and any bathroom. A lower total sometimes simply means fewer items are included, so ask questions before you decide.
Areas covered nearby
Building services we cover
Frequently asked questions
How much does a garage conversion cost in Crawley?+
No source gives Crawley prices, but Checkatrade puts an integral garage conversion at £10,000 to £14,000 and an attached garage at £10,000 to £20,000. The final cost depends on the size, the condition of the floor and walls, and whether you add a bathroom.
Can I convert my loft under permitted development?+
Many houses can, within limits. The Planning Portal allows up to 40 cubic metres of extra roof space on a terraced house and 50 cubic metres on other houses, but the rights do not apply to flats or on Article 2(3) land such as conservation areas. Check with Crawley Borough Council if you are unsure.
Which loft conversion suits a semi detached house?+
A hip to gable conversion is common on semis with a sloping side roof, often combined with a rear dormer. MyJobQuote gives £35,000 to £50,000 for a hip to gable conversion on an average sized semi. A builder can confirm what your roof will allow.
Do I need building regulations approval for a garage conversion?+
Converting a garage into a habitable room normally involves building regulations, covering matters such as insulation, fire safety and ventilation. You can apply to the council or use a private registered building control approver. Your builder should be able to explain which route they prefer.
Is the quote service free?+
Yes. We put you in touch with up to 3 checked local builders and there is no charge and no obligation to go ahead.
Sources for the prices on this page
Prices are published UK averages and include labour. Every job is different, so the quotes you receive will reflect your own property, access and materials.
- Checkatrade: Garage conversion cost in the UK in 2026, checked October 2026
- Checkatrade: Loft conversion cost 2026 UK price guide, checked October 2026
- MyJobQuote: How much does a hip to gable loft conversion cost?, checked October 2026
- GOV.UK: Fees for planning applications in England from 1 April 2026, checked October 2026
- Planning Portal: Loft conversion planning permission, checked October 2026
- Planning Portal: Lawful development certificates, checked October 2026
- GOV.UK: Building regulations approval, checked October 2026
Compare up to 3 free quotes
Tell us about the job and up to 3 checked local builders will be in touch with quotes. There is no charge and no obligation. Or call 01273 115520.