Extensions over a garage for homes in Birmingham
Planning an over-garage extension in Birmingham? We survey the house, work out the planning route, draw the design and build it, so you deal with one team from the first visit to the completion certificate.
- Guide price in BirminghamFrom £23,000 inc VAT
- PlanningHouseholder application needed
- Build time12–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsB1, B2, B3, B4, B5
Do I need planning permission in Birmingham?
In England any side extension over one storey, including a room built over a side garage, needs a householder planning application. The fee is £548 from 1 April 2026 and councils aim to decide within 8 weeks.
The planning position for a specific Birmingham address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Guide prices for Birmingham
These guide figures apply our West Midlands adjustment (×0.97) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Birmingham: £1,750 to £3,300 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over a single garage 12 m² | £23,000 – £28,500 | £24,000 – £31,500 | £31,000 – £40,000 |
| Over a large single garage 16 m² | £27,500 – £34,500 | £32,500 – £42,000 | £41,500 – £53,000 |
| Over a double garage 24 m² | £41,500 – £51,500 | £48,500 – £63,000 | £62,500 – £79,500 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Working in Birmingham
Postcode districts we cover around Birmingham include B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B19. We also work in nearby Smethwick (3 miles), West Bromwich (5 miles), Shirley (6 miles), Halesowen (7 miles).
For homes towards Worcestershire, Bromsgrove is around 12 miles away. The West Midlands has a large stock of 1930s and post-war semi-detached houses, which are well suited to rear, side and over-garage extensions, plus Victorian terraces in the older inner areas.
What is included
- Structural survey of garage walls and foundations
- Design and householder planning application
- New floor structure, walls and roof
- Insulation, electrics, heating and finish
- Strengthening or rebuilding the garage walls if needed
- Opening into the existing first floor
How the project works
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Over-garage extension questions answered
Will my neighbours in Birmingham be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
How long does an over-garage extension take to build in Birmingham?
On site, typically 12 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–14 weeks design and approvals.
Do you cover all of Birmingham?
Yes. We cover Birmingham and the surrounding parts of West Midlands. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Can I keep using the garage during the build?
Usually not for parking. The garage roof is removed and the space below is used for access and props for part of the build.
Does building over a garage need planning permission?
In England and the rest of the UK, adding a storey over a side garage almost always needs a planning application, because two-storey side extensions are outside permitted development.
Book a free site visit in Birmingham
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.