Dover over-garage extensions, designed and built
If you live in Dover and want more space without moving, an over-garage extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in DoverFrom £26,500 inc VAT
- PlanningHouseholder application needed
- Build time12–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsCT16, CT17
Do I need planning permission in Dover?
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.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
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).
What we take care of
- Opening into the existing first floor
- Design and householder planning application
- Strengthening or rebuilding the garage walls if needed
- New floor structure, walls and roof
- Structural survey of garage walls and foundations
- Insulation, electrics, heating and finish
Fitting the new room to the existing landing is the planning puzzle inside the house. We design the connection first, then the roof, so the extension does not end up with awkward steps or a corridor through a bedroom.
Extensions in and around Dover
We cover Dover and the postcode districts CT16, CT17. We also work in nearby Folkestone (7 miles), Deal (8 miles), Canterbury (15 miles), Ramsgate (15 miles).
Homes across the South East range from Victorian terraces in the older town centres to large detached houses on the edges, so the right extension type varies street by street.
What should I budget for an over-garage extension in Dover?
These guide figures apply our South East England adjustment (×1.12) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Dover: £2,020 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over a single garage 12 m² | £26,500 – £33,000 | £28,000 – £36,500 | £36,000 – £46,000 |
| Over a large single garage 16 m² | £32,000 – £39,500 | £37,500 – £48,500 | £48,000 – £61,000 |
| Over a double garage 24 m² | £48,000 – £59,500 | £56,000 – £73,000 | £72,500 – £91,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
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
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions people ask about over-garage extensions
Do you cover all of Dover?
Yes. We cover Dover and the surrounding parts of Kent. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Do I need building regulations approval in Dover?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Will my neighbours in Dover 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 much does a room over a garage cost?
Our guide range is about £2,020 to £3,810 per m² including VAT. A single-garage room of about 12 m² usually costs £28,000 to £36,500 at standard spec, more if the garage needs rebuilding.
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.
Book a free site visit in Dover
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.