Extensions over a garage in Newtownabbey
Planning an over-garage extension in Newtownabbey? 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 NewtownabbeyFrom £20,500 inc VAT
- PlanningPermission from the council needed
- Build time12–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBT3, BT14, BT15, BT36, BT37
Will the council need to approve it?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 lets some single-storey rear extensions go ahead without planning permission, up to 3 m on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Larger, side and two-storey extensions normally need planning permission from the council, and building control approval is separate.
Homes in conservation areas, areas of townscape character and listed buildings have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Where work is on or close to a shared boundary, we agree access and protection with your neighbour in writing before work starts.
In Northern Ireland building control is run by the councils under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland). We submit full plans or a building notice and book the inspections through to completion.
Applications are decided by your council, which handles local planning in Northern Ireland.
Working in Newtownabbey
Postcode districts we cover around Newtownabbey include BT3, BT14, BT15, BT36, BT37. We also work in nearby Belfast (4 miles), Carrickfergus (6 miles), Castlereagh (6 miles), Lisburn (11 miles).
Northern Ireland's housing ranges from city terraces to large numbers of detached houses and bungalows on rural plots, many in render, where single-storey extensions fit easily.
What should I budget for an over-garage extension in Newtownabbey?
Prices below are for Newtownabbey, using the Northern Ireland factor of ×0.86. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Newtownabbey: £1,550 to £2,920 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over a single garage 12 m² | £20,500 – £25,500 | £21,500 – £28,000 | £27,500 – £35,500 |
| Over a large single garage 16 m² | £24,500 – £30,500 | £28,500 – £37,500 | £37,000 – £47,000 |
| Over a double garage 24 m² | £37,000 – £45,500 | £43,000 – £56,000 | £55,500 – £70,500 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Included in a typical project
- Opening into the existing first floor
- New floor structure, walls and roof
- Design and householder planning application
- Strengthening or rebuilding the garage walls if needed
- Structural survey of garage walls and foundations
Our process, step by step
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
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Your questions about an over-garage extension in Newtownabbey
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Newtownabbey, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do you cover all of Newtownabbey?
Yes. We cover Newtownabbey and the surrounding parts of County Antrim. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How long does an over-garage extension take to build in Newtownabbey?
On site, typically 12 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–14 weeks design and approvals.
Can my garage take the weight of a room on top?
Some can and some cannot. Many garages have a single-skin wall or shallow foundations. Our structural engineer checks this before we give a fixed price.
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 Newtownabbey
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.