Our process
We start with a feasibility assessment so you know early what's involved. If it makes sense, we handle consent, do all building ourselves, and manage the job from start to finish.
What a compliant conversion actually means
A compliant garage conversion meets building code for habitability, insulation, fire safety, and access. That usually means proper insulation, ventilation, moisture management, and (where needed) fire-rated construction. We assess your garage and handle all compliance and building so the conversion is compliant and fit for purpose.
Who this is for
Homeowners and investors who want clarity on the process before committing. We explain each step so you know what to expect and can decide if our approach is right for you.
Who this is not for
If you want the fastest or cheapest option, or want to avoid consent, we're probably not the right fit. We build habitable, compliant spaces that meet building code. Where conversion isn't the right move, we'll tell you.
Step 1: Feasibility assessment
We start with an on-site assessment to understand your garage, intended use, and property context. We clarify:
- Whether your garage is suitable for conversion
- Consent requirements and pathways
- Key cost drivers and realistic ranges
- Timeline expectations
- Whether conversion is the right option for your situation
If conversion isn't the right move (e.g. structural issues, consent complexity, or cost outweighs benefit), we'll tell you. We build habitable, compliant spaces, not shortcuts.
Step 2: Consent and compliance
If conversion makes sense, we handle all consent and compliance work:
- Confirming consent requirements with your council
- Preparing consent applications (plans, specifications, engineering reports where needed)
- Liaising with council during processing
- Addressing any council queries or conditions
We don't guarantee consent approval, but we handle all compliance work and prepare complete applications.
Step 3: Design and specifications
We design for building code compliance and your intended use:
- Structural adequacy (floor, walls, roof)
- Insulation (walls, ceiling, floor) to meet code requirements
- Fire safety (separation, means of escape where required)
- Moisture and ventilation (cladding, underfloor, roof space)
- Access and egress
We create detailed plans and specifications designed to meet consent conditions and building code requirements, which we then build ourselves.
Step 4: Building and project management
We do all building work ourselves and manage the entire project:
- All construction work (structural, insulation, fire safety, finishes)
- Project management from start to finish
- Council inspections and compliance
- Quality control to ensure work meets consent conditions and building code requirements
We manage the build so the finished space meets consent and is compliant. You don't need to engage separate builders or manage the project.
What we don't do
We don't do cosmetic-only upgrades that ignore building code. We don't guarantee that every garage can or should be converted. We don't subcontract building work. We do all building ourselves and manage the job from start to finish.
Timeline expectations
Typical timelines:
- Feasibility assessment: 1–2 weeks (from initial contact to assessment report)
- Design and consent preparation: 2–4 weeks (depending on complexity)
- Building consent: 4–8 weeks (varies by council and application completeness)
- Construction: 4–12 weeks (depends on scope, weather, and contractor availability)
These are ranges, not guarantees. Every property is different; we provide realistic timelines based on your situation.
Cost expectations
Our full-service includes:
- Feasibility assessment
- All compliance and consent work
- Design and specifications
- All building work
- Project management from start to finish
Costs vary significantly based on your property and requirements. See our garage conversion cost page for more detail.
Not sure if your garage is suitable?
A feasibility assessment clarifies consent risk, likely cost drivers, and whether conversion makes sense for your property.
Request a feasibility assessment We review suitability, consent risk, and key cost drivers.Frequently asked questions
- How do I get started?
- Start with a feasibility assessment. We assess your garage on-site, clarify consent risk, key cost drivers, and whether conversion is the right option. If it makes sense, we handle all compliance, building, and project management from start to finish.
- What happens in a feasibility assessment?
- We visit your property, assess your garage, discuss your intended use, and clarify consent requirements, cost drivers, and timeline expectations. We provide a written assessment with recommendations so you can decide with clarity.
- Do you guarantee consent approval?
- No. We handle all compliance work and prepare complete applications, but consent approval is at the council's discretion. We assess your situation and advise on consent risk before you commit.
- Do you manage construction?
- Yes. We do all building ourselves and manage the job from start to finish. You don't need to engage separate builders or manage the project.
- What if my garage isn't suitable for conversion?
- We assess honestly. If conversion isn't the right move (e.g. structural issues, consent complexity, or cost outweighs benefit), we'll tell you in the feasibility assessment. We build habitable, compliant spaces, not shortcuts.
- How long does the whole process take?
- Typical timelines: assessment 1–2 weeks, design and consent prep 2–4 weeks, building consent 4–8 weeks, construction 4–12 weeks. These are ranges; every property is different. We provide realistic timelines based on your situation.
Related guides
- Garage conversions Canterbury, our main service area
- Garage conversions Christchurch, serving Christchurch
- Garage conversion cost, cost drivers and what to expect
- Garage conversion consent, consent requirements
- Garage conversion building code, code requirements
- Contact, request a feasibility assessment