Do you have a garage that is not used as vehicle space? Has it been on your To Do List forever to declutter? Have you been thinking about converting it into a living space? We are here to make it possible!
Let us walk you through the process of how to convert your structurally solid garage into a livable space, from start to finish when you do not have to re-build from scratch.
The cost of converting a garage into an accessory dwelling unit varies depending on the size of the space, how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are, and whether the building has been recently built or renovated. The range for cost of conversion is from $80,000 to $250,000. These costs should include everything from demolition to construction costs. It should also take into account the square footage of the space, number of rooms, and any renovations needed.
The initial visit of our general contractor or ADU specialist will determine if the existing structure needs professional evaluation by a structural engineer. Garage conversion permits require floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation and framing plans for the structure as built and what it will become after the construction process. It will have to demonstrate that it is built to current local building codes.
CalGreen requirements will need to be met. It will have to be all electric with the heat pump water heater and induction cooktop.
Surprisingly, the same information that any new construction plan set requires. Here are the main 8 blocks.
If you are using the old garage structure, you save money by remodeling instead of building from scratch. This is why garage ADU is often the best option to add extra square feet. But you have to prove to the building inspector that the building is safe for people.
If a general contractor or a structural engineer tell you the building needs new foundation, studs and beams, this makes a project a detached accessory dwelling unit construction.
The success of your garage ADU project today depends on reliable ADU contractors. Make sure whoever you select has proven experience doing work that will need to be done to pass inspections.
It is often old detached garages that require demolition and new construction. Attached garages were generally built the same way as the main house and can be converted to attached accessory dwelling unit or junior ADU more easily.
It’s not uncommon for people to underestimate how much it costs to convert garage space. In fact, according to the California Housing Finance Agency, the average cost to permit an ADU is $40,000. They have issued a special grant to cover these pre-construction costs for homeowners with low and moderate income. That means that even if you’re able to afford predevelopment costs ( those include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports), you might still need to borrow more to complete the project. With current interest rates, we can only hope that you have already established a home equity line of credit.
The cost of building a garage varies depending on where you live, how much space you have, what type of construction you want, etc.
Does garage conversion add value? This depends on your neighborhood. Do people who live around you value their garage space as vehicle space? Or is housing a more pressing issue? If an appraiser comes to evaluate your property, he or she will add the value of the converted space but also subtract the value that was previously attributed to a garage. Consider your priorities carefully, discuss with financial advisor if needed.
Turning your garage into a living space can be a great way to add additional square footage to your home. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before starting any construction. First, check with your city or county to see if there are any zoning regulations that would prohibit you from converting your garage into living quarters. Second, consult with a contractor to see if your garage is structurally sound enough to support the additional weight of drywall, insulation, and flooring. Finally, make sure you have the necessary permits before beginning any work.
Bring the former garage (with kitchen and bathroom added without permit) up to code with panel upgrade and minimal expenses
Electrical Panel upgrade needed. Water bib too close to panel per current PG&E rules, needs relocation.
Bathroom needs to be re-designed to meet code.
Existing sewer line has to be re-routed and brought up to code. Kitchen needs new vents.
During inspections multiple inspectors made different (additional) inspection comments causing multiple small fixes and adjustments.
Addition of a sub panel introduced by the electrician (with good intentions) triggered a permit revision.
The permitting process started in May 2021. Permit received September 2021.
The construction started April 2022. The panel upgrade was done in July 2022. Final inspection was passed December 2022.
Plan set submittal costs – $9,000. City permit fees – $2,350.
Total cost of project $95,000 – includes re-roof and solar panels on main house.
Demolish an old garage structure, install a modular unit on concrete perimeter foundation. Add deck and parking spot. Add separate meter for ADU. Keep the tree.
Electrical Panel upgrade needed.
Connect to existing sewer line.
The local jurisdiction at the time did not assign addresses to ADUs.
PG&E allows separate meters only with a separate address.
The permitting process started in January 2021. Resubmitted in March 2021. Permit received May 2021.
The construction started May 2021. Foundation poured June 2021. The panel upgrade was done in July 2021. The unit arrived August 2021. Final inspection was passed September 2021.
The contractor was not able to add a separate meter for ADU because of conflicting requirements of the City and PG&E.
Total cost of project $235,000.
The tree survived construction.
This super narrow former garage space with attached workshop is converted into a small one bedroom unit with a galley kitchen space, small living room and a bathroom with a shower.
This one bedroom one bathroom ADU design has a comfortable living area, a bedroom with a closet, laundry space and the bathroom with the tub.
This spacious garage ADU has a full bathroom with a full size tub and a dedicated laundry space. There is room for a full size kitchen area, space for an island and sofa with TV area.