Adding extra living space to your home can be a great way to generate income or house an extended family member. But before you start the project, it’s important to know how much it will cost to convert your garage into an ADU.
The Cost to Convert a Garage into an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
The cost to convert a garage into an ADU can vary greatly by region, property size, labor availability, and quality of materials. The process usually involves selecting building materials (such as flooring, walls, electrical wiring, and insulation), obtaining permits, hiring contractors or other professionals to complete the work, and ensuring that all appropriate safety standards are met.
Most garage conversions require detailed planning and careful budgeting, but here are most of the major cost factors you’ll to consider:
Permit Fees
Depending on your local zoning regulations, you may need to pay for a permit that allows conversion into an ADU. This can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Construction Costs
Once you have the permit, you’ll need to hire a contractor to do the actual work of transforming your garage into livable space. This includes framing, plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC installation. The cost will depend on the complexity of the project and the materials used.
Finishes
Depending on how luxurious you want your ADU to be, you may need to plan for costs associated with flooring, lighting fixtures, cabinetry, etc.
Utilities
You’ll need to install new electrical and plumbing lines for the ADU. This can add up quickly and will be one of your larger expenses.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once the ADU is built, you’ll need to plan for ongoing maintenance costs. Regular upkeep and repairs can add up over time and should be factored into your overall budget.
Insurance
You’ll want to check with your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered for any liability claims that may arise from having an ADU on your property.
Financing
Depending on the cost of building out your garage conversion project, you may need to secure a loan or line of credit. Make sure you research all the available financing options and consider your budget before committing to any particular lender.
Other Garage Conversion Requirements
Before you begin your ADU conversion project, you’ll want someone to check with local and state building codes to make sure you meet all the requirements. You may need to submit plans for approval or obtain permits prior to beginning construction. Here at Preferred Home Builders, we can offer guidance and help you through this portion of the process.
ADU Garage Conversion Tax Benefits
Depending on where you live, there may be tax benefits available when converting your garage into an ADU. These can include tax deductions, tax credits, and property tax deferrals. If you work with us on your garage conversion project, Preferred Home Builders can provide you with the information you need to take advantage of these incentives.
Garage Conversion Projects By Preferred Home Builders
We specialize in garage conversion projects for ADUs and can help you successfully transform your existing space into a useful addition to your home. Our experienced staff works with local building codes and regulations, ensuring that you are aware of all the requirements needed for such a project. Whether you’re looking to convert your garage space into a rental unit, guest house, dining room, or just want more living space, we have the knowledge and experience to help you get started and complete your project.
We can provide you with detailed plans, cost estimates, and construction timelines for your project. We understand that a garage conversion is an investment in your home and will take the time to explain all of the details involved. From start to finish, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets all of your needs.
Attached or Detached Garage?
No problem! Whether it’s a detached garage or an attached one, our team of professionals can help you create the perfect space for your needs. We have extensive experience converting garages into living spaces and are familiar with all of the building codes and regulations that need to be followed for this type of project.
Ideas For Your New Garage Conversion
When it comes to ADU garage conversion ideas, there are endless possibilities. From adding a home office or gym to converting the space into an in-law suite, our team can help you come up with creative solutions that will suit your lifestyle and budget. We’ll work closely with you to determine how best to utilize the extra space and make sure that your new area is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Room Additions
If you’re looking for a bigger garage conversion, consider adding additional rooms to the existing area. With a room addition, you can create an extra bedroom or bathroom, build a game room, add a living area, or even construct a separate apartment for rental income. Our team is experienced in all types of ADU construction and will work with you to make sure that your room addition is safe and meets all the necessary building codes.
Patio Cover
Patio covers have become increasingly popular in recent years and are a great way to take advantage of the extra space in your garage conversion. Whether you’re looking for an enclosed patio cover or something more open-air, our team can help you design and build a structure that makes the most out of your outdoor space. We use only quality materials, such as aluminum and other weather-resistant materials, to ensure that your patio cover looks great and stands up to whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
Home Office
Home offices have become a necessity in today’s fast-paced world, and they don’t need to lack style or functionality. Our team will work with you to create the perfect space for your workspace needs, no matter how big or small. From built-in shelving and cabinets to wall painting and lighting installation, we can make your home office a place both you and your clients can appreciate.
Start Your Los Angeles Garage Conversion
ADU garage conversions are becoming increasingly popular in Los Angeles and the surrounding Southern California area. And why wouldn’t they be? You get to increase the livable space of your existing house and increase your property value without impacting the existing structure. The building permits are easy to get and you instantly add additional square footage to your single family home or multi-family complex.
It has been estimated that nearly one quarter of all garages in the city could be converted into accessory dwelling units.
Preferred Home Builders is well-versed in local zoning regulations, permits, and other aspects that pertain to garage conversion in Los Angeles. We can help you determine the most efficient and cost-effective approach for your ADU garage conversion, whether it’s a full conversion or just partial completion of the garage.
We also understand that each customer has unique needs, so we will work closely with you to create your garage conversion plans and ensure that your project is exactly how you envisioned it.
We provide creative solutions and design concepts for any remodeling project. Our team will be there from start to finish through the entire process, beginning with the initial consultation and ending with a full-blown garage conversion that meets all regulations and ordinances in Los Angeles.
Contact us today for your free consult and to get started with your ADU garage conversion project!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s possible to convert a garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Depending on the size and condition of your existing garage, you may have to make significant improvements or adjustments before converting it.
The cost of converting a garage to an ADU will vary depending on the size and condition of the existing garage, as well as any necessary improvements or adjustments required. Generally speaking, it will cost between $20,000 and $50,000 for a basic conversion. However, this can increase if you choose to add features such as plumbing.
Garage conversions are considered a major project because they involve structural and architectural changes. This makes them more complicated than other home improvement projects. The addition of bathroom fixtures, electrical wiring, heating & cooling systems, and windows all add to the complexity of the project. It is important to contact one of our qualified contractors who can ensure code requirements and safety.
The cost of a garage conversion can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project. A basic conversion typically costs around $20,000 or more. The cost increases if you choose to add features such as plumbing and electrical systems. You will also need to factor in finishings, such as new flooring, drywall, and painting.
Yes, you will need to obtain a permit from the City of Los Angeles before converting your garage into an additional living space. This permit is known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Secondary Unit Permit and must be acquired from the Department of Building & Safety. It is recommended that you consult with professionals such as contractors and architects.
No, it is not allowed. Garage conversions must comply with local building and safety codes. In Los Angeles County, all projects must go through a permit process to ensure the work meets code requirements. Any work done without permits can be subject to fines and penalties from your local jurisdiction. A professional garage conversion contractor like Preferred Home Builders will help you take the right ethical steps.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary living unit on a single-family residential lot. This can include a small apartment, mother-in-law suite, casita, or another additional dwelling unit within an existing home or garage. A permit must be acquired from the City of Los Angeles to add this type.
No, Preferred Home Builders does not only do contracts for garages. We can help you remodel other sections of your home, such as your kitchen, bathroom, living room, and more. All you need to do is reach out to us to schedule an estimate and we could get started!
The cost to convert a garage into an ADU in California can vary greatly depending on the size of the project and materials used. Generally, it is estimated that an average-sized garage conversion will cost between $50,000 and $150,000. This range includes permits, demolition costs, building materials, labor fees and other associated fees.