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What Is a Garage Conversion?
Garages are one of the most underused spaces in a home. Converting your garage into a functional living space can help you get the most out of this overlooked diamond in the rough while boosting your home’s resale value. A converted garage can also serve as a steady income source if you decide to rent it out.
Whether you’re working from home and need a quiet office away from the kids or you’ve always wanted a game room or man cave, a great contractor can help bring your vision to life. A bad contractor, on the other hand, can leave you with a mess.
This is where GreatBuildz comes in.
Our free service connects you with reputable, vetted contractors who have impressive portfolios to boot. Don’t take chances with your project—let our team help you find an outstanding contractor.
Types of Garage Conversions
Garages come in two varieties: attached and detached.
Attached garages are connected to the main house by at least one wall. Detached garages are standalone structures. You’ll need a building permit to convert one into a living space. The good news is that California has relaxed its rules on garage conversions in response to soaring home prices and land scarcity—and that means fewer restrictions for your project.
Your options for converting a garage are limited only by your imagination. Here are some of the most popular choices:
- Guest room/mother-in-law unit
- Man cave or game room
- Home gym/weight room
- Kids’ room/teen hang out
- Hobby room or space for collectibles
- Home cinema
If you’re ready to turn your garage into a functional living space, all you need now is the right contractor. Let GreatBuildz connect you with a garage conversion expert in Los Angeles.
Planning Your Garage Conversion
Converting your garage into a livable space is almost always quicker and less expensive than adding a room or building an accessory dwelling unit, since you’re dealing with an existing structure. Still, it’s a big project, and you want to have your ducks in a row before taking the plunge. These tips will help you avoid common renovation pitfalls.
Map out a plan. Do you want a self-contained guest house with a kitchen and bathroom, or will your converted garage simply be an extension of the main house? Jot down all your project must-haves and give the list to any contractors you’re considering. This way every estimate will be based on the same factors.
Determine your budget. Not mapping out a budget is the quickest way to cost overruns. Take some time to research how much other homeowners in your area paid for similar garage conversion projects. This will help you come up with a realistic budget.
Get three estimates. Reach out to at least three general contractors for estimates and ask to see portfolios of similar projects contractors have completed in your area.
Never pay more than a small deposit. In California, contractors can’t legally ask for more than a $1,000 deposit. If a contractor asks for more, they are violating the law.
Don’t be afraid to walk away. Just because a contractor shows up in a fancy truck or presents you with impressive-looking brochures doesn’t mean they’re the right company for the job. Watch out for red flags—like contractors who don’t return calls or who use aggressive sales tactics. If you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut and move on.
Let us help you find an outstanding home remodeling contractor
Why Use GreatBuildz to find a contractor for Your Garage Conversion Project?
We’ve heard just about every renovation nightmare story in the book. We know how frustrating it can be to end up with a bad contractor. It’s why we started our service.
We’re a team of real-life humans—not an algorithm or an app. We match you with pre-screened contractors who have passed our rigorous 10-point vetting process and who commit to our code of conduct.
But our free service doesn’t end there. We provide you with ongoing support and guidance throughout your remodeling project. Our mission is to help you have a stress-free experience.
Home Remodeling Guides
Garage Conversions
GreatBuildz Contractor services include:
Renovations & upgrades
Repairs & updates
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Pools and Outdoor Living
Roofing
Windows
Foundation
Additions
Gut remodel
Single Family homes
Apartments
Condos
Townhomes
Garages
New Construction
Flooring
Paint
Historic
2nd story
Exteriors
ADU and JADU (accessory dwelling unit)
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Recent Garage Conversion Blogs
Garage Conversion ADU FAQs
How much does a garage conversion cost in Los Angeles?
A garage conversion in Los Angeles will cost roughly $75,000 – $125,000 depending on the size of the garage, its location, and the desired level of finishes.
Can I convert my garage into a living space in Los Angeles?
Yes. New state laws have allowed Los Angeles homeowners the ability to convert a garage into living space, and even rent it out.
Can a garage be converted into an ADU?
Yes. A garage can be converted to an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Los Angeles and the entire state of California.
Do I have to provide parking for a garage ADU conversion?
No parking is not required for an ADU in Los Angeles (in most cases).
Can I rent a garage conversion ADU to a tenant?
Yes, you can rent an ADU to a tenant.
Must I live on the property?
No, you can rent both the main house and the ADU garage conversion.
How much do garage conversion plans cost?
Depending on the size and complexity, full plans should cost between $5,000-$15,000.
Are there ways to save costs when building a garage conversion ADU?
Yes. See my other blog for 5 ways to save when building an ADU.
Are there ways to finance the costs of a garage conversion?
Yes. The options include getting a HELOC, A cash-out refinance, or a renovation loan.
How long does it take to build an ADU garage conversion?
Construction of a garage conversion will take 2-3 months.
Can I legalize an unpermitted garage conversion?
Yes, but you will need to create building plans and bring the ADU up to code and pay for the construction that is required. Legalizing an unpermitted ADU requires a considerable amount of time, work, and money. However, many homeowners may find the investment worthwhile. Once you legalize an unpermitted ADU, it significantly increases the value of your house since it becomes a recognized component of your property. In addition, after legalizing an unpermitted ADU, you may legally rent it to a renter and collect rent. Remember to contact your insurance agent and inform them that you must add your new legal ADU to the property coverage (link to insurance blog).
What improvements must I make to my garage to convert it into an ADU?
That depends on the age and condition of your structure. A general contractor can give you information and direction on what needs to be done. You may need to add structural supports to your framing, and/or you may need to add deepen foundations to portions of your garage slab.
Is building a garage conversion ADU a good investment?
It might be a good investment because you’ll get cash flow from renting it PLUS it adds to the value of your home. See more guidance on my blog for real estate investors.
How much does it cost to convert a garage into an apartment?
$85,000 – $125,000 is the average price of construction to convert a garage to an apartment, otherwise known as an ADU – accessory dwelling unit.
Can I get a loan for a Garage Conversion?
The likely response is “Yes!” The eligibility requirements for an ADU loan are comparable to those for a conventional mortgage. The bank or lender will want the following information: Do you have acceptable credit? Can you demonstrate a stable income? Do you have any investment/savings accounts? Lastly, do you own your home? Consult with your lender to obtain a complete list of the goods needed for your ADU or garage conversion loan.
Can I do a garage conversion without a general contractor?
It is probably a mistake to save money by operating as your own general contractor. Although you believe this may save you money, it’s a horrible idea unless you are really skilled or have a vast network of subcontractors (plumber, framer, roofer, foundation, electrical, stucco, drywall, etc,). When you choose a general contractor, you are not only paying them to oversee the project, but also for their relationships with the crew, employees, and subcontractors who can complete the project successfully. It will be quite difficult for you to find skilled tradespeople. And if one of these sub-contractors performs poorly, you will have to pay twice to repair their errors.
Is a garage conversion a good investment?
Local investors are increasingly drawn to garage conversions investments as they see the economic potential of the rental revenue. Even if you’re creating a garage conversion for financial purposes, you shouldn’t skimp on the quality of the construction. For your job, be careful to pick a licensed, insured, and reputable general contractor. You’ll want to earn rental money and profit for an extended period of time, and substandard building might hinder your capacity to keep a renter satisfied. In addition, don’t forget to call your insurance agent and add the new ADU to your coverage, as well as a policy to protect you against any accidents or damages caused by the renter.
Hi, I’m Stephanie. I’ll match you with the right contractors for your project.
