Maximizing Your Space: The Benefits of Converting Your Garage into Living Space or Income
Garage conversions have become the solution for more living space at a reasonable price tag. Homeowners resort to building an ADU, adding between 200-1,200 sq ft of living space. However, garage conversions are an alternative for ADUs and don’t require you to build a new structure from the ground up.
Garage conversions have become the solution for more living space at a reasonable price tag.
Nicole Buddie
Homeowners often resort to building a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in their backyard, adding between 200-1,200 sq ft of living space. However, garage conversions are an alternative for ADUs and don’t require you to build a new structure from the ground up.
Book a Free Consultation to see how you could benefit!
Garage Conversions in California
In California, the average size for a one-car garage is 12 feet wide and 22 feet deep. The beauty of the garage conversion is that you can take that space and convert it into a second living area. The garage already has a roof, walls, concrete floor, and electricity, saving you money from the beginning.
With another 400 square feet of living space, you can move in an elderly family member, provide more room for your family that seems to be outgrowing your home, create a home office, or rent out the garage for more income.
The Garage Conversion Process
Like all other accessory dwelling units, conversions require city permits to begin construction. There are a few pre-construction phases to be completed before submitting city permits. These phases including design, estimation, and 3D presentation are all offered in-house at Multitaskr.
During the design phase, you’ll select the garage conversion layout, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, windows, and doors, and whether you prefer a kitchen or kitchenette. Once the layout is selected, our team of drafters will then create your 2D floor plans. The 2D floor plans enable our team to estimate the total cost of the project.
Once you establish a clear layout, you’ll select the interior finishes, advancing your project to the estimating phase. For an accurate estimate, you’ll choose your material, vanities, countertops, flooring, windows, and bathroom amenities. These details will help create a precise estimate for your scope of work.
The third pre-construction phase involves virtual reality. Multitaskr enables clients to envision their new space and selection of finishes with the 3D presentation. It’s as simple as our 3D architects taking your 2D layout and creating a 3D model of your new living space. The 3D display is the final phase before submitting permits to the city. When ready, you’ll walk through your garage conversion in a virtual environment wearing VR goggles.
City Permit Requirements and Construction Phases
Permits for garage conversion can take about four to six months to process. The scope of the project can also have an impact on the timeline. Often homeowners question why they need permits for their garage conversion. California state law requires all projects that move utilities to submit permits. This law also includes projects that require framing and insulation. Multitaskr commits itself to simplifying every angle of the permitting process for homeowners. We submit, process, and deliver all items needed to complete your permits with our in-house team. All we ask is that you handle the fees associated with the city for construction.
Homeowners feel like champions when they receive their permits. The next step in the ADU journey is the pre-construction meeting, which kickoffs construction at the project site, setting expectations, safety measures, and timelines. The following phases build the ADU; foundation, underground plumbing, framing, roughing plumbing and electrical, roofing, exterior covering, insulation, exterior finishes, and interior finishes.
The city requires inspections in between a majority of the construction phases. However, as you sit back and wait for your new space, it’s crucial to research rental market prices in your area to prepare your latest source of income.
Rent A Garage Conversion ADU In San Diego
Homeowners like Cecilia Cazares and José Cano converted their garage to add a rental unit to their property. Today, Cecilia and Jose rent their 400 sq ft ADU for $2,100 monthly. The couple shared with our team that the ADU increased their property value tremendously and has allowed them to build up their savings for retirement.
If you’re ready to convert your garage or want to learn more about the process, watch Cano’s garage conversion testimonial here. Not sure you’re prepared to convert your garage but want to speak to an expert for more information? Visit our website here to get a free report.
Book a Free Consultation to see how you could benefit!
Multitaskr blogs
This might interest you
