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Homeowners across California state are seeing a huge potential in garage conversions. And why not, it is a perfect way of achieving that extra accommodation space, within an existing property. So, if your garage is collecting dust after lying idle for years, the best idea would be to convert it into an ADU. At ADU Specialist Bay Area, we plan, design and build secondary units seamlessly. A partial studio garage conversion or a complete garage conversion with a second storey, we do it all. Let’s understand some questions that are in our minds while thinking about an ADU garage conversion in the Bay Area.
A 500 sq. ft. garage to ADU can run into $160,000 or more, while a 400 sq. ft. garage can cost something around $90,000. The million dollar question is, is it worth converting an old garage into an ADU. When you look into the overall value that it adds to your home and the income that you can generate by renting it out, it is hard to find any other feasible investment. A typical garage conversion can cost more than a single family unit. This is why:
You need to install all the infrastructure just like a normal home, like plumbing, electrical, drainage, kitchen , bathrooms and halls.
Even if the existing garage is present, you need to install lots of other infrastructure and strengthen the walls, framework and ceiling and roofs for an above-the-garage ADU.
All of these are fixed costs, apart from permits, approvals and design plan fees.
Smaller ADU contractors usually charge more, as margins are less for them compared to big names in this industry.
We usually take nine to fifteen months for a ‘stand alone’ ADU building project in a standard size of 850 – 1000 sq. ft. This is from the initial design phase to the final delivery of the new accommodation unit. Whereas, an ADU garage conversion can be completed much faster, in a span of seven to eight months. And, if you garage is in a ‘spic n span’ condition, you may NOT require to pour new foundation, replace the roof, walls or the framework. Thus, save a lot of construction time and money.
Here are the different steps involved in building a garage conversion ADU and the approximate time it may take for each step:
| Step | Approximate Time Required |
| Design and Planning | 4-8 weeks |
| Obtaining Building Permits | 4-12 weeks |
| Demolition and Site Preparation | 1-2 weeks |
| Framing and Rough Construction | 4-6 weeks |
| Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC | 2-4 weeks |
| Insulation, Drywall, and Finishing | 4-6 weeks |
| Flooring, Painting, and Fixtures | 2-4 weeks |
| Final Inspections and Approval | 1-2 weeks |
A beautiful looking Granny Flat perched above the garage can work absolutely fine for an extra bedroom with a bath or a living room with a kitchen. It is a great way to enhance the curb appeal and increase the resale value of the property. But on the other hand, the cost of one such ADU conversion would be nearly double the cost of a simple garage conversion. A 400 sq. ft. garage to ADU which normally costs around $90,000 can shoot up to $200,000 for such a project. This is because you need to add new infrastructure and strengthen the existing garage walls, ceilings and roofs. If it is an old garage, it will need a new roof, including the framing.
Yes, most of the time, unless your garage is in a perfect shape. It is because the old and dilapidated garage needs to have a new foundation, walls, ceiling, framework and roof. The cost of tearing down the old structure and building a new one is significantly more than building a new ADU from scratch. Here, you do NOT have to incur the breaking costs. If your garage is more than 50 years old, it is always a better idea to go for a new construction, instead of converting the old garage into an ADU, as it might increase your construction costs. So, I guess building a new unit from scratch is certainly a feasible option.
Yes. A majority of homeowners take a loan from the bank or any other financial institution to convert their garage into an ADU. There are a few options like the cash-out refinance mortgages, construction or renovation loans and home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Clause #13 sets limits on how much California homeowners must pay as property taxes. Each year the taxes are increased by 1% based on the property’s or home’s assessed value. After the construction of the new ADU from a garage, the property tax is now on the actual market price of your property, and NOT on the construction cost.
Certainly Yes. It can have a separate plumbing, electrical grid, drainage system, water, gas and other meters that are separate from the main building. The cost will depend on your utility service provider and the kind of utilities you choose to install at your new accessory dwelling unit that has been carved out from an existing garage. For example, installing an extra water and electrical meter in the Bay Area can run into $2000 – $3000.
So, these are the things you need to understand as a homeowner, if you are planning to build a garage ADU at your residence, as we can stand by your side from day #1. These are some of the important processes, clauses, limitations and rules you need to be aware of for converting a garage to an ADU.
The requirements for building garage conversion ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in the Bay Area can vary depending on the city or county in which the property is located.
Obtain building permits: In general, you will need to obtain a building permit for any construction work that you do. This includes converting a garage into an ADU. You’ll need to submit plans and get approval from your local building department.
Get electrical and plumbing permits: In addition to the building permit, you will likely need to obtain separate permits for electrical and plumbing work. This is because you will need to add new electrical and plumbing systems to the ADU.
Check local zoning codes: The first step is to check the zoning laws for your property. Some cities and counties have restrictions on the size and location of ADUs. In addition, some areas may require that you obtain a conditional use permit.
The cost of building a garage conversion ADU in the Bay Area can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the unit, the materials used, and the complexity of the project. However, here are some approximate cost ranges to give you an idea:
Basic conversion: A basic garage conversion ADU with a small kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom can cost around $50,000 to $100,000.
Mid-range conversion: A mid-range garage conversion ADU with upgraded finishes, larger living spaces, and more amenities can cost around $100,000 to $200,000.
High-end conversion: A high-end garage conversion ADU with premium finishes, custom features, and high-tech amenities can cost $200,000 or more.
