2 Car Garage Conversion
July 13th, 2022
Whether you need additional living space for your growing family or you are looking for ways to use your space to bring in an additional income, you may consider converting your 2-car garage into a livable space.
But, is that even an option or are you better off building an extension?
In this article, we will address some of your most burning questions regarding a 2-car garage conversion.
Can You Turn a Garage into a Living Space?
Yes, and you can choose between two options. You can either turn your 2-car garage into a guest quarter or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU.)
The difference between the two is that in the case of a guest quarter, you are not required to build a kitchen and you can't rent these units long-term. As the name suggests, guest quarters are to be used by family members, friends, and guests.
With an ADU, on the other hand, this is a garage conversion that will give you additional space that works like a fully functional apartment. It has a bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, and its own entrance. This converted garage gives you the ability to rent it out and generate long term income for yourself or your family.
Do I Need a Permit for this type of ADU?
It's best to check the local legislation before you start converting your garage into a living space. More often than not, there are certain requirements that the building must meet. You also must follow certain building codes that establish how many windows or entrances or exists ab ADU must-have.
In the state of California, for example, as of 2020, you can build a detached ADU of up to 800 sq. ft. without any local discretionary approvals.
Will this Add Value to My Home?
It depends a lot on the amount of work required to complete the conversion and the quality of the conversion. If it's done well, then a garage conversion can add up to 20% to the value of your house.
Of course, for that to happen, you need first to get all the necessary permits and approvals. An illegal ADU can actually hurt your home's value if you ever decide to sell it.
You also want to make sure that you actually have parking and storage space after converting your garage into a living space.
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Garage into a Living Space?
The average cost of this type of garage conversion is between $20,000 and $30,000. Of course, various factors can influence the cost of a garage conversion, such as the area you're living in, the size of your garage, and so on. If you can't extend your home's heating to the garage and need to invest in an additional heating unit, then this fact alone will drive up the costs significantly.
You also need to put the fees and permit costs into account, which can add up to a few thousand dollars.
Are You Considering Converting Your Garage into an Apartment?
The prospect of converting your 2-car garage into a living space may seem daunting at first. And, understandably so - it's quite an investment and a lot of work waiting ahead of you. But, if done right the benefits can outweigh the costs and add value to your home.
Notice that "done right" is the keyword here.
If you want a team of experts you can trust with converting the garage into an ADU, then at Mettle Construction Group, we can help you design and build the ADU of your dreams.
Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.
