What To Know About Building Garage Apartments in the OC (2023)

FAQs

Is it worth turning garage into apartment? ›

For the most part, experts agree that converting your garage into living space does not add value to your home. This isn't always the case; it depends on where you live. And if you're planning to sell your home within three to five years, a garage conversion is usually not a good idea.

The garage conversion to ADU cost commonly ranges from $90,000-$120,000 depending on location and the homeowner's desires. Building an ADU above a garage will be more expensive because the garage needs to be structurally reinforced to support the weight above.

Altering or converting a garage into a living area is a violation of the California Health and Safety Code Sec. 17920.3 (n) and the California Building Code Sec. 105.1. When a garage is illegally converted into living quarters, serious health and safety issues can be created.

Turning a garage into a house by building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a win-win situation that will allow you to turn underutilized space into long-term equity in your home.

Does a garage conversion add value to your home? Yes, a garage conversion typically adds value to your home since you're increasing the amount of liveable square footage. Generally, you have an ROI of about 80% with garage conversions.

Did you know that your garage floor isn't level with the rest of your house? It's true. So if you're going to convert your garage into a living space, you'll need to raise the floor first. Raising the floors of your garage also allows you to insulate them.

A garage conversion is the cheapest way to convert space into an ADU. If your budget is modest keep the existing envelope of the garage, meaning don't expand on the current footprint. This will add extra cost.

A building permit is required for all structures.

On average, a garage conversion takes as little as 4-6 weeks. Compare this to a loft conversion (8-10 weeks) or rear extension (10-14 weeks) and you can appreciate why homeowners love how quickly this project can be turned around.

1. Is it legal to convert a garage into an apartment in California? - As with anything else- its important to consult with your local government agencies such as city planning, and read up on current local laws, but generally speaking the answer is yes. It is legal.

What permission do I need to convert my garage? ›

In most cases, a simple garage conversion won't need planning permission unless you're making changes to the exterior of the building. Changes to the interior, such as laying down carpet or even having a kitchen fitted, tend to be classed as permitted development.

Permits are required for most types of construction in California, and garage conversions are no exception. But permits are just the first step. You also need to take building ordinances into consideration as you are planning a conversion.

Typically, the cheapest type of garage conversion will just involve blocking up the garage doors and finishing out the walls, floors, and ceiling with insulation, drywall, carpet, or other flooring material. Think of a bonus room, family room, playroom, game room, or man cave.

In a garage bathroom, you could easily fit both shower and bath installations for example, or create your very own home spa by installing a wet room. The options really are limitless, especially if you have a good-sized budget to work to.

Con: Structural Changes

Garages are not often insulated or raised in the same way as living spaces, meaning that some additional renovations must take place before garages are livable.

Since most garages are not plumbed for a utility room and don't have the necessary drains and hookups, the cost to convert a garage into a utility room is mainly based on plumbing and wiring costs. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000 for a utility room conversion.

Ask any homeowner what they'd change about their property and the answer is almost always the same: more space.

Dig a foundation 1m deep or to the same depth as the foundations of the existing garage, call us to inspect the foundation and then fill it with concrete. If the opening is only the width of a single garage door install two 150mm deep concrete lintels across the opening supported by the existing foundations.

How can someone tell if their garage is suitable for conversion? ›

An architect or surveyor will be able to advise you whether your garage is suitable to convert, particularly the soundness of the walls, roof and foundations. Some are too poorly built or decrepit in which case it might be cheaper to knock down and replace.

Losing Storage: If you decide to build an ADU, whether it is a garage conversion or a new custom one, you can lose room for a car and/or miscellaneous items. Disruption of Daily Life: As a landlord, you have to manage the tenant's living space (repairs and house maintenance).

Permitting Your ADU

Depending on your location, you may need both zoning and building permits. Zoning permits can range from $25 to $4,000 and building permits can run from $450 to $15,000.

The cost of building an ADU varies depending on the city you're in, and also the contractor you use. Prices vary by city: San Francisco: The average cost of an ADU in San Francisco is around $200,000. Los Angeles: The average cost of an ADU in Los Angeles is around $150,000.

Contractors who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action by CSLB, including civil penalty assessments of up to $5,000 per violation, an order of correction that requires payment of permit fees and any assessed penalties imposed by the local building department, and suspension or revocation of the license.

One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, do not require a Building Permit (per California Building Code 105.2 "Work Exempt from Permit").

The quick and simple answer to whether you need a building permit for your shed is: it usually doesn't if it's 120 square feet or less. In California, most jurisdictions have adopted the 120 square foot rule. If your shed area is larger than 120 square feet, it needs a building permit.

The first step with any garage conversion is to conduct an assessment of the existing structure, in particular the soundness of the foundations, walls and roof. This will go a long way to revealing the extent of works required to create a comfortable living environment – so it's a key part of the design stages.

Planning permission is not usually required to convert your garage into additional living space for your home, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building.

Granny Flat Size Requirements

The maximum size is 50 percent of the size of the existing house, up to 1,200 square feet for attached units. The maximum detached unit size you can have is 1,200 square feet. Square footage is measured as accessible from the inside of the unit.

How much is it to convert a garage into a studio apartment in California? ›

What does it cost to convert a garage into a studio apartment? To convert a garage into a studio in 2022, you can generally expect to pay between $90,000 and $125,000, though costs will vary depending on your location, the size of the project, and the materials you select.

How much does it cost to convert a garage to ADU in Los Angeles? $100,000 – $130,000, Depending on your specific situation, is what you can expect for your garage conversion cost, including plans, contractor labor, materials, and city garage conversion permits.

Answer: It is possible but not straightforward. First things first: check the title to the premises carefully to ensure there are no covenants blocking it from being used as anything other than a garage.

Most garage conversions don't require planning permission but they do need to meet building regulations. If the work is not up to building control standards, you will likely be unable to use the garage as a 'habitable' room.

A garage conversion is a relatively easy and affordable way to add living space and value to your home. If your garage is attached, knocking through the connecting wall could allow you to transform a small kitchen into a spacious, open-plan kitchen diner.

Yes, it is. However, zoning regulations and zoning codes may not allow you to legally live in it full-time. Obtaining a shed building permit doesn't take much time. Also, building it is fast, and building materials can be found easily.

Is it legal to convert my garage into an ADU? If you own a single-family home anywhere in California with residential zoning, then yes, you can build a Garage Conversion ADU.

While adding a toilet to a garage is challenging, it is possible. If your garage has a concrete pad, it's necessary to break through the concrete to install pipes. Another option is to create raised platforms for the toilet, shower, and sink to allow waste pipes to run through your wall before routing underground.

A garage is an excellent opportunity to expand your living space by building a room or an apartment above it. However, depending on factors like the size of the space, electrical, plumbing, finishes, etc., building a garage with an apartment above can cost between $60,000 to $270,000.

Building a wall is a great way to convert a garage into a bedroom without removing the garage door. The main reason why walls are often used to create enclosed spaces is that they provide privacy and security. The wall can be built out of any sturdy material, such as concrete, brick, or wood.

How much does it cost to put a toilet and shower in a garage? ›

How much does it cost to add a bathroom to an existing garage? Adding a bathroom to a garage will vary depending on the scope of work required. If the garage has existing plumbing that can be used & walls in place then it may cost between $10,000 and $25,000 depending on the tiles & products chosen for the room.

Retrofitting a garage for plumbing is a challenge best handled by a pro unless you are a seasoned DIYer. Adding a sink, tub, shower, washing machine, or toilet means that you'll need water lines run, drain lines connected, and shutoff valves added.

Altering or converting a garage into a living area is a violation of the California Health and Safety Code Sec. 17920.3 (n) and the California Building Code Sec. 105.1. When a garage is illegally converted into living quarters, serious health and safety issues can be created.

Garages are not the most secure living spaces, nor are they the most sanitary. Living in a garage likely means you share your home with biting bugs, spiders, mice and disease-carrying varmints. And, unless you've installed an industrial lock, garage doors are fairly easy to break into.

Can a garage conversion become a living space? Yes, your garage conversion can most definitely become a living space! To legally do this you must convert a garage by turning it into either a guest quarter or an accessory dwelling unit. A guest quarter is a living space that has a bathroom and a wet bar, but no kitchen.

Does the garage count in the square footage of a house? The garage does not count towards the square footage of a house, as that is considered an unfinished space. A garage will only count towards the square footage of a home is if it has been legally converted into a living space.

Therefore, she says the absence of a garage can decrease the appraised value by as much as 20 percent. But those who've been priced out of certain neighborhoods may find the savings appealing.

Garages act as a nice buffer as far as temperature goes from the outdoors to inside your home. Garages should be warmer than outside, and, though they may not always be as warm as your home indoors, you should be able to go from your home to your garage to grab something without having to put on all your winter layers.

What makes a garage habitable? ›

Ceilings need to be at least 7 feet and 6 inches in height. Heating that keeps rooms at a temperature at 70 degrees for at least 3 feet above the floor. Rooms must have natural light that is at least 10 percent the size of the square footage. A room used for sleeping cannot have a garage open into the room.

ADU stands for “accessory dwelling unit,” and these small living spaces go by many names. You may know them as in-law suites, granny flats, tiny homes, or more.

What are garages with living quarters called? Garages with living quarters are called ADUs or garage apartments. They're typically smaller than the primary home, located on the same lot, and have a separate entrance. ADUs can be attached to a house or garage or built as a standalone structure.

2-Car Garage Size

The width of the door hangs around 16 feet, with an interior width of 18 feet. To know the total square footage, just multiply the length and width. However, if you're not up for calculations, the average square footage is around 360 sq. ft.

no garage homes did show a distinct increase in value for having a garage. That being said, not every buyer will consider a home without a garage as a deal-breaker. On the other hand, it's not likely a buyer will object to a house that has a garage and meets their needs.

Real estate agents say finishing your garage may add almost $10,000 to a home's worth by making it more appealing to prospective buyers. A garage's worth is increased more by finishing than converting it.