{"id":1864,"date":"2022-04-29T14:44:57","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T14:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/2022\/04\/29\/5-104\/"},"modified":"2022-04-29T14:44:57","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T14:44:57","slug":"5-104","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/5-104\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan a Garage-to-ADU Conversion"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garages are where homeowners can safely keep their vehicles, store extra items, or fiddle with personal projects. Other times, they are the birthplace of some of the world&#8217;s greatest innovations and talents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, some homeowners opt to convert their garages into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for extra living space, such as a home office, art studio, small apartment, recreational room, or bungalow. An ADU may also help expand the property to start a business or make room for a relative to live with you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the United States, approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gu.org\/explore-our-topics\/multigenerational-households\/#:~:text=Generations%20United%20estimates%2066.7%20million,than%201%20in%204%20Americans\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one in four adults resides<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in a multigenerational household. About 57% attribute their living situation to the spread of COVID-19. However, before the pandemic, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freddiemac.com\/research\/insight\/20200716-identifying-accessory-dwelling-units-from-real-estate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">70,000 homes with ADUs sold in 2019<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, accounting for 4.2% of residences listed on the market.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those interested in converting your garage to an ADU should consider a few essential items as you begin planning your project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More About: &#8211; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/s3da-design.com\/what-is-mep-engineering\/\">What is MEP Engineering?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Things to Consider Before a Garage-to-ADU Conversion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before jumping into a garage-to-ADU conversion, be sure the timing is right for this renovation. An ADU is a time-consuming, costly project that you must consider before diving in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to HomeAdvisor, converting your garage into extra living space costs about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/architects-and-engineers\/build-a-guest-house\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$15,000 to $30,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it could be much higher. The timeframe for the project will vary, but most homeowners can also expect it to take weeks to months to complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask yourself the following questions before getting started:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s my budget for the project, and how am I financing this renovation?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much space am I working with?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Am I adding additional square footage to my ADU?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s the intended use for this space?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How should I design the layout?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will adding an ADU increase my property taxes?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you answer these questions, you can begin the planning process for a garage-to-ADU conversion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Steps for Planning a Garage-to-ADU Conversion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must take several actions to convert your garage into an ADU. Here is a breakdown of the most critical steps.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Hire a Contractor<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any extensive renovation, such as adding livable space to your home, can come with immense stress. Therefore, hiring a reputable contractor is important. They will handle the construction and design of your ADU and work alongside you to ensure your project comes out just as you envisioned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your contractor should have specific ADU knowledge regarding adding necessary plumbing and electricity, airflow, regulations and permitting, and how to make your unit more sustainable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask a potential contractor for references and examples of previous <strong>ADU<\/strong> projects. Past clients will be able to tell you how their experience was working with the contractor, what the communication was like, and if they were fully transparent about the timeline and costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most importantly, make sure that whoever you hire is licensed and insured. You may receive a cheaper quote from an unlicensed contractor but think of the expenses you&#8217;ll have to pay when something breaks or the liability risk if a worker gets injured.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Design the Layout<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designing the layout of your ADU can present challenges due to tight space and the building codes you&#8217;ll have to follow. A practical design should contain the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optimal window placement for natural lighting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Privacy or some visual separation between your house and the ADU conversion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plenty of storage space<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing for the kitchen and bathroom\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A focal point for visual interest<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever features you decide to include in your garage-to-ADU conversion ultimately depends on its intended purpose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Obtain Permits<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any major renovation, including ADUs, requires you to file for permits with your city or county. Your contractor can usually assist you with this step. Once your design plans are submitted, approval may take a couple of days to several weeks. However, it&#8217;s essential to obtain authorization before starting your project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obtaining permits ensures that your ADU meets the safety standards set by your local government. They also prevent issues if you list your home on the market. Houses with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-unpermitted-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unpermitted work may result<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in legal problems, a lower asking price, or having to undo the completed work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permits may also help you save money throughout the project. In most cases, property insurers won&#8217;t cover the costs of damages if you didn&#8217;t obtain authorization for your ADU conversion or any additional work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Revamp the Infrastructure<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Converting a garage into a livable space necessitates enhancing its structural integrity, including components like roofing, windows, flooring, and insulation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a typical garage, insulating your garage doors <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.doormn.com\/blog\/benefits-of-insulated-garage-doors\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can improve energy efficiency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, create a sound barrier, improve durability and deliver safety from external conditions. The same can be said for properly insulating the walls in your ADU. After all, someone intends to live in that space. Proper insulation will maximize their quality of life and comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your ADU should be airtight, meaning you&#8217;ll want to invest in new windows and may even need to install new roofing to prevent leaks or other weather-related damage to your unit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Pick Out Your Finishes<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps one of the more exciting aspects of any renovation is picking out the actual design elements. From tiles to hardware to floors to paint, the possibilities are endless for creating a comfortable living space in your converted garage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s best to pick out the finishes and accessories for your ADU as early as possible to prevent delays in completing the project. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported over <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nahbnow.com\/2021\/06\/record-number-of-builders-report-material-shortages\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90% of builders faced supply chain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> setbacks in 2021 for appliances, lumber, and other construction materials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you plan to move a relative into your ADU or rent it out, you&#8217;ll want to put in eye-catching, durable, and cost-effective finishes. Consider adding standard and a few high-end options, such as stainless steel appliances or engineered hardwood flooring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is significantly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fixr.com\/costs\/install-vinyl-flooring#vinyl-vs-hardwood-flooring\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cheaper at $600 to $2,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compared to hardwood flooring, which may start at $2,800.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Effective Planning for a Simpler Garage-to-ADU Conversion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effective planning can make the process much smoother, whether you&#8217;re still weighing your options or are ready to dive into your ADU renovation project. Work with your contractor to best prepare for your garage-to-ADU conversion and bring your vision to life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In case you have any architectural, structural, and <a href=\"https:\/\/s3da-design.com\/what-is-mep-engineering\/\">MEP design<\/a> including fire sprinkler design requirements, or need an energy-efficient home design including structure, and HVAC design, feel free to <a href=\"https:\/\/s3da-design.com\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a>.\u00a0 We provide you with the full permit set design + T24 for your request.<\/p>\n<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Author&#8217;s Bio:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Rose is the managing editor of <a href=\"https:\/\/renovated.com\/\">Renovated<\/a>. She&#8217;s most interested in sharing home projects and inspiration for the most novice of DIY-ers, values she developed growing up in a family of contractors.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Garages are where homeowners can safely keep their vehicles, store extra items, or fiddle with personal projects. Other times, they are the birthplace of some of the world&#8217;s greatest innovations [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[175,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-architectural-designadu","category-architectural-designgarage-conversion"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1864"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/65.21.7.236\/s3da-design\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}