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Thinking of a garage conversion and need professional help? You’ve come to the right place.

ADUs or accessory dwelling units have risen in popularity over the last few years. The prospect of turning a garage that’s not being used into a comfortable and inviting living space is an excellent idea for single-family homeowners.

Garage Conversion and ADUs

ADUs, by definition, are structures made by converting a garage. The term ‘dwelling’ means you have to have a bedroom or living area, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and other improvements.

Once a garage is converted then it can be considered separate living space, much like a studio apartment.

You could be wondering, how much does it cost for a garage conversion in Los Angeles?

Contractors can offer estimates based on several factors, such as your budget, garage size and age, the kinds of amenities you want to install. Roughly speaking, it can be broken down by square footage renovation. For reference, a single car garage usually measures around 200 sq ft., while a two car setup can be anywhere around 300 to 400 sq ft.

Once you’ve decided to go ahead with the renovation project you must contact an experienced contractor so the process is smooth and fast. A good company can mean the difference between a well-made conversion and a shoddy one. Since it’s a living space you will want to spend time thinking about what features and amenities you’d like to have. A good starting point is to ask yourself, ‘what is the purpose of the new room?’

ADU Requirements in Los Angeles

Building an ADU is considered to be a large project, and as such it will need several requirements, or phases.

Aside from the construction stage homeowners will need to secure planning, permits and authorization from the local government. It’s worthy to note that hiring a Los Angeles contractor will mean they can go ahead and manage all the paperwork for you, including ordinances, zoning and permits and all the red tape that comes with a garage convesion.

In addition, the costs of permits vary from one city to another- in some, it may cost $3,000 while in another it can be as high as $20,000.

To avoid the headaches that come with managing permits it’s recommended that you hire a professional contractor who can do the job for you. This way your ADU renovation will go smoothly and you won’t have to do the legwork. 

A well-informed homeowner makes for better decision making. Also, you can get an idea of what can be done and what can’t by reviewing ADU ordinances in Los Angeles. If you have the time we recommend doing some research either online or by going through the official channels, e.g., offices or by calling.

ADU Finishes For Your New Living Space

Finishes can be added to make your new living space look and feel more cozy, inviting and comfortable. It can encompass all aspects of your ADU, including the bathroom, bedroom or living room and kitchen, among others.

Classic examples of ADU finishes in Los Angeles include lighting, appliances, countertops, fixtures, vanity and more. The type and brand usually depend on the homeowner, and he or she might decide to buy these things separately to liven up and personalize the space.

Having the contractor do these things is also an option. You can hire the same company to create a specific look or style depending on your preferences. You can also choose to put everything in for a high-end conclusion.

You can opt for a dryer and washer, heating or even a second story loft. Landscaping can also be done so the ADU won’t look different from the rest of your house.

To summarize, converting a garage into an ADU will usually cost anywhere between $80,000 to $90,000 for a garage that’s around 100 to 200 sq ft., while a garage that stands at 300 to 400 sq ft. will cost around $100,000 to $125,000. Again, the costs might vary depending on your circumstance and if you need any help securing permits and having the contractor pick the finish for your ADU.

ADU Construction in Los Angeles

The construction stage proceeds once all the necessary requirements are met. The ADU company will prepare the base of the garage and the demo where your new living space will be created.

The construction phase will take up most of the project and can go on for about three months or so. The contractor will check and add fortification as necessary, patch up and do general repairs and give your new ADU a fresh coat of paint.

If all goes well then your ADU will be completed within the given timeframe, but sometimes complications can occur during the process. There could be times that the infrastructure is insufficient, and that they will need to do some extra digging and installing new pipes for your shower, toilet or sink. Your garage may have inadequate framing and need reinforcements to make it a safe dwelling space. Or, the garage is old and made up of a concrete slab which isn’t a proper foundation.

A professional contractor can spot these issues even before construction starts. You can opt for an inspection or an estimate before you acquire the necessary permits or licenses. It’s worthy to note that if there are any unforeseen complications they usually result in a higher cost.

Construction of your ADU will consist of the interior, painting, plumbing and electrical. Some of the most common things in a garage conversion include installing floors, windows, doors or a mini kitchen. For the bathroom, they will usually install a toilet, shower and water heater. An AC may be recommended for additional comfort.

Overall, the estimated cost of an ADU construction can be anywhere between $60,000 to $100,000.

The Attic Specialist is Your ADU Contractor in Los Angeles

For assistance is setting up a garage conversion into a full-fledged ADU, give us a call. We offer estimates and inspections so you can start your home renovation project right away.