What if your underused garage will start serving a better purpose than a storing space? Whether you need additional living space or want to increase the resale value of your house in Los Angeles, converting your garage into ADU is an efficient use of wasted garage space.

A former garage can look pretty enticing if you are short on space. However, if you’re renting out a space or building houses in LA, California, it’s necessary to follow the stringent permitting procedures and burdensome code requirements to qualify for such conversions.

In addition, there is a specific cost to convert the garage to ADU in Los Angeles. Many Los Angeles-based construction companies are offering ADU garage conversion services at competitive rates. This cost could vary and depend on various factors, such as building type, location, materials to be used, and many others. So, there’s a lot to know – from developing plans, evaluating the cost, and considering various requirements, to picking a floor plan and hiring a garage conversion contractor.

At LUX Construction Group, connecting homeowners in Los Angeles with reliable general contractors. People often come to us and ask about garage conversion costs in Los Angeles.

To answer this query, we have brought this blog for everyone who wants to know about the average cost of converting a garage into ADU in Los Angeles California. With this, the following write-up will also cover specified topics related to garage conversion. Let’s take a look.

Are Garage Conversions Legal in Los Angeles?

Garage Convesion Cost

Laws about housing become quite strict, especially if you’re planning for conversions. Before moving further into the legality of living in a garage, it’s essential to figure out your state’s laws or regulations to convert your garage into accessory dwelling units.

Legally speaking, a garage is simply an unfinished space similar to a shed. Unlike finished garages, unfinished garages aren’t usually used as living spaces. Due to safety concerns. It’s illegal for people to reside in an unfinished garage space. If you reside in the unfinished space, you may be fined. In addition, using this type of garage as a living area could result in eviction.

Due to the current housing crisis, California now allows homeowners to turn their garages into living spaces. It’s now legal to live in a garage in Los Angeles if the garage has been converted into habitable space (or ADU) through the proper channels. But, it may not count as a home if the garage is renovated without the proper permits.

To qualify as an appropriate living space, make sure garages in the state need to meet these basic requirements:

  • Installation of a window in sleeping areas that shouldn’t be more than 44 inches off the ground. Also, it has an opening of at least 5.7 square feet.
  • Natural ventilation should be at least 1/20 the size of the floor space or 5 square feet at a minimum.
  • Installation of a smoke detection device in all rooms.
  • Heating that keeps rooms at a temperature of 70 degrees for at least 3 feet above the floor.
  • Electrical wall outlets need spacing to ensure that no part of the floor is more than 6 feet away from an outlet.
  • Ceilings need to be at least 7 feet and 6 inches in height.
  • The room can’t have a gas water heater in it if it’s a bedroom.
  • Rooms must have natural light that is at least 10 percent the size of the square footage.
  • One well-controlled light switch in rooms.

Following the above requirements will successfully build a Garage Conversion ADU in Los Angeles if you own a single-family home in California with residential zoning. Every city and county has slightly different requirements for converting garages to ADU in California. Thanks to legislation passed by the State of California, every California homeowner can now convert their attached or detached garage into a livable, profitable dwelling unit.

Under California law, a garage that has been converted into a living unit is just an accessory dwelling unit. Now, it’s legal to live in a garage if it has been converted into a living space or secondary residence, similar to a guest house.

Planning Permission For Garage Conversion

The Los Angeles building code for garage conversions matters a lot for obtaining an adu permit in Los Angeles because a renovation can disrupt electricity, power, or water lines.

Before starting your garage conversion ADU in Los Angeles, ask your local authority – what permits you to need. It’s imperative to verify your local rules and regulations regarding all types of ADUs since a growing number of cities and states now have laws concerning their quality and safety.

Converting a garage into ADU requires authorization and proper building permits from the local Department of Building and Safety office – doesn’t matter in which city you reside. And the cost of adu permits depends on where you live and how that city regulates such types of construction. The average ADU permit cost in Los Angeles could range between $6,000 and $20,000 or more. (Read more in detail about ADU permit costs in Los Angeles!)

Since permits vary from city to city and there are a lot of red tapes, homeowners may find the process stressful and confusing. Here, our recommendation is to hire a general garage conversion contractor who has experience managing permits, zonings, and ordinances.

But, before deciding to build an ADU, we recommend doing some research regarding Los Angeles ADU ordinances for getting a better grasp on what your city allows and doesn’t allow.

At LUX Construction Group, we aren’t only managing the permit acquisition, but also assisting our clients with architectural ADU garage conversion plans necessary for approval.

ADU Garage Conversion Cost Los Angeles

onverting a garage into an ADU in Los Angeles typically incurs costs ranging from $100,000 to $130,000. This estimate includes the expenses for obtaining necessary permits, drafting plans, sourcing materials, and labor costs.

To optimize expenses, it’s advisable to carefully design the layout to minimize construction complexities, strategically position utilities to reduce installation costs, and choose cost-effective materials. Additionally, consider the conversion’s potential return on investment through increased property value and the opportunity for rental income.

Construction labor and material will cost around $150 per square foot. Hence, based on the 2-car garage sizes range, the construction cost is between $45,000 – $75,250.

In the following section, we elaborate in detail on three different garage conversion projects and the approximate cost of each.

Garage Conversion – Modest and Simple

The estimated budget of a modest and simple garage conversion is $80,000+, which is considered the fastest and least expensive option. Garage conversions of this type leave the existing garage structure 100% intact. It means neither extra square footage nor changes to the garage’s structure are required.

You would add an efficient kitchen, a small 34-bathroom, a mini-split HVAC system for heating and cooling, as well as upgrade the electrical to meet building codes. In addition, kitchen cabinets, countertops, and plumbing fixtures would be modest and simple. An ADU like this will be safe and livable, but it won’t have any bells and whistles.

Garage Conversion – Big Structural Upgrades

The estimated budget of this garage conversion ADU in Los Angeles type would be around $120,000 or more. Does your garage need structural upgrades? Do you want to add a small addition or vaulted/lofted ceilings to make the ADU seem larger? In this, the ADU would have a full bathroom and a larger kitchen.

There will be separate utility bills for the ADU for electrical and gas services. And, it’ll require your garage conversion contractor to alter the roof structure to make it lofted/vaulted. The interiors of a project with this budget will feel larger and more luxurious, like a small custom home. The conversion has a separate bedroom area for privacy.

Garage Conversion – Full Custom Rebuild

The next level of ADU garage conversion costs $175,000 or above. The project involves demolishing the existing garage and rebuilding it with a much larger floor plan or a second story. The owner has the option of choosing a floor plan that matches their lifestyle.

New ADUs will show no signs of their initial use as garages. With luxury finishes and multiple sleeping and living areas, the ADU will meet any preferences. ADU projects like this can add substantial value to a property and are a great option for homeowners who want to create a beautiful home office or guest suite.

Hence, while planning for garage conversion in Los Angeles, it’s imperative to consider all kinds of rules and red tape to figure out the budget. But, what if you want an ADU without tangling around these rules?

Don’t have to worry! You can avoid all the trouble by working with LUX Construction Group. Our general contractors work according to Los Angeles building ordinances and manage everything, from building permits to planning and construction.

ADU garage conversion plans in California must refortify old garage bases if you want your plans to be approved because earthquakes are always a threat. With LUX Construction Group, homeowners can expect efficient, cost-effective, and painless ADUs. We handle all the garage conversion ideas, all the submissions, and all the construction required for ADU.

How Long Does It Take to Convert My Garage?

The timeline for a garage conversion will vary depending on the scope of work that is undertaken. A modest, straightforward conversion may take six weeks to prepare for and permit, and six to eight weeks to complete.

The planning and permitting phase of a larger ADU project should take three months, with another 4-6 months reserved for construction.

Overall, the project timeline should take about nine months, including permitting, construction, and design.

Does Garage Conversion Add Value?

Yes, it’s true that a garage conversion can greatly increase the value of your property in terms of return on investment (ROI). Almost always, a garage conversion ADU in Los Angeles will increase the property value more than its cost.

The rewards extend far beyond the financial side of the project. Having your own office space will boost your productivity enormously. Even having a safe and comfortable place for your aging loved ones will bring you great comfort. Your private guest suite will be a great place to entertain out-of-town guests.

What Factors Influence the Cost of ADU Garage Conversion?

The cost to convert the garage to ADU in Los Angeles will be higher if the original structure is not sound. It might actually be cheaper to knock down the original garage and build from scratch if you are going to spend a lot of money stabilizing the building.

It’s also imperative to consider the perceived value it will add to your home. If there is not much off-road parking in your area, homes with garages might be valued higher than those without. Do not add space to your home unless it is absolutely necessary.

Partial conversions should cost less, but not by much. While fewer materials will be needed, services, such as electrics and plumbing, must still be installed and budgeted for.

  • Materials

A garage conversion will require you to consider windows, insulation, and flooring. For example, if you love to enjoy the sunrise scene through a big window, it might cost a lot. Whereas, a small window costs less. Common prices for these items are:

  • Labor

Labor costs depend on the cost of living in your area as well as the length of the project. Generally, contractors often charge 15% of the total cost, whereas, some charge on an hourly basis.

  • Electrical and Plumbing Hookups

If you’re planning to add a bathroom to ADU, you definitely need to think about plumbing and electrical hookups. Adding new plumbing will cost around $1,000 on average, which depends on whether or not you had existing pipes in the garage. Whereas, you expect to pay around $500 on average for electricity as most garages have wires for outlets and lights.

  • Permits

Planning permits depend on the project and your location. The garage conversion permit costs around $1,000.

  • HVAC Hookup

You’re likely going to want to add HVAC vents to your converted garage whether you need chilled or warm living space. An HVAC hookup will cost around $1,300.

Ask ADU General Contractor

Take ADU garage conversion cost estimation from our professionals! We, at LUX Construction Group, are experienced and skilled garage conversion contractors who can help save you time and money during all phases of a garage conversion and ensure a seamless project process. Aside from garage conversions, we also assist with garage renovations and garage extensions.

If you’re ready to convert your underused garage into a valuable modern living space in California, our general contractors are standing by to lend a hand. Contact Us now and a FREE Consultation with a quote.