2 Car Garage ADU Conversion: A Practical Guide

Is a 2 Car Garage Conversion ADU Worth It?

A 2 car garage ADU conversion provides extra space that is designed like a fully functional apartment, complete with a bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, and private entrance. Opting to convert a two-car garage into an ADU brings numerous advantages.

Maximizing Space With Functional Versatility

Most importantly, converting a 2 car garage ADU conversion maximizes available space on existing property without requiring significant structural additions. Garage conversion ADUs offer a distinct chance to establish a separate living area, providing privacy and independence to its residents. Frequently overlooked, the two-car garage holds the potential to be transformed into a home office, guest suite, studio, or gym with careful planning and creativity.

Garage conversion ADUs provide homeowners the flexibility to accommodate expanding families and elderly parents or generate rental income by leasing out the unit. Garage ADUs are also advocated for offering more economical housing solutions.

Home Value Benefits

Repurposing an existing structure avoids the operating costs and challenges of constructing an entirely new building. Thus, this decreases the environmental footprint associated with new construction materials and the waste produced from building projects. 

Moreover, expanding the usable space can enhance the home’s value, especially in regions where square footage directly affects market prices. Converting a garage can increase your home’s value by as much as 20%. 

Several homeowners opt to construct a 2 car garage ADU to earn rental income. Depending on the location and amenities, a 2 car garage ADU can generate a significant monthly income, which can help cover mortgage payments or add to retirement funds.

Things to Consider Before Converting 2 Car Garage

Evaluating the space’s feasibility and potential is essential before starting the garage conversion ADU project. This initial assessment will help you decide if converting a two-car garage into an ADU is a practical choice for your property.

Structural Integrity Evaluation

Assessing the structural integrity of a 2 car garage is vital before converting it into an ADU. Initially designed for vehicle shelter, garages often need more insulation and moisture protection for habitation.

A professional structural engineer or contractor evaluation can determine if repairs or reinforcements are necessary for the foundation, walls, and roof. They can also advise expanding the space and adding windows to enhance natural light.

However, it’s important to note that unexpected challenges might arise, such as the need for additional structural work or the discovery of hidden issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to be prepared for such possibilities.

Furthermore, consider effectively utilizing existing storage areas and electrical outlets while assessing the need for additional windows and electrical breakers to meet all ADU requirements.

ADU Zoning, Permits, and Regulations

Before starting two-car garage ADU conversions, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local zoning and permitting regulations. Each jurisdiction has unique rules governing ADUs, such as setbacks, height limits, parking mandates, and occupancy restrictions. 

Certain states promote Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to expand living options, while others enforce stringent rules regarding parking and room dimensions for habitable spaces.

Research local building codes and consult with authorities to get compliance with these regulations. Contact the local building department to determine if permits are required and ensure the ADU conversion plans meet safety standards. 

In addition, if the property is part of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), verify if additional rules or approvals are needed before proceeding with the conversion project.

2 Car Garage ADU Layout and Design

Once you’ve ensured compliance with regulations, concentrate on designing a practical and attractive layout for a successful garage conversion. A standard two-car garage usually provides about 400-600 square feet of space, often sufficient for a studio or one-bedroom setup.

Consider the space’s intentions and objectives (as a guest suite, rental unit, or family accommodation), as these influence the size and design of the ADU. You should know the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and kitchen amenities you need. 

Create a floor plan incorporating critical areas like a living space, kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping area. Arrange these sections in a way that offers easy movement and functional layout.

Layout Strategy

Maximizing every square foot is vital, and adopting an open floor plan can enhance spaciousness and flexibility by removing unnecessary barriers. Open floor plans are effective for multipurpose areas, while linear layouts are suitable for one-bedroom apartments in compact garage spaces. 

For smaller ADUs with limited space, strategically using dividers, curtains, or sliding doors can provide privacy while maintaining an open feel.

Address the garage door’s location and decide whether to replace it with a new entrance or repurpose it for another function. Various ADU conversions frame over the garage door, often placing living and sleeping areas along this wall to maximize natural light through more oversized windows.

Construction Process Overview for ADU Compliance

Ensure your ADU complies with regulations by obtaining building and zoning permits before starting construction, which may include submitting design plans for approval. The process of obtaining these permits can be complex and time-consuming, involving multiple steps. 

Therefore, it’s important to stay informed about required inspections throughout the construction stages to ensure compliance with standards. After obtaining permits, construction proceeds through the following steps:

Demolition and Framing

Remove any current fixtures, doors, windows, or other elements not part of the new ADU plan. This might involve removing garage doors and adjusting the structure to fit new windows or doors. During the framing phase, build the new walls and partitions and make any needed structural adjustments. And make sure the framing is accurate and matches the approved design plans.

Utilities Setup: Electrical and Plumbing

Converting a garage into a livable space requires upgrading its utilities, including essential electrical and plumbing systems. Proper installation and maintenance of these systems is key for transforming a 2 car garage into an ADU.

Hire licensed electricians and professionals to wire ADUs as needed, including outlets, lighting, and appliances. Consult professionals and plumbers to handle installations safely and in line with local codes. Assess the current electrical panel’s capacity and upgrade if necessary to support the ADU’s electrical needs. 

Carefully design the electrical layout to ensure sufficient outlets and switches are available for each requirement. Place lighting fixtures and appliances strategically to maximize usability and ease of use.

Make sure proper plumbing is maintained by assessing water supply and drainage for kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Plan the connection of the new ADU to the main water supply and sewage system, ensuring kitchen and bathroom placement near existing plumbing lines to simplify installation and minimize costs, especially in detached garages, with proper drainage managed by a professional plumber.

Structural Modifications

Creating a cozy living area depends on the building’s strength and indoor conditions. Good airflow and insulation keep a 2 car garage conversion ADU comfortable and healthy.

• Ventilation: Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup and mold growth and maintains good indoor air quality in garage conversion ADU. Installing exhaust fans or mechanical ventilation in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens is handy. Additionally, windows, vents, or a small HVAC system can be added to enhance air quality and control moisture levels effectively.
• Insulation: Insulation plays a significant role in regulating ADU temperatures and reducing energy usage. Properly insulating walls, ceilings, and floors enhances thermal efficiency for a comfortable living environment. Installing an air conditioning system tailored to the ADU’s needs, whether central air, mini-split, or portable units, to maintain comfort, especially in warmer climates, is a good notion. Additionally, choose heating options suited to colder months and insulation materials appropriate for climate and garage space requirements.
• Soundproofing: To get privacy and comfort, soundproofing walls and ceilings are crucial for rented ADUs. Incorporating soundproof materials like drywall, acoustic panels, or specialized insulation minimizes noise disturbance, particularly in attached or closely situated units. Enhancing privacy from the main house and neighbors improves ADU occupants’ overall quality of life.
• Fire Safety: Fire safety is critical when converting a garage into an ADU. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, ensure accessible fire exits, and use fire-rated materials. Place fire extinguishers strategically and consult local authorities to meet all fire safety standards.
• Energy Efficiency: Enhance the sustainability of garage ADU by choosing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances. Incorporate solar panels or efficient HVAC systems to minimize your home’s carbon footprint. Improve energy efficiency with double-glazed windows, proper insulation, and upgraded heating systems to reduce energy consumption and costs.

It is always a good idea to consult with professionals and follow local building codes and regulations for a smooth and compliant renovation to save you time and hard-earned money. For more details, see our complete guide on garage-to-ADU conversions.

ADU Space Utilization

A thoughtfully designed conversion of a two-car garage into an ADU can greatly improve a home’s living area and increase its property worth. Garages are typically compact, but you can optimize the space to craft a practical and cozy living environment through thoughtful planning and imaginative design.

Integrating intelligent storage solutions like built-in cabinets, under-stair storage, and wall-mounted shelves to maximize the available space in your ADU is always deemed prudent. 

Explore space-saving furniture options such as Murphy beds and foldable tables to enhance functionality. To create an open and inviting atmosphere, make sure plenty of natural light enters the space through windows or skylights.

Cost of Converting 2 Car Garage Into Living Space

Several factors influence the cost of converting a two-car garage, including location, garage size, materials used, and the extent of renovations needed. Expenses can escalate if you must install separate heating. Structural modifications, electrical and plumbing work, choice of materials and finishes, labor costs, and permitting fees contribute to the overall expense.

Moreover, permit fees and associated costs can amount to several thousand dollars. Converting a garage might cost around $20,000-$50,000 while hiring professional help starts at $75,000. 

For instance, electrical upgrades typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, while plumbing may cost between $3,000 and $8,000. Budgeting for insulation, HVAC systems ($2,000 to $6,000), and interior finishes such as flooring and paint ($5,000 to $10,000) also impact the total project cost.

Typically, converting a standard two-car garage may range from $90,000 to $119,000, but this can vary based on your Garage’s condition. Additional costs may arise if you require new structural elements or foundation work. 

For a more accurate estimate, it’s best to consult with local contractors, architects, estimators, or designers who can provide specific cost breakdowns based on the project requirements.

ADU Financing Options

Once estimated project costs are in hand, explore financing options suited to the situation. Self-financing using personal savings offers control without interest payments. 

Alternatively, leverage home equity through loans or lines of credit, often at lower rates. If equity or savings are insufficient, investigate ADU-specific financing programs or consider construction loans.

Conclusion

Transforming a two-car garage into an ADU opens up various possibilities for any home. One can enhance the property’s value and utility through thoughtful planning and clever space management. Whether the converted space serves as a rental income source, a peaceful workspace, or an entertainment area, the potential is vast beyond those garage doors.

RenoFi loans offer a highly innovative solution for funding home renovation projects. Unlike conventional loans that depend on your current home value or necessitate refinancing your primary mortgage, potentially sacrificing a low interest rate, RenoFi loans are determined by your home’s value after renovations are completed. This approach enables you to borrow significantly more, typically 11 times more, while enjoying a lower monthly payment and retaining the favorable interest rate on your initial mortgage.