Garage Conversion ADU Floor Plan

You may have seen your neighbor get an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) installed at their home or maybe you saw something about it on YouTube. If you are a homeowner with a garage, you, too can install an ADU on your property and reap the benefits of having a rental unit. 

The first step in the process of converting your garage to an ADU is floorplans. Once you have the floorplans, you can begin the process of turning that underused garage space into a source of income. 

What is an ADU floor plan in Los Angeles?

Simply put, an ADU floor plan is a drawing of the layout of your new ADU. It’s the plan your contractor uses in putting together your ADU. It includes the location of not only the kitchen, bathroom and living spaces, but also the locations of all the plumbing, electrical outlets, cabinets, water heaters, sinks, etc.

Your ADU floor plan not only specifies the sizes and shapes of the room, but also the height of the walls and its amenities. Floor plans contain the necessary dimensions and scales so that you know everything fits in its place.  This is the basis for the construction process, and especially important when designing a small living space. 

ADU floor plans often are similar to common floor plans of a house or a building. The difference being that an ADU is often sized smaller so the floor plan must be sized to scale based on square footage.  

When designing a floor plan for your ADU, you want to make sure you work with an architect who has experience in designing ADUs. They will have the know-how to create a floor plan that will be easily approved by your city’s Building and Safety Department -- a must have for any ADU conversion. Not only that, but you can work with the architect to include bonus features that any renter will enjoy -- built in eating nooks, Murphy beds, built in shelving, etc.

Why are ADU floor plans so important in Los Angeles?

A floor plan is the first step towards building the best accessory dwelling. It must be approved by the city Department of Building and Safety before any construction can take place. 

In addition, having floor plans created by a professional architect can actually save you time, money and headaches. If you work with an architect with ADU experience, he or she will make sure your design follows the most up to date building codes. That way, when you submit your plans, they will be approved the first time and you won’t have to turn in revised plans.

It’s also a good idea to work with an architect who can understand your ideas and put them on to paper. Some homeowners take a more DIY approach and design their own ADU. It’s common for homeowners who just want to have an ADU try to convey their plans to their contractor. This can be challenging if the communication is not clear between homeowner and contractor. Sometimes, homeowners just rely upon the contractors’ design and then complain afterward. This can be prevented by having a diagram of what you really want to do. It’s a tool of communication and, of course, a great factor in savings.

What is in an ADU floor plan?

Before making a floor plan, it’s very important to know the essential characteristics of a good plan. Among the things you need to consider when designing one, are the following:

• Versatility and flexibility: It’s essential to make a flexible floor plan. You should take into consideration the possible conversion and renovation in the future.

• Ideal layout: If you want to rent out your secondary dwelling, it is necessary to have an ideal floor plan layout. What is meant by this? Simply put, you should have a desirable and practical design. The bedrooms shouldn’t be near the living room or entertainment spaces. Bathroom doors shouldn’t be facing the dining room or the living room, or it should be away from these areas. Lastly, the kitchen should be accessible from the dining and the living area.

• Usability and practicality: Your plan should balance great design and usability. Consider safety first before buying all the glass tables and spiky designs. This is your top priority if you have kids or planning to have your ADU for rent.

• Design and lifestyle: Aside from the practical use of the parts and amenities, it’s nice to add some personal touch to the design. If you are fond of cooking, you might want to make the kitchen bigger. Or, if you have a lot of friends and they come over often, a spacious living room fits you.

No matter what type, size and shape of ADU you want to make, it’s very important to have a floor plan. You can maximize your space, minimize expenses and eliminate hassles if you have a floor plan at hand.

How do I finance an ADU in Los Angeles?

The typical ADU will cost anywhere from $90,000 to $120,000 from floor plans to construction. While this price may be surprising at first, there are ways to pay for your new ADU without breaking the bank.

Home Equity Line of Credit

As a homeowner, you are probably already paying off your mortgage or you own your property. Either way, you can borrow against the value of your home.

One of the most common ways to borrow against the value of your home is through a home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC. This is a line of credit secured by your home that gives you a revolving credit line to pay for large expenses. 

Cash-Out Refinancing

Another way to pay for your ADU is through what’s called a cash-out refinancing of your mortgage. With a cash-out refinancing of your mortgage, you will get a lump sum payment. How? 

Basically, you replace your current home mortgage with a new one. This new home mortgage would be higher than your current home mortgage. Then, you can take out the extra money and use it towards your ADU. 

Construction Loan

Yet another option is a construction loan. One of the many benefits of building an ADU is that it increases the value of your property. That makes it appealing to banks, who may give you a construction loan. With a construction loan, you would refinance with a mortgage that reflects the house's estimated value after you construct your ADU. Many lenders provide mortgages that cover up to 80% or 85% of the remodeled home's value.

If you want to convert your garage and need help funding your project, give us a call. Our lending professionals have the experience and know-how to get you into an ADU/garage conversion today! Call at the number above.