ADU And Garage Conversion Benefits Los Angeles

Do you need to add a secondary dwelling, yet, you don’t have space in your property to build a new structure? Do you have a garage area? If yes, is it a separate building from your main house? If so, then, it’s a potential site for your secondary suite. You can convert your garage into an apartment or just add an over the garage apartment.

Garage ADU comes second to basement conversion when it comes to a secondary dwelling

Hence, if you are planning to build an ADU out of your garage, you are at an advantage. You won’t have difficulties in finding inspirations and recommendations from others.

Benefits Of an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Los Angeles

There are many benefits to having a garage ADU. Among them are the following:

• More savings – If the existing building passes ADU requirements, then, the walls, the ceiling and some major parts of the garage can be reused.
• Minimal construction activity – Construction time will be reduced because of existing fixtures.
• Fixtures and installations – Maybe your garage has power and water supply, all set. It’ll be easier to install fixtures since you might have the line or connection ready for it.
• Additional housing – This is the greatest benefit of a garage ADU. You can have it rented out or as a dwelling for your tenant, family members, adult room, yoga studio, gym, daycare center, and visiting relatives.
• No need to secure a vacant space – Instead of having another building in your backyard, use your garage. You don’t need to demolish your garden or dry out your backyard pool. Your garage could be of great use to you.
• Preserve architectural design – If your garage is decades or centuries old, then, keep it. It’s a privilege to keep the design for the next generation. Instead of destroying the structure and build a new one to replace it, you can do renovations. Not only will you save time and money for the construction, you are also saving some piece of history.

There are still more benefits of building an ADU from garage conversion. The above-mentioned are just a few. Each reconstruction or reconstruction of a garage has its own benefit, for the owners, especially if they re-purpose it as accessory dwellings.

See what people are saying. Click on both videos from our home page website here GarageConversions.com.

Challenges of an ADU and Garage Conversions

On the flip side, there are also challenges that one must face to be successful in building ADUs. Not just one, but, there are five major issues most owners should deal with. These are the following:

Structural ADU Or Garage Conversions Issues

If the structure you plan to convert is no longer safe for a living space, then, this is a serious trouble. Another example is when your garage doesn’t have the foundation to make an apartment on the second floor. You might need to give up the garage conversion. Pursuing it will just make everybody at risk, including you.

Remnants of the Past

You may want to have some renovations immediately. However, there are remnants that you need to get rid first – asbestos, perhaps, or worse case, a cesspool.

Shared properties

Sharing of the sewer line might be very common in the old times. So, if your garage happens to have shared line, then, you might have a major upgrade to do.

Walls and Insulation challenge

Perhaps, you’ve only discovered that the wall is so thin, so you might need to add extra levels of insulation. Or, if you just let it be and find it to be non-insulated afterward. You must be able to find a way to cut costs and find energy-efficient ways as much as possible.

Design

Many people have brilliant ideas for their ADU. This is true especially when it comes to existing building. Yet, little do people know that there are certain guidelines set for conversions, too. Also, if you’re in a historic district, then stricter rules are implemented.

These are some of the common challenges one should know when having a garage ADU or a basement ADU. These challenges can be handled if you plan your project well. Talk to the city inspector or an engineer who can give advice and tips for your project to be successful.

Conclusion

Now you know the benefits of having an ADU from an old garage as well as the challenges that come along with them. So, if you’re up to the challenge and if you think it’s a better way over rebuilding the site, then, it’s up to you. Remember, knowing the challenges ahead is still way better than being caught off guard.

Call us for a free in-home ADU/garage conversion estimate. Our contractors have been converting garages in Los Angeles County way before it was legal…LOL. Call us for a quote here 1-818-532-0482