THE BEST Garage Conversion Contractor in The Bay Area
The Best Garage Conversion Contractor in The Bay Area
Unlock the True Potential of Your Garage
Looking to maximize the living space and value of your property? An accessory dwelling unit is the answer and garage conversion is the most prolific way to go.
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Garage Conversion Services in The Bay Area
The transformation allows you to harness your underutilized space into a valuable asset that enhances your property’s functionality and financial potential.
Converting an existing garage, however, is a critical endeavor than building one from the ground up as it requires meticulous planning, quality craftsmanship and unparalleled attention to detail. This is where we come to assist.
For years, we at Golden Heights Remodeling have been helping property owners in The Bay Area bring their garage conversion dreams to life.
No matter whether your garage is attached to your principal home or standing away from it, we can transform it into a stunning and fully functional space that meets the requirements for safety, habitability, and energy efficiency.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with our expert consultants about your garage conversion.
The Smartest Way to Build an ADU
Converting a garage is the most lucrative option for homeowners looking to create more space on the property. Since at least three walls and a roof are already in place, the cost of such unit is significantly lower than other types of units that are built from scratch.
Let Us Transform Your Garage into a Space of Your Dreamsa
Transforming your garage into an ADU is more than just a home improvement project—it’s an investment in your future.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward creating your dream space.
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Garage Conversion Rules in the Bay Area
Zoning Regulations
Garage conversions into ADUs are typically allowed in residential zones, including R1 (Single-Family Residential) and R2 (Two-Family Residential) zones, among others. Some areas may be subject to additional regulations if they fall within specific zones, such as Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs) and hillside areas. Therefore, it’s essential to verify the specific zoning designation of your property and consult with LADBS to confirm that a garage conversion is permissible.
Size
The size of the ADU may be limited based on the size of the lot and the main house. Generally, ADUs cannot exceed 1,200 square feet or 50% of the floor area of the principal home, whichever is smaller.
Building Codes
Garage conversions must comply with all the applicable building codes to ensure that the new ADU is safe and habitable. These codes cover a range of structural, safety, and accessibility requirements.
-> Structural Integrity: The existing garage structure must be evaluated for its ability to support the conversion. This includes assessing the foundation, walls, and roof. Any necessary upgrades must be made to meet current building codes.
-> Fire Safety: Fire-rated walls and ceilings may be required, especially if the garage shares a wall with the primary residence. Additionally, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed.
-> Accessibility: While full ADA compliance may not be required for all ADUs, certain accessibility features, such as a no-step entry and wider doors, might be necessary depending on the design.
City Permit
A garage conversion into an ADU in The Bay Area requires obtaining the proper permits from the city. This includes building permit, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.
Setback Requirements
ADUs created from garage conversions typically need to comply with standard setback requirements in the Bay Area. However, the city allows reduced setbacks for existing structures, meaning that if your garage already sits close to a property line, you may not need to make changes.
Parking Requirements
In some cases, converting a garage into living space may affect the number of parking spaces required for your property. The Bay Area has specific parking regulations that dictate the minimum number of parking spots for residential properties. Make sure your conversion complies with these requirements to avoid any issues with parking regulations.
Utility Connections
ADU created through garage conversion must have a separate connection to the main water and sewer lines, which may require upgrades or extensions to the existing systems. Depending on the power needs of the unit, you may need to upgrade the electrical panel or install a separate meter. If the converted garage includes gas appliances, a separate gas line may be required, along with proper ventilation.
Energy Efficiency
The walls, floors, and ceilings of the ADU must be properly insulated to meet energy efficiency standards. Installing energy-efficient doors and windows is required to minimize heat loss and improve overall energy performance.
Ventilation
Adequate windows and doors must be installed to provide natural ventilation. Each habitable room should have windows that open to the outside. Additionally, kitchens and bathrooms must have appropriate ventilation to remove moisture and odors.
Garage Conversion Cost in the Bay Area?
The average cost to convert an existing garage into an ADU in the Bay Area typically ranges between $80,000 and $150,000. This price includes design, permits, construction, and basic finishes. However, the total cost can vary based on factors like the size of the garage, the complexity of the design, and the quality of materials used.
Garage Conversion Possibilities
Converting a garage opens up a world of possibilities for homeowners. Based on the size and placement of your garage, you can choose to create an ADU that serves your specific needs.
One-Bedroom ADU
Provides more flexibility for an ADU conversion, offering approximately 400-600 sqft of space. This size allows for a more spacious one-bedroom or even a compact two-bedroom unit, making it suitable for a wider range of occupants, from couples to small families.
Two-Bedroom ADU
The most spacious and luxurious option, with an area typically ranging from 600-900 sqft. This size allows for the creation of a two or three-bedroom unit, complete with all the comforts of a traditional home. Such ADUs can serve as a rental unit or multi-generational living space.
Three-Bedroom ADU
The most spacious and luxurious option, with an area typically ranging from 600-900 sqft. This size allows for the creation of a two or three-bedroom unit, complete with all the comforts of a traditional home. Such ADUs can serve as a rental unit or multi-generational living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time depends on the approval process as well your specific preferences of the conversion. Typically, a standard 400 sqft garage conversion may take between 6-8 months including plans, permits and construction.
If your garage is not currently up to code, you will need to make the necessary upgrades to bring it into compliance before converting it into an ADU. This may involve structural improvements, insulation, and other modifications.
Yes, in many cases, garage conversions are allowed on multifamily properties. You may even be able to convert multiple garages into ADUs, but the total number of ADUs allowed will depend on local regulations.
Yes, you can convert a portion of your garage into an ADU while retaining the rest of the space for storage or parking, but this must be reflected in the design and approved by local authorities.
Yes, a shared driveway does not automatically prevent a garage conversion, but you may need to consider access, privacy, and any agreements with neighbors regarding shared property. We bring precision, craftsmanship, and experience to every project and finish
Yes. Building an ADU above your garage is an excellent way to add livable footprints to your home without scarifying your parking or storage space. It, however, requires the right planning and due diligence and must meet comply with the building codes related to structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility and height restrictions.
