What are the important steps to convert your surplus garage space into an all-purpose ADU?

Want To Add An ADU To Your Bay Area Home? A Garage Conversion Might Be the Best Option

ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, are a sort of home units that are frequently misunderstood. ADUs are ideal for homeowners who want to provide a cost-effective and practical housing solution for their loved ones.

You may be contemplating adding an auxiliary living unit in Bay Area by converting your unused garage on your property. Here’s a step-by-step guide compiled by ADU Specialist Bay Area on building an ADU that will make your garage a comfortable living space:

1. A Layout That Fits Your Lifestyle

One of the most crucial components of an ADU design for the garage is ensuring that these elements merge with the prevailing landscape. It is required for both aesthetic purposes and to prevent potential disputes or legal concerns.

Before deciding on which style is most suitable for your garage, you should consider how the newly built structure is utilized by family members who are going to occupy the space for a long period. Installing solar panels, adding eco-friendly resources like cork tiles or bamboo flooring, or implementing energy-efficient technologies like tankless water heaters are a few possibilities that you can explore.

2. A Legally Approved Garage Space Utilization

If you’re thinking of converting an existing garage structure into an ADU, there are chances that it’s already pre-approved. The space might have already been used in the past as part of your garage property. In that case, you will need to seek a building permit from the local authorities before starting the project.

3. Safety Standard Strategies

Whatever style you choose for your ADU, there are several factors to consider fulfilling specific safety standards and providing all-year-round satisfaction. You would like to double-check that any electrical wiring used throughout the process of garage conversion complies with local regulations.

It is especially required for connections with GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) to minimize the chances of short circuits. Installing carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors will be an added advantage.

3. Policies for Safe Water Supply

Provision for water access is another important aspect of ensuring that your garage conversion is self-dependent in all respects. You’ll require ensuring that the nearby reservoir has the requisite pressure to fulfill your remodeling needs.

If you’re converting your garage, keep in mind that any fixtures will require sufficient drainage. It’s crucial to consider laying water pipelines and the sewage outlets such that the wastewater doesn’t contaminate neighboring groundwater.

4. A User-Friendly Solution for Heating or Cooling

It’s also vital to think about how you’ll keep your new garage conversion warm in the winter.  You may consider installing a fireplace or a wood stove. Besides, utilizing stand-alone electric heaters in each room or incorporating ductwork into the newly built structure itself is not a bad option. Revamping the ductwork may enable the central air conditioning to function efficiently during summertime to minimize your electricity consumption.

Benefits of Garage Conversion

If you own a home with a garage that you primarily use for storing outdated workout equipment and rusting lawn care supplies. It is possible that you can put that area to greater use. Converting your garage into a space built for different purposes may be a good option.

You have the option to build an addition to your main apartment (a detached ADU or an attached addition). Conversely, you may lose a significant backyard space. It could be a disadvantage if you enjoy spending time outside during the warmer months or if you don’t have a relatively huge backyard.

Converting a garage enables you to make the most of a space that you may not require for its primary purpose anymore. You may not want an enclosed garage to park your vehicle if your garage includes a driveway section that can accommodate more than one vehicle. Garage conversions are also quicker because there is already a structure in place. You won’t have to build one from the ground level, provided you have a solid foundation.

Converting an existing unit is surely within your budget and time saving rather than building a new one. If you’re still undecided about the benefits of a garage conversion, consider the following:

• Value Addition

  Converting your garage into a living space can increase the value of your property by about 20%. A perfect garage conversion is regarded as one of the most cost-effective and practical home improvements you can undertake. When you consider the cumulative investment of time and money, you will discover that it pays off handsomely, especially if you decide to rent out the space.

• Flexible and Stress-Free Living

  Garage conversions provide you with a flexible and exclusive living space. Attached ADUs that include a spare living area in the main house necessitates a bit of space sacrifice in the main home structure. A garage conversion, on the other hand, gives more room without forcing residents of the primary home to make modifications.

• Multiple Uses: You can utilize the garage for many different things. While the majority of homeowners may choose to convert their garages into ADUs, there are alternative options that may be just as helpful. The ultimate objective of the conversion can be determined by your lifestyle and personal habits. You can use it as a gym, a recreation room, a home office, a children’s playroom, an artist’s studio, a guest house, etc. The possibilities are unlimited!

The following are a few things the homeowners must look into to ensure that local and state codes are strictly followed.

• ADA Compliance
• Aesthetics (interior/exterior)
• Parking availability for guests living in the ADU
• Requirements for the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage per unit

Conclusion

Start building your dream garage conversion to an apartment today! In Bay Area, ADUs have become the go-to popular alternative for the bulk of homeowners. Once you’ve identified the ideal contractor, the experts may begin explaining what will happen at each stage of the construction process. Besides, you may visit the ADU Specialist company website for a comprehensive garage conversion checklist.