6 Benefits of Garage Conversion for San Diego Homeowners

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6 Benefits of Garage Conversion for San Diego Homeowners

Garage conversions are gaining a lot of popularity in San Diego for many reasons. First and foremost, it is one of the easier ways to add extra living space to your single-family property. The following information will explain the top 7 benefits of converting your garage into a livable space.

09/30/2023

Before diving into the benefits, it’s important to understand the main factors that influence this decision

Such as adherence to construction regulations and the importance of hiring an experienced General Contractor who has extensive experience in home remodeling including garage conversions as well as other types of ADU’s.

By: San Diego BR

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As with any major construction, the garage conversion must comply with existing building regulations. Turning a garage into a living space complete with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom is a major project. That is why it is critical to work with an experienced General Contractor who can assess your space, advise you on the design and most importantly, will ensure that the construction process is compliant – it meets all construction standards, including fire safety regulations, and zoning codes and permitting. It is important to note, the codes in San Diego can vary by where you live – for instance if you live along the coast there are different safety measures required Vs if you live inland like Poway or La Mesa.

An experienced San Diego General Contractor – like San Diego Building and Renovation – understands all the code requirements, has a working relationship with the various building departments and will navigate the complexities involved, so as a homeowner you don’t have to.

To clarify – not all garage conversions are an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). As the name suggests, it is an ADU is an additional housing unit that can be added to your single-family home’s property. In the case of garage conversion in San Diego, ADUs have become quite popular. This is because they can reduce costs and provide a larger, independent space. To qualify as an ADU, a garage must have its own kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.

What are the benefits of garage conversion?

As we explained at the beginning of this article, if you follow the correct construction regulations, you can make your garage into a fully habitable ADU. Other benefits of converting your garage include:

1.Creating a comfortable space within your budget

A garage conversion allows for the creation of an individual, fully habitable living space. This transformed space offers a comfortable and stylish living environment for one or two individuals.

There are San Diego City and County guidelines which spell out how big your new living space can be and your Contractor will help you determine the right size for your space and budget.

2. Consider an entertainment space

Another option for your new space is to create one for entertaining family and friends. This could include a mini-home theater, room for games like a shuffleboard or pool table, along with a bathroom and even a Murphy Bed for sleeping (the bed is stored vertically against the wall and saves quite a bit of space).

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3. Budget savings

If you are torn between adding a separate or detached ADU to your property or converting the garage, consider the costs involved in both options. Most likely you will determine the garage conversion is more cost-effective. An experienced General Contractor – like San Diego Building and Renovation can give you realistic bids on both options. Adding a separate building requires excavation, foundation work, wiring, running utilities etc, On the other hand, a garage conversion is generally more economical, as it is an upgrade to existing space that often does not require as much work.

4. Earning extra income

Many homeowners build an ADU or convert their garage to an ADU with the sole purpose of generating extra monthly income. Rents in San Diego are some of the highest in the country so the return on the investment can be substantial. Because most of California and San Diego specifically, are in the middle of a housing shortage, the state has passed laws over the past 5 years to encourage homeowners to build ADU’s and have made the process easier.

5. Space for aging or disabled family members

Another key reason homeowner’s convert their garage to an ADU is to create a home for an aging or disabled family member. The extra living space you gain through garage conversion makes it possible keep aging parents or disabled family members parents close by but still giving them the privacy of their own space. Often this solution keeps them from having to go to assisted living – which can be very expensive.

6. Increasing property value

Finally, another big benefit of garage conversion is increasing the value of your home. As mentioned earlier, ADUs can be integrated as in a garage conversion or separate from the main single-family home. Either way, this added living space can be very valuable and a huge selling point when you decide to sell your home.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips to consider when deciding to start a garage conversion project:

Consider your income and what you can afford: The average cost to build an ADU in San Diego varies depending on the size and materials used.

ADU’s range in size from as small as 200 Sq feet to 1,200 sq ft, so building costs can range anywhere from $100,000 – $395,000 or more.

Check regulations: In addition to complying with construction standards, you should check whether your single-family home qualifies for a garage conversion or ADU.
Inspect your house: While it may seem like any space can be converted, it is critical to consult with an expert General Contractor, like San Diego Building and Renovation, who has years of residential remodeling and building experience to assess your property and maximize the available space.

In conclusion, a garage conversion / ADU presents a valuable opportunity to optimize underutilized space on your San Diego property.

If you’re considering a garage conversion, reach out to the specialists at San Diego Building and Renovation, they can answer all your questions. They are experts in ADUs in San Diego, and can provide a turnkey experience and help you convert your garage into valuable living space.

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