An unused garage space is of no use and you can always have it converted into an ADU. The accessory dwelling unit first came up years ago on the East coast, but at that time, it did not create much enthusiasm. That was more living space created but in those days the real estate spike was yet to happen and hence the concept did not generate much interest. Years later today in California the ADU’s have resurfaced and this time it is here to stay.
It is because California needs more living space and experts see a housing crisis evolving in a few years. There are two reasons why one must have an ADU in place. You might have a growing family to accommodate and this is the first reason to build an ADU. The other scenario is that you can exploit the housing demand and look to generate rental income.
One of the most cost-effective ways to create living space is to convert the garage into an ADU. A detached ADU sounds nice, but it takes up a huge investment. The same can be said for an attached ADU, and on the contrary, the garage conversions are devoid of the need to build from the ground up. Let us now look at some important reasons why you must convert the unused garage space into an ADU.
This is a primary reason why plenty of homeowners are ready to convert the unused garage space into a nice cozy living space. Normally, if the garage is not used for parking vehicles, it becomes a dumping ground for waste. At that time, it has no value, but the moment, you hand over this space to ADU builders like us for the conversion and we complete the job, you can think of generating rental income from the very next day. You could speak to us on some basics such as incorporating privacy features and direct access from the street. It should now be perfect to rent out this space to earn a monthly income.
These conversions are perfect if you are looking to enhance property value. It is just simple that at the time of disposing of the property, you will now be offering more living space to the next buyer. Hence, there is certainly a scope to quote a much higher value, the moment; you intend to dispose of the property.
At times, you could think a bit beyond the rental income and resale value derived from this conversion. Are you struggling to accommodate a growing family at home? Your home was built a long time ago and the layout was perhaps based on the needs of that area. Today it is a complicating scenario because there have been new member additions in the family and there is a lack of living space. Someone in the family might have to stay elsewhere on rent and that is not cheap. The garage conversion into an ADU should solve this problem significantly. This space could also be allocated to anyone who intends to stay overnight. It could be anyone from a guest to a caregiver.
Do you have plans to start a new business? At the initial stages, one might try to get a feel of the market and that is when you will need to curtail expenses. Normally, you might have to hire an office space for business operations, but if you have the garage converted into a granny flat, you can start from there. There are today plenty of businesses, which have started operations from garage spaces. One can always start and there is no need to feel disheartened that you are operating from a garage. We would like to state that anyone on the lookout for some sanity, which can be missing in the main building, can shift to this converted space.
A garage conversion into an ADU offers immense benefits but before the project, you might have to take measures to make the structure sound for living purposes. Here are certain things that should be done in this regard.
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Ceiling joists |
You may have to add ceiling joists to support the drywall and insulation. |
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Moisture barrier |
You may have to add a moisture barrier between the slab and flooring |
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Make the space energy-efficient |
Since the space will be used for living, you will need to take measures to make the area energy-efficient. You might have to install insulation along with heating and plumbing systems. |
Here we have shared with you four strong reasons why one must instantly convert vacant garage space into an ADU. This piece of real estate is crucial and certainly not ideal to accumulate junk. It is via this conversion done by our ADU contractors, you can create value for this space. Call us now.
Unlikely and only 10% of garage conversion projects require such permission. You will however have to seek permitted development rights.
You can have anything from a shower to a home spa. You can think of having a wet room in the newly converted space.
Yes, you can execute the project but after meeting all the regulations of the City Council. This space will need at least one window.
