What Exactly is a Garage Conversion ADU?

According to Los Angeles City Ordinance No. 186481, an ADU must meet specific criteria and guidelines. This ordinance defines what an ADU is and where it can be built within the city.

Can I Legally Convert My Garage into an ADU?

Yes, if you own a single-family home in Los Angeles or nearby areas with residential zoning, you can legally convert your garage into an ADU. While specific requirements may vary by city and county, state laws passed in January 2017 allow homeowners in Los Angeles to convert their attached or detached garages into livable, rentable units.

Should You Consider Converting Your Garage?

Deciding whether to convert your garage into an ADU depends on various personal factors. You need to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks based on your specific needs, whether it’s for a rental unit, guest home, or home office.

Comparing Garage Conversions with New ADUs

When considering a garage conversion versus building a new ADU elsewhere on your property, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons:

Benefits

• • Cost-Effective Garage conversions are significantly less expensive than constructing a new ADU, as the existing structure saves costs on foundation, framing, and roofing.

• • Faster Process Permitting and constructing a garage conversion typically takes less time than building a new ADU from scratch.

Drawbacks

• • Loss of Garage Space Converting your garage results in less space for parking or storage, which could be a disadvantage for potential buyers.

• • Impact on Property Value While an ADU adds habitable space and increases property value, losing a garage—a valuable amenity in Los Angeles—might offset some of the added value.

What are the Costs Involved in Converting a Garage into an ADU?

The cost of converting a garage into an ADU generally ranges from $80,000 to $150,000, depending on factors such as the size of the garage, utility access, and the quality of finish materials.

Project Examples:

• • Basic Conversion: Estimated budget: $100,000+
    This involves keeping the existing garage structure, adding an efficiency kitchen, a small bathroom, a mini-split HVAC system, and updating the electrical system. The result is a functional and livable ADU without luxurious finishes.
    

    

• • Enhanced Conversion: Estimated budget: $140,000+
    This may include structural upgrades, vaulted ceilings, or additional space. The ADU would feature a larger kitchen, a full bathroom, and separate utility metering, resulting in a more luxurious feel.

• • Custom Rebuild: Estimated budget: $200,000+
    This involves demolishing the existing garage and creating a custom floorplan, potentially with a second story. The new ADU would have high-end finishes and multiple living areas, significantly increasing property value.

Is a Garage Conversion Right for You?