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Originally Posted On: https://escobuildersinc.com/adu-garage-conversion-in-los-angeles/

 

The Benefits of an ADU Garage Conversion in Los Angeles

As every Los Angeles resident is well aware, there’s a housing crunch going on in this great city. The city is aiming to increase the supply of housing by creating 456,643 new units by 2029. And part of the answer could be right on your existing lot.

A garage conversion in Los Angeles is a great way to add valuable square footage to your existing home. It may also give you the chance to create a separate dwelling, which could open up a lot of possibilities.

But what does an ADU garage conversion involve? And what are the benefits? Let’s take a deep dive into why an ADU garage conversion could work for you.

What Is an ADU Garage Conversion in Los Angeles?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), sometimes called a granny flat, is a great way to use a space you already have in a more productive way. There are two types permitted in Los Angeles.

An ADU can only be built in a garage that is not attached to the house. Attached garages may be converted into Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). More on those in a moment.

An ADU must include permanent provisions for:

• Living
• Sleeping
• Cooking
• Bathrooms

It must meet all local building codes. It will require permits, which your ADU garage conversion company can help you to obtain.

You can create a JADU of up to 500 square feet in an attached garage. However, the crucial difference is that either the JADU or the must be owner-occupied. You cannot use both as rental units.

A junior ADU may also share some of the main house’s amenities. This could include the kitchen or bathrooms.

Are you worried that you’ll have to make up for the lost parking if you convert your garage? Don’t worry. Under state law, if you turn your garage into an ADU you don’t have to provide replacement parking spaces.

One extra ongoing expense to take into consideration is your property taxes. Once it’s been assessed, you could see the entire additional value of the conversion added to your property tax bill.

The Benefits of Garage Conversion

The benefits of a garage conversion go far beyond simply adding square footage or an extra living unit. It can actually enrich your family and strengthen the bonds between the generations.

Dignified, Private, and Secure Space for a Loved One

As our parents get older, we naturally want to do all we can to help them. They may live out of the local area or in accommodation that’s no longer suitable for their needs.

When you create a garage conversion in your LA home, you bring them under your roof. You are able to provide them with a greater level of security than they would have if they stayed in their own home. But at the same time, an ADU gives them the dignity of still having their own independent living area.

The ADU will have everything they need. If they’re able, they can prepare meals and invite friends around to visit. The children will be able to stay within the safety of your home while visiting their grandparents.

This gives your family a great opportunity to strengthen those crucial intergenerational bonds. There’s so much that seniors can impart to young ones. It’s a great opportunity to add a beautiful element to your children’s developmental years.

If your loved ones need care, it’s easier to arrange this in your own home. If you already have your loved ones in mind, you can build the ADU to accommodate their needs.

This might include level access throughout or room for wheelchair access. You can make the kitchen and bathroom more accessible and safe. You can also involve your parents in the design process, so they feel that this truly is their home.

Uses the Existing Structure

Some folks create an ADU as a separate unit in their backyard. While this can be a great use of space, you have to put everything in place from the ground up. That means digging for water and electrics and laying a slab.

It involves everything a new-build family home would, just on a smaller scale. But when you use an existing garage, you immediately save money.

The walls and the roof are already there. You’ll already have electrics and it’s easier to bring water and other services in from the house. It’s a good idea to create a separate HVAC system so that whoever lives in the ADU in the future has full control over the thermostat.

The other cool benefit is that construction will be much faster than if you build a separate ADU. Some straightforward projects may only take a month or slightly longer to complete.

If you live in an older home, you, your neighbors, and the city will no doubt be very picky about what you can build on your lot.

Add Value to Your Property

Any increase in square footage and functionality should add value to your home when you decide to sell.

With property values changing all the time and ADUs varying in size, it’s tough to put an exact figure on how much value they may add. According to one estimate quoted in the Pasadena Now Weekender, a new 1,000-square-foot ADU in LA could add $470,000 to the value of a property.

If you’re serious about an ADU garage conversion and think you may sell your home in the near future, why not consult a local realtor? They have on-the-ground experience of how much interest buyers have in homes with ADUs. They can also advise you how much of a price bump you may achieve in your neighborhood.

Add Extra Living Space

An ADU must be set up as a separate living unit, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it that way. You can make use of the rooms for your family’s enjoyment. This could include a games room, music room, or a place for your kids to study.

You could also use it as a place to work from home or run your business.

Then in the future when the kids leave home, you have the option of renting out the unit and bringing in some extra income during their college years.

Keep Your Teens Close, but Not Too Close

Your kids may be craving some extra independence, but you know they’re not quite ready to fly the nest. If they go to college nearby or start working, how about easing that transition by letting them move into the garage ADU?

It’s a great opportunity for them to experience managing their own home. You’re close by to keep an eye on them but they have the freedom as older teens to come and go as they wish.

Chance to Generate a Rental Income

The average rent in Los Angeles County stands at more than $2,000 per month. If you’ve got a garage sitting there, housing some old bikes and paint cans, it’s very tempting to start using it to generate an income.

This could also be a great way to pay off the cost of building the ADU. After several years of renting it, you may be able to cover the entire amount. Then you’ll have increased the equity in your property.

Los Angeles has done a complete 180 on ADUs. Whereas in the past they were discouraged, now they’re seen as part of the solution to its ongoing housing crisis.

How to Do a Garage Conversion

The first step is to contact a contractor who specializes in garage ADU conversions. They will be able to visit your house and provide advice about your garage conversion. This will include whether it is viable or not, based on their knowledge of the

If it is, they will help you to navigate the world of construction permits, building codes, and fire regulations. They’ll work with you to create a design that meets your needs and satisfies local requirements.

You arrange the financing for the project and the ADU contractor will agree on a start date with you. They’ll talk you through the timeline based on your specific project, so you know when the project will be completed by.

Choose Esco Builders Inc. for Your ADU Garage Conversion

A garage conversion in Los Angeles is a great way to improve your existing home. It can house a loved one somewhere they can maintain their independence and you can help them. It could also pay you back by generating a rental income.

The key benefit of choosing Esco Builders Inc. is the way that we do business. We believe in completing projects to the highest standard of workmanship and customer service. Plus, we stick to our timelines.

Complete our online form today to tell us more about your project and we’ll be in touch soon!