What Should You Know Before Converting Your Garage Into ADU?

A garage before conversion

An insight into some important points to note as you intend to undergo a conversion of a garage into a granny flat.

These days with innovative methods such as a carport being used to park vehicles, large-sized garages are perhaps of no use in your property. On the contrary family members may be utilizing this place to store all the junk at home. This is a waste of crucial real estate space and we would insist on the need to resort to the popular trend of converting the garage into ADU, which are happening at an extremely quick pace in your city San Jose and the rest of California State. Homeowners are using this space to carve out more living areas and there are immense benefits. You must immediately contact an ADU contractor and discuss possible conversion options. Here is how the project can benefit you in the long run. 

Create more living space Are you struggling to accommodate your growing family in the main home? You can plan this conversion work and that should throw up more living space for your family to stretch out.
Explore rental income prospects Families that have no accommodation problems can also think of this conversion work. With more living areas at your disposal, you can think of leasing this space to tenants in the quest to earn monthly rentals.
A home value enhancement to seek This conversion work enhances the resale value of your home. Since you have more living space, there is always the scope to quote a higher amount in case you plan to sell the property.

At White Remodeling, we offer to our esteemed clients a range of home improvement services in the city of San Jose CA. We do remodeling of the living space and also help you converting your Garage into liveable ADU. You can always convert an idle garage in the backyard into a living area. However, before you do that, there are a few issues you must know about. Here are the details.

The condition of your garage

At this moment, this is an inhabited area and even before submitting a plan to the authorities, one must take a hard look at the garage space. Has there been work done that is not according to the current building codes? There could also be structural defects to the garage and these issues must be fixed first before you submit a plan for the conversion of this space into a living area.

The rules of a JADU

A garage space that is attached to the primary residence can be converted into a JADU. The term indicates a junior granny flat and this is also a popular conversion and you can incorporate the changes without altering the overall footprint of the property. However, you must also know that the maximum space of a JADU should be just 500 square feet. Are you eager to generate rental income from the JADU? There is the scope, but it comes with a rider. The law states that a homeowner must reside in the primary building during the entire rental period.

The property tax

The taxation for this new residential unit is bound to be different from a garage space. The authorities will undergo an assessment and then levy a tax. There is perhaps already an existing tax rate for the main building. It will now be combined with the tax for this additional living space and billed to you. There should be a slight increase in the property tax and that should not be much.

Utility easement

Is there any public utility line running through your property? This could make the project slightly complicated and one may have to gather a permit from the utility provider. You will also have to grant access to the utility professionals for maintenance work regarding the utility.

A beautifully converted garage

Some additions that you may have to make

We have already discussed the need to make sure that the garage space is upgraded according to the latest building codes and that that is not al. You need to comply with fire safety codes because someone will be living here after the conversion. Proper insulation is necessary to ensure the space is comfortable and suitable for residence. You may also need to include a moisture barrier between the foundation and flooring. There is plenty to do, and we will address all these requirements.

Conclusion

Here we have discussed some things that you must know before converting your garage into cozy ADU. If you permit, we are ready to start the conversion of your idle garage space into an ADU.

FAQs

You must get a professional check on the garage and especially on the soundness of the walls. This will determine, whether the garage is fit for conversion or not.

If you are converting an attached garage, there should not be problems. However, for detached garages, if you need to knock down the walls, there are bound to be complications.

You would want to integrate the converted structure and for that, it is essential to raise the floor to the level of the main home.

Ceramic tiles can be a perfect choice as flooring for this converted space.

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