With the growing cost of property and rent in San Diego, we’re seeing a boom in ADUs, Granny Flats, and Garage Conversions. A conversion of your garage generally refers to the redesign and construction of the garage into a bedroom (sometimes including bathroom and more) This is often more affordable than a self-standing ADU or granny flat. If you have an older garage, maybe with leaks in the roof and cracks in the cement, it might be a good time to invest in this type of remodeling project.
Benefits of a Garage Remodel
Not only will a garage makeover create more living space for guests or family to stay in (hence the nickname “granny” flat for ADUs), but it can also be a source of revenue via renting. If you’re planning on renting your new garage bedroom, you’ll definitely need it to be up to code and permitted, to reduce your own liability and ensure proper safety. With the average rent in San Diego right now (December 2023)
Not only will a garage makeover create more living space for guests or family to stay in (hence the nickname “granny” flat for ADUs), but it can also be a source of revenue via renting. If you’re planning on renting your new garage bedroom, you’ll definitely need it to be up to code and permitted, to reduce your own liability and ensure proper safety. With the average rent for a studio apartment in San Diego at about $2,363, you can see how it can quickly add to your home income in a substantial way.
Permitting for Garage Conversions in San Diego
The first steps to converting your San Diego garage are to review the permitting (San Diego City Development Services offer a permitting guide to garage conversions in pdf format) and contact a local expert like Designs 4 You Remodeling for a free consultation and estimate. An expert project manager can help you determine design plans, permitting issues, materials, timeline, budget and more. Companies like ours can also provide you with a 3D design of your future remodeling project. This is not always necessary but can be a fun and helpful visual guide for your project.
Permitting is important not only to avoid city fines or having to redo any work, but also helps ensure legality, safety via San Diego zoning laws and building codes. If you fail to acquire permitting, you could face penalties, delays, and can even have requirements to have the finished work undone. It can be very costly. Always get your proper permitting, and always hire a local licensed and insured contract.
About Adding Bathrooms, Kitchens and Plumbing to Your Garage
Adding a bathroom or kitchen to your garage renovation can likely add value to your home, as it’s a much more substantial upgrade that allows for near-independent living from the main home. If you’re planning on adding plumbing and a bathroom and/or kitchen to your home, not only will you need the proper permitting, but may also require you to increase you water meter size. Additional San Diego Water Authority capacity fees may apply. An upgrade to the water meter is not usually required when only adding one single new bathroom.
If you’re a homeowner in San Diego and contemplating converting your garage into a living space, please give us a call at (858) 939-9998 and schedule your free consultation and estimate. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
