Creating the perfect granny flat or ADU BY Hillstar Construction

Garage conversion is easier than you think

Garages, a useful space where we keep the car when not using it, right? In theory it is, but try thinking about your garage. When was the last time you actually used it to for your vehicle? Just as importantly, could you fit your car in it even if you wanted to?

For many of us, the garage is that black hole where we put old furniture, toys the kid’s have long since got bored of, Christmas decorations, Halloween outfits and almost everything else that we want to get out of sight and forget about.

But there are better things to do with that space, which is why garage conversions Los Angeles residents are looking for often create an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU.

The Accessory Dwelling Unit

In 2017, California introduced a state law that relaxed regulation on using space within a property as accommodation for family members or to rent out. Whether that is a garage conversion, basement suite or even a separate dwelling within the property’s lot, these independent accommodation spaces allow homeowners to generate additional funds through rental income, and since adopting the law, the rate of ADUs being built has increased massively. Today, there are thirsty times more applications each year that prior to the law being enacted.

What that means for homeowners is that instead of storing junk or the car, a garage conversion can build an ADU, creating a real rental income, or even a granny flat space for a relative.

Slow Down a little

Before you rush off to empty out the garage and place a Craigslist ad for your new tenant, there is a little more to it. Whether you call the granny flats or an accessory dwelling unit, for any garage conversion Los Angeles residents will still need to follow some simple rules.

You still need permitting to create an accessory dwelling unit, and there are some aspects of the garage conversion that need to be considered. First, only one ADU is allowed per single-family home. However, once you have made the choice, when drawing up your garage conversion plans, there are some things to remember.

The ADU built entirely internally to the house has no size restrictions, whereas those built as a detached building can be no more than 1,200 square feet, or half the house size, whichever is smaller. For garage conversions, there is a necessity to waive rights to passages to the garage conversion, Los Angeles also requires that there are zero setbacks for existing garages that are converted to ADUs.

A better way

While it is possible to accomplish all this yourself, there is a better way that removes the hassle and uncertainty about code compliance and other aspects of the ADU garage conversion. Hillstar Construction can help you through every step of your garage conversion plans, and we can take the hassle from the process.

From initial design, maximizing the space available for a granny flat or accessory dwelling unit, through permitting to carrying out the construction work, we can ensure everything goes smoothly. While most homeowners think it is the building works that will be the part that they will find most challenging, in reality, getting the design right and creating a useable space from the garage conversion is the part where they often need most help.

The temptation with the design is to rush in to get things going on the garage conversion project, however, time spent here can save a lot of hassle and costs down the line. There are three things to think about, light, access and space. This is especially important if you are looking at creating an ADU for rental. After all, the garage conversion plans need to result in a space that people will want to rent if you wish to make additional income from it.

Creating the perfect granny flat or ADU

By necessity, the garage conversion Los Angeles residents can create will be relatively small. This makes introducing light into the space crucial. Light has the effect of opening up the space, making it look bigger than it is and presenting a welcoming space that will attract tenants. Other things to think about are how they access the granny flat or accessory dwelling unit. Here finding a solution that doesn’t impact your own lifestyle is important.

With a specialist ADU expert drawing up your garage conversion plans, these things can be taken care of quickly, and soon you will have a complete plan for the ADU. This is where experience matters even more.

The right contractor

We have talked about the importance of a specialist contractor when drawing up the garage conversion plans, but this is even more crucial when the work begins. An experienced contractor who has delivered numerous garage conversion projects knows how to schedule and plan the work itself to minimize disruption and ensure a great finish while keeping to your budget. But with so many options to choose from, what do you look for.

Of course, it is easy for us to simply say, look for our name, but in general, you need three things from your garage conversion contractor. A track record of success in creating granny flats and ADUs, a friendly team who you feel comfortable with, and a transparent process that inspires confidence.

Experience, and in particular a track record of successfully completed projects gives peace of mind and a good idea of the quality of workmanship, but the other two are just as important. Because any alterations to your home means inviting people into it, you should always feel comfortable with those doing the work. Likewise, a great contractor will be able to lay out the work schedule and tell you what is happening when. This can make it much easier to work the garage conversion project around your life, and that makes for a smoother process throughout.

Conclusion

An accessory dwelling unit can be a great source of additional income, and with the right garage conversion Los Angeles residents can quickly turn their spare space into a business opportunity.

Thanks to recent law changes it is not nearly as daunting as many think, but it is still much easier to have Hillstar Construction garage conversion expert on hand to guide you through the process.