Important Factors To Consider Before Carrying Out A Garage ADU

A garage ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a great way to add a functional space into your home by converting your already existing garage space into something else. If carried out well, a garage ADU can expand the total livable square feet in your home, improve the value of your property, and add to the aesthetics of your home, among many other perks. However, it is not advisable to jump straight into a garage ADU. It’s important that you first weigh these important considerations first.

Your need for a garage space

When you carry out a garage ADU, you essentially get rid of your garage. It ceases to exist and converts into some other space. For that reason, it is important that you carefully consider your need for garage space. After the ADU is completed you won’t be able to reclaim your garage space back. If you plan to buy a car or sell the property in the future you might want to weigh how your ADU will affect that process.

Local building permits

Every local government has strict codes that govern construction and development. And this applies to ADUs as well. It may be illegal, you may need to carry out an inspection first, or you may even need to pay a fee. Your county or state could be an exception if you’re lucky but it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Check with your local building inspector and see what the law says about building your ADU. Your building contractor can also shine some light on this if they have carried out similar work in the area.

Budgetary requirements

Though small, a simple garage ADU could end up gobbling up quite some money before it’s completed. It is important that you tally up the costs diligently. Consult your contractor before you decide to start knocking down walls. Expenses such as insulation, roofing, electrical wiring, and flooring could push the total expenditure further up than you thought.

Construction disruptions to your ordinary life

Another factor that you should consider is how a garage ADU will cause disruptions to your ordinary life at home. For starters, if you have cars or good already under storage inside the garage you will need to clear them out. Then there’s the noise from the construction, the construction waste that will follow, and the possible knocking down of adjacent walls. Be sure that you’re ready for these disruptions and plan for them in advance so that you’re well prepared when the job starts.

Your remaining outdoor space

Last but not least, it’s also important to consider your outdoor space. Before you add another dwelling space to your home, ask yourself whether you’re okay with encroaching onto your remaining outdoor space any further. If you have a very small outdoor space, your garage ADU could take up a small portion of it thereby making it even smaller. However, if you have a huge front lawn then you won’t be as affected.

Creative Design & Build Inc. can help you plan your garage ADU in consideration of all these factors and more. We can also help you with your kitchen remodeling San Diego or bathroom remodeling San Diego project.

Great Ideas For Your Garage Space Conversion (ADU)

In this progressive age of advanced tech and amazing inventions, there are a lot of people who barely use their garage spaces. And the reason for that is they do not own cars. They either cycle to work or simply hail taxi rides from the comfort of their homes. Others own cars which they never use; they simply collect dust in the garage. If you are in a similar situation where you barely make any use of your garage space, an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) could be a great idea.

Through an ADU you get to make use of all your floor space. And, you can add an exciting new room to your home. This could be a:

 

  1. Guest wing

Want to give you and your guests more privacy? Impress your friends and family when they come to visit by providing them with their very own suite away from the main family living area. This can work well if your garage holds two or more vehicles because that provides enough space for a self-contained wing.

 

  1. Play room

Too much work and no play makes for a dull family. Give your family a space to play, laugh, and break away from the monotony that they’re used to. A play room is an exciting addition that parents, children, and guests will all love. You can add play features such as a pool table, board games, dance games, and more.

 

  1. Mud room

A garage is perfectly located to host the ideal mudroom. Make this a space where you and your kids can leave your wet clothes or muddy shoes before entering the main living quarters. This space can be made functional by adding shelving units and wall hangers to hold shoes and jackets respectively.

 

  1. Storage closet

A lot of family homes lack enough storage space. Convert your garage into a space where extra clothes, bedding, old furniture, or idle appliances can be stored until they are needed again; or until they can be disposed away. Again, most of what is needed for this conversion is built-in smart storage. Just think of all the clutter you could get out of your living room, kitchen, and bedrooms.

 

  1. Laundry room

Don’t have a perfect spot for your laundry room? Your garage can make for a cozy, spacious, and modern laundry room. It’s large enough to hold multiple washing machines and dryers, as well as washing sinks, a folding space, storage shelves, and space for holding all the dirty laundry.

 

  1. Sun room

You could also choose to convert your garage into a sun room. Sun rooms are great living spaces where you and your family can relax, have meals, host friends, and of course – enjoy nature. A sun room will also give your home an outdoor living space and look.

All the above garage ADUs would make for exciting additions to any home while adding great functionality and value to your property. At Creative Design & Build we can make these garage ADUs come to life. We are also the kitchen remodeling experts in San Diego with the experience and expertise to makeover any room in your house.