ADU type
Garage Conversion ADU
Converting an existing garage into a livable ADU reuses a structure that is already built, which can make it one of the lower-cost ways to add a unit. The right fit depends on the garage, the lot, and your jurisdiction.
Why a garage conversion can cost less
A garage conversion starts with an existing foundation, walls, and roof, so you are adapting a structure rather than building one from the ground up. That can reduce site work and shell costs compared with a new detached unit. The savings vary widely based on the condition of the garage and how much new plumbing, insulation, and electrical the unit needs.
Typical scope of work
- Insulating walls, floor, and roof to meet residential energy requirements.
- Adding or upgrading plumbing for a kitchen and bathroom.
- Upgrading electrical service and adding heating and cooling.
- Replacing the garage door with a wall, windows, and an entrance.
- Raising or finishing the slab and addressing drainage where needed.
Feasibility considerations
- Whether the existing slab and framing can support residential use, which the builder and an engineer assess.
- Setbacks and whether the garage already sits where an ADU is allowed.
- How losing covered parking interacts with any parking rules in your jurisdiction.
- Ceiling height, since some older garages are below residential minimums.
- Utility access from the main house to the converted unit.
What the matched builder handles
We are a matching and marketing service, not a contractor. The licensed local builder you are matched with evaluates the garage, designs the conversion, manages permitting with your jurisdiction, and performs the construction. You contract with the builder directly.
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Get matched with a Spokane ADU builder
Tell us about your lot and project. We connect you with a licensed local builder who serves your jurisdiction. It is free to you, with no obligation.