A garage conversion can transform your barely used garage space into a totally functional and valuable part of your home. As you delve into the many ways a garage can be converted, garage conversion costs are bound to be at the forefront of your thought processes. At Oasis Builders, we help property owners with garage conversion on a regular basis. Take a look at some of the factors that can affect the total cost.
Legalities That May Affect Garage Conversion Cost
A few legal factors can be involved in determining overall garage conversion costs. Be sure to look into what permits or zoning regulations may be in place before you get started. Also, make sure to choose home remodeling contractors who understand local laws. For example, if you are in Los Angeles, garage conversions were once difficult to achieve due to zoning restrictions, but SB 1069 & AB 229 makes it much easier to undergo these projects legally.
Garage Conversion Costs Associated with Chosen Design
Several types of garage conversion exist, and much of the price will be reliant on the design you choose. For example, ADU garage conversion that involves creating a full-on living space can be a bit more expensive than simply converting the garage into a new family room. A few design factors that can make a cost difference include:
- Whether the space will involve extensive plumbing or electrical changes
- The perceived use of the space
- How much the existing garage layout will have to change
- If the garage will have to be expanded
Consider the Costs Associated with Materials and Furnishings
Materials used during the conversion will naturally make up the bulk of the garage conversion cost of the project. Consider things like:
- Windows
- Wood or metal wall framing
- Doors
- Flooring types
- Wall and ceiling finishes
- Plumbing and electrical fixtures
- Insulation
- HVAC
Figure Labor Expenses as Part of Garage Conversion Cost
The typical labor expense that will make up a portion of garage conversion cost will be roughly 10 to 20 percent of the overall cost of the total project. With that being said, you can assume some roundabout costs by adding 10 to 20 percent to overall material costs. To get a closer estimate, be sure to work with home remodeling contractors who are willing to give you free quotes upfront.
Other Garage Conversion Cost Considerations
As you start examining possibilities, a few other cost considerations may come up to think about, such as:
- If the cost of conversion can be recouped when you sell your home
- If you want to convert the full garage or only a portion of the garage
- How you will want to change your driveway to better accommodate your vehicle
A Word About Financing a Garage Conversion
You have several options to consider when it comes to paying for your garage conversion costs. A few property owners choose to use their own funding or savings for the project, but you may also want to consider:
- A home equity loan
- Home renovation funding
- A 203(k) construction loan
- Cash-out refinancing
With interest rates being at all-time lows over the past year, getting loans to finance your garage conversion costs may be a more logical option.
Work with a Trustworthy Los Angeles Contractor to Keep Garage Conversion Costs in Check
With so many factors to consider with garage conversion cost, feeling a bit overwhelmed with the process is understandable. As you begin researching your ADU garage conversion, be sure to get in touch with the best Los Angeles contractors for help. At Oasis Builders, we have been serving clients in the area for many years, and we make sure our clients get absolute transparency with pricing and the guidance they need to make the best decisions. Reach out to us today to start a free project price quote!