FAQs

Have questions about garage conversion services? Check out these frequently asked questions. If you have any questions of your own we did not cover here, contact us today!

Is a permit required for a garage conversion in Los Angeles County?

Yes, a permit is required for converting a garage into a living space in Los Angeles County. This is because the conversion changes the use of the space, and specific regulations must be met to ensure the safety and compliance of the structure. You’ll need permits for building, electrical, plumbing, and possibly mechanical work. Additionally, the project must adhere to zoning regulations, building codes, and energy efficiency standards such as Title 24.

Yes, garage conversions are commonly done to create accessory dwelling units (ADUs). In Los Angeles County, recent state laws have made it easier to convert a garage into an ADU, allowing homeowners to add extra living space or create rental units. There are specific requirements regarding minimum and maximum square footage, setbacks, and parking, but most residential properties are eligible. The county encourages these conversions to address the housing shortage.

Zoning requirements for garage conversions depend on the specific zoning of your property. In general, most residential zones in Los Angeles County allow garage conversions, but there are rules about setbacks, height restrictions, and the total allowable floor area. You need to verify your zoning with the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning to ensure compliance. Additionally, ADU-specific ordinances can override some typical zoning restrictions, making it easier to convert your garage.

The cost of a garage conversion in Los Angeles typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the scope of the work, finishes, and whether any major structural changes are required. This cost includes design, permits, labor, and materials. If your conversion includes adding a bathroom or kitchen, the costs can increase significantly due to plumbing and electrical upgrades.

Under California state law, if your property is located within half a mile of public transit, you are not required to provide replacement parking after converting your garage. In Los Angeles County, many properties qualify for this exemption, especially in urban areas. If your property doesn’t meet this criterion, you may need to provide alternative parking spaces, such as a driveway or a carport, to replace the lost garage parking.

 

A garage conversion in Los Angeles County generally takes between 3 to 6 months to complete. This includes the design and planning phase, obtaining permits, and construction. The permitting process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of your project and the current workload of the building department. The actual construction typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the extent of the work and the availability of materials and labor.

Yes, once your garage has been legally converted into an ADU, you can rent it out as a separate dwelling unit. Los Angeles County permits garage conversions to be used as rental units, which can provide a source of additional income for homeowners. However, you must comply with local rental laws, including registration, safety standards, and occupancy regulations. Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, may also have additional restrictions.

Building code requirements for a garage conversion include compliance with structural, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and energy efficiency standards. The converted space must meet the minimum ceiling height (typically 7.5 feet), have proper egress (such as windows or doors), and meet Title 24 energy standards for insulation and efficiency. You will also need to ensure that the garage floor is raised if necessary to prevent flooding and that all electrical and plumbing systems are up to code.

In many cases, the existing garage foundation and structure will need upgrades to meet current building codes for living spaces. This can include reinforcing the foundation, adding insulation to the walls, raising the floor, and improving structural integrity to support additional loads. An engineer or architect can assess your existing garage and determine what upgrades are needed to make it safe and code-compliant for habitation.

Schedule a free estimate instantly!

Simply select a day and time on the calendar below. We will come to your house and provide you with a free quote, no strings attached.

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 2

This field is hidden when viewing the form

February 2025

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28

February 17, 2025

February 18, 2025

February 19, 2025

February 20, 2025

February 21, 2025

February 24, 2025

February 25, 2025

February 26, 2025

February 27, 2025

February 28, 2025