Garage Conversion 450
Your existing garage is your fastest, most affordable path to a legal ADU. The Garage Conversion 450 transforms a standard two-car garage into a complete 450 sq ft living unit — fully permitted, fully finished, and ready to rent. Starting from $95,000.
Starting price reflects a standard 2-car detached garage in good structural condition. All-inclusive of design, engineering, permits, and full construction. Properties requiring significant structural repair or upgrades may increase the starting price.
Who Is the Garage Conversion 450 Designed For?
If you have a detached garage, you already have the foundation and structure of your ADU. A garage conversion leverages that existing footprint to dramatically reduce both cost and construction time compared to a new detached build. It's the most common first ADU for Los Angeles homeowners — and often the most financially efficient.
- Homeowners with an existing detached garage (standard 2-car size)
- Anyone who wants the fastest possible ADU timeline
- Investors looking for the most affordable ADU return on investment
- Properties where a new rear structure isn't feasible
- First-time ADU owners testing the rental income model
Complete Inclusions — Design Through Delivery
Every Garage Conversion 450 includes design, engineering, permitting, and full construction. Here's exactly what's in scope.
Conversion Scope
- Structural assessment and reinforcement of existing garage framing
- New or upgraded foundation where required by site conditions
- Garage door opening converted to window wall or sliding door
- R-21 insulation in walls, R-38 in ceiling (new framing as needed)
- All new interior framing for bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen
- New exterior finish to match or complement primary residence
Interior Build-Out
- One private bedroom — fully enclosed with closet
- Full bathroom — shower, vanity, and toilet
- Full kitchen with cabinetry, counters, and appliances
- Open living area from converted garage bay
- Vaulted ceiling option where existing roof pitch allows
- Private entry — separate from main house
Interior Finishes
- LVP flooring throughout (covers concrete slab)
- Shaker kitchen cabinetry with quartz or laminate counters
- Tile shower surround and tile bathroom floor
- Recessed LED lighting throughout
- Interior paint — standard two-color package
- Closet systems and interior doors throughout
Systems
- Single-zone mini-split HVAC (heating and cooling)
- New sub-panel from main house — sized for full living use
- Tankless water heater (new installation)
- In-unit washer/dryer hookups
- New plumbing rough-in for kitchen and bathroom
- Internet, cable, and electrical outlets to modern code
Garage Conversion 450 Starting From $95,000
Starting price reflects a standard 2-car detached garage in good structural condition. All-inclusive of design, engineering, permits, and full construction. Properties requiring significant structural repair or upgrades may increase the starting price.
- Architectural design and engineering
- All permit fees and city approval management
- Full construction — foundation through finish
- Final inspection and certificate of occupancy
- Site ConditionsSoil type, slope, and access affect foundation and site work costs.
- Finish TierStandard, Premium, and Luxury finish tiers are available at each model level.
- Optional UpgradesCovered patio, solar rough-in, EV charger, upgraded appliances, and more.
- City Permit FeesPermit fees vary by jurisdiction — LADBS, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and others differ.
Get a Free Estimate for the Garage Conversion 450
Tell us about your property. We'll confirm whether the Garage Conversion 450 works on your lot, provide a site-specific price estimate, and walk you through next steps — at no charge, no commitment.
- Confirm Garage Conversion 450 buildability on your lot
- Site-specific all-inclusive price estimate
- Permit timeline based on your city and jurisdiction
- Finish tier options and upgrade pricing
Request Your Free Estimate
We'll be in touch within 1 business day.
Garage Conversion 450 — Frequently Asked Questions
Does my garage qualify for conversion?
How is a garage conversion ADU different from building a new ADU?
Will I lose my garage parking if I convert?
How long does a garage conversion take from start to finish?
What rental income can I expect from a garage conversion ADU?
Have more questions about the model?
Contact an ADU SpecialistBuilt by an ADU-Exclusive Team
Every project we take is an ADU — which means our team has refined every process, navigated every city permit office, and resolved every site challenge around this one type of work.
Licensed & Insured General Contractor
ADU Build LA holds an active California General Contractor (B) license with CSLB and carries full general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Every subcontractor on your project is licensed, insured, and verified before they set foot on your property.
200+ ADUs Built Across LA County
We've completed over 200 ADU projects — garage conversions, detached new construction, Junior ADUs, and attached units — across every major LA-area city. That depth of experience means we've seen every site condition, every permit challenge, and every construction scenario.
15+ Years of ADU Experience
Since before the 2020 ADU law reforms, we've been building accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles. We've navigated every iteration of state ADU law, local zoning changes, and city permit process updates — institutional knowledge that directly accelerates your project.
Transparent, Fixed-Price Contracts
We don't use time-and-materials billing or open-ended design fees. Every project starts with a detailed all-inclusive fixed price covering design, engineering, permitting, and construction. What we quote is what you pay — no surprise change orders, no scope creep billing.
In-House Permit Management
Our team has submitted hundreds of permit applications across LADBS, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, and other LA-area jurisdictions. We know each city's plan check process, common correction triggers, and expedite options — reducing wait time and managing every step for you.
Single-Contract Design-Build
Under one contract, our in-house team handles every phase — design, engineering, permitting, and construction. You won't need to coordinate between a separate architect and a separate builder. One point of contact, one schedule, full accountability from first sketch to final inspection.
Services Included With Every Garage Conversion 450
ADU Design & Architecture
Custom ADU designs tailored to your property, lifestyle, and Los Angeles zoning requirements. From concept to permitted plans.
ADU Permitting & Approvals
We handle the full permitting process with the City of Los Angeles and surrounding municipalities — from plan check to final approval.
ADU Construction
Full-service ADU construction from foundation to finish. Licensed, bonded, and experienced in LA County building requirements.
Projects Built Using the Garage Conversion 450
See how this model performs in real Los Angeles builds — real costs, real timelines, real outcomes.
Santa Monica Garage Conversion ADU
A 2-car detached garage transformed into a coastal-style one-bedroom ADU — permitted through Santa Monica's Coastal Zone process and earning $3,200/month in rental income.
Glendale Junior ADU Remodel
An attached garage and unused bonus room converted into a 480 sq ft Junior ADU on a hillside Glendale lot — navigating structural constraints and earning a multigenerational family its own private living space.
Want to customize beyond this model?
Our interactive configurator lets you adjust size, finishes, exterior style, and more — then shows you matching floor plans and a live budget estimate.
Start Your Garage Conversion 450 Project
Join over 200 Los Angeles homeowners who have added rental income and lasting property value with an ADU from ADU Build LA.