How to Convert a Garage into a Mother-in-Law Unit

Whether you are considering converting your garage into an attached unit for a relative or on a rental house you own, you may find that it is a very smart financial move for several reasons.

The resale value of the home to which you make this improvement should far outweigh the conversion cost, especially if you do the work yourself. If you hire someone to do the work, it should still be an excellent decision.

In most areas, converting a garage to an in-law apt. is fine, as long as you obtain a permit from your local zoning office. There are restrictions regarding what you can and cannot do in the process, but most of the time any problems that arise can be worked around.

Having an efficiency apartment in place of a garage can offer some financial benefits, as well. Zoning restrictions may prevent turning the garage into a "separate" unit (duplex) with a solid wall, there are modifications which would allow an in-law to reside comfortably in this conversion with a beneficial financial arrangement for both parties.

Some garages are not large enough to convert or lack a direct water or electrical source. Some garages are not connected to the main home which would prevent an in-law conversion. In order to comply with local zoning, you may wish to visit your local zoning board and obtain printed restrictions and regulations concerning a modification such as this.

With a garage that has water and electric already wired, the savings can be notable. If your garage is not already set up this way, you still may be able to run electric and water without undue problems from the main home.

A conversion such as this can be accomplished within a couple of months on average. In some cases, minimal work can turn an empty garage into a livable, cozy apt. or an extra space for your family.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Estimates from at least three contractors
Printed copy of regulations concerning zoning and building restrictions in your area.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the garage you have in mind and make note of where your water and electricity sources are located. Note any exterior doors or locate where one might be made for best entrance. This can be a converted window or a removal and modification of the existing garage door.
- 2
  Picture the enclosed space with built-in bathroom and kitchette. Is there space enough? Bathrooms can have only a shower, basin and toilet and as such can take up one corner of the garage. Kitchenettes can be a small counter with sink, an apartment size refrigerator and only counter-top cooking (two-burner hot plates and microwave).
- 3
  Look at the ceiling of the garage. Are there open rafters? This is not a problem, this is a plus. You can leave open space with exposed beams (to be painted white or cream) and cover the roof and walls with sheet rock. The exposed, painted beams will add tremendous space and interest to an otherwise limited area, giving it a feel of it being much larger than it is.
- 4
  Move a hot water heater to the outside in a closed but accessible structure against the house, or move it to the main home if there is space. Take out any washers or dryers and perhaps create a separate washing area outside the home if possible. The same area that encloses the hot water heater could also house the washer/dryer.
- 5
  Raise the floor level to the level of the main home if needed with concrete. This may or may not be needed as part of your requirements to meet building standards.
- 6
  Expect that as conversion progresses, that you will be inspected by your local building permit office each step of the way. They will advise you and make sure that all changes are according to code.
- 7
  Consider adding an additional wall across the wall that adjoins your house. This additional wall can be soundproofed. In addition, the adjoining door (which zoning will insist be left intact can have a closet (or other soundproofed space) built around it with a functioning door. This allows for compliance with building codes but affords the person living in the conversion privacy from sounds from the main house. Adjoining doors can be locked from both sides. You cannot seal up a wall in a single family dwelling to make a separate unit if zoning is only single family.
- 8
  Leave electrical breaker boxes in the conversion if possible, as relocating them can be expensive. You can replace old boxes with new which can lie flush with the wall and can be covered with a picture or pseudo cabinet.
- 9
  Find a contractor to do the whole job or contract it out yourself, separately (for plumbing, electrical, etc) or do part of the work yourself if you are able, to save money.
- 10
  Consider additional enhancements such as windows, pretty carpet, ceiling fans or outside upgrades for walkways, etc.

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