October 2021

One of the best resources for homeowners seeking additional revenue is the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) garage conversion. Here are some of the reasons you should consider undergoing a garage conversion if you have a garage space that isn’t being actively used. EcoSmart Builders offers sustainable construction services and support to property owners adding ADUs to their single-family or multifamily lots. The garage conversion is among the most straightforward solutions for adding space to a single-family or multifamily residential property. The strategy provides additional space for storage, housing, or even a place for recreation. However you choose to use your converted garage space, it will raise the value of your property. If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you use a significant portion of your garage to store various items that you use only semi-regularly while keeping your car in the driveway. If your garage has become so overwhelmed by bulky items you haven’t gotten around to disposing of, you might have a highly valuable resource right under your nose. Here are a few advantages of undertaking an ADU garage conversion. An ADU Garage Conversion is the Least Disruptive Construction Option Unlike an attached or detached ADU, garage conversions do not require the full construction of a structure. If the integrity of the garage is sound, it can be easily and quickly converted. A garage conversion is generally the least expensive type of ADU. Best of all, a full garage conversion can be completed in approximately one month. An ADU Garage Conversion Raises the Value of Your Property ADU garage conversions provide the highest ROI potential of any ADU. Because the initial expenditure is significantly lower than attached or detached ADUs, homeowners can expect to reap significantly higher returns because the increase in value is roughly equivalent to detached and attached ADUs. An ADU Garage Conversion Offers Optimal Living Space If you have privacy concerns, a garage conversion is your best option, particularly if your garage is detached from the primary residence. However, even if your garage is attached, garage units are generally of solid construction so that the sounds of automobiles are muted. If you plan on using your garage as an additional living space for rent, you won’t have to worry about interruptions to your lifestyle or the lifestyle of your renter. EcoSmart Builders specializes in providing planning and construction services to single-family and multifamily property owners who want to add an ADU to their lots. For more information about our services, please visit our ADU information page.

More and more people are seeking alternative arrangements for housing that can accommodate a senior. One of the smartest options for homeowners seeking additional space suitable for an aging parent or relative is garage conversion to apartment. EcoSmart Builders offers sustainable, durable construction of accessory dwelling units (ADU), including garage conversions, attached units, detached units, and junior ADUs. As we get older, the need for sufficient retirement funds becomes increasingly urgent. If you’re both approaching retirement age and a homeowner, a garage conversion to apartment might be the smartest financial strategy. Not only does it increase the value of your property considerably, but it also provides additional living space if you or your spouse ever need rental income. Additionally, if you or your spouse need caregiver services around the clock, you have a dwelling ready to accommodate a live-in attendant or the supplies necessary for you or your loved one’s long-term care. Housing in Southern California is a precious resource. For many, the option of buying a secondary home is not economically feasible for many people, even those with relatively high incomes. For those who are already homeowners, the significant increase in property value can provide security and flexibility for your golden years. For people with children, it also provides extra living space that offers full privacy. Why should I undertake a garage conversion to apartment? Approximately one-quarter of all American adults under the age of 37 will move back into their parents’ homes at some point. Having a private dwelling on the property makes the proposition far easier for most families because it offers the children the opportunity to amass their incomes while living their own lives. A garage conversion is the most affordable option for a home expansion. Not only is it considerably less expensive than a full construction of a detached or attached ADU, there is also a not inconsiderable time savings. At EcoSmart Builders, we provide end-to-end design, planning, and construction services for clients seeking to convert their garage spaces into habitable dwellings. Whether you are looking to grow your retirement nest egg, build a flexible home space for you and your spouse as you age, or create a living area for family members who choose to move back home, a garage conversion to apartment is the smartest possible option. To learn more about ADU garage conversions in Los Angeles, please visit our ADU information page.

All across Southern California, homeowners are considering accessory dwelling units as a relatively low-cost, high-return investment option. Not only does adding an independent living space to a residential property increase its value significantly, but it also offers tremendous lifestyle and economic flexibility. EcoSmart Builders specializes in providing the best accessory dwelling units Los Angeles has to offer. If you are wondering if adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) raises the value of your home — or if you’re wondering exactly how much value an ADU adds to your home — you’re certainly not alone. Many Southern California homeowners are seeking alternative methods of obtaining substantial long-term income, and ADUs are an excellent solution. However, the value of an ADU depends upon what kind of ADU it is. There are three broad categories of ADU: attached ADU, detached ADU, and garage conversion. While all three are good investment options, some will add more value to a property than others. Here’s a breakdown of the types of ADUs and how much they can add to the value of your home. Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Any accessory dwelling unit that is completely structurally independent of the primary dwelling is considered a detached ADU. This tends to add the highest value to a property because it’s essentially having a small, separate home on your lot. Not only are you adding high-value living space to your property that appraisers will use to calculate your home’s value (the average price per square foot is roughly $470 in Los Angeles), but you can also rent the space at a premium. Many single-family residential property owners have doubled their ROI with a detached ADU. Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit Any ADU that is connected to the primary dwelling is considered an attached ADU. While it can substantially increase the value of the property, it doesn’t raise it quite as high as a detached unit. This is because it affords somewhat less privacy than an entirely separate structure, and it doesn’t add as much square footage in terms of increasing the size of your home. Garage Conversion Accessory Dwelling Unit Garage conversion ADUs tend to be the most popular types of ADUs because they are the quickest to complete and the least expensive. Moreover, homeowners who convert their garage space with the intent of renting the unit find that the short-term ROI is substantial — property owners discover that they can pay off the entire cost of the addition in less than five years. However, a lack of garage space can decrease the property value somewhat. It can be a challenge to choose which type of ADU best suits your goals, lifestyle, and budget. However, the team at EcoSmart Builders is more than happy to consult with you to determine the best strategy for both the short and long term. To learn more about our services, please visit our ADU information page.