Your garage, turned into real living space
A garage already has a slab, walls and a roof, which often makes it the most cost-effective way to add space without growing your footprint. We convert garages into ADUs, offices, gyms, studios and guest suites — insulated, permitted and built to feel like part of the house.
Estimate the cost of a garage conversion
Most of our reviews come from Los Angeles clients; we're earning more in the Bay Area now.
Illustration- Licensed, bonded & insured · CSLB #1059213 (opens in new tab)
- 20+ years of team experience
- Permits handled
- Supervisor on site daily
- 3D design included
Garage conversions at a glance
- Typical budget
- $120K–$200K as an ADU; about $60K–$110K without a kitchen or bath
- Design, permits and ordering
- 2–5 months
- Construction
- 6–10 weeks for a bonus room, 3–5 months for an ADU
- Permits
- Required for any conversion to living space
- Best for
- ADUs, offices, gyms, studios and guest suites
Plan your garage
What would yours cost?
Typical range: $120K–$200K. Set your size and finish level for a planning range in about a minute.
Your options
Two paths
Garage to ADU
A legal rental or family unit; no replacement parking required under state law; kitchen and bath.
ADU constructionHow it comes together
Illustration Illustration of a typical garage conversion
- 1
Empty garage
- 2
Slab and moisture check, framing for the garage-door opening
- 3
Insulation, windows and rough-in
- 4
Drywall and flooring
- 5
Finished studio
Budget
What shapes cost
Typical range: $120K–$200K A two-car garage converted into a permitted ADU with kitchen and bathroom. Living space without a kitchen or bath: roughly $60K–$110K. Includes design, permit preparation and construction; city permit fees are separate.
How pricing and payment work
After the consultation you get a written summary with an approximate price and timeline, usually within 2–3 business days (4–7 for larger projects). The final price is set in your contract. The deposit is $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less; the rest is paid at written milestones as work is completed and materials are delivered, with the final balance at completion.
IllustrationPermits and local rules
Who issues permits, and what we prepare
Converting a garage to living space always needs a building permit: LADBS for City of LA addresses, or your city's building department. State law doesn't require replacement parking when a garage becomes an ADU; a bonus room, office or gym isn't an ADU, so local parking rules can still apply.
Your city's building division issues the permit for any conversion to living space. An ADU conversion doesn't require replacement parking under state law, while a bonus room or office can run into local covered-parking rules. Converted space also has to meet Title 24 energy standards.
What Tulip prepares
- Drawings, engineering and Title 24 energy calculations
- The permit submittal and plan-check corrections
- Scheduling and meeting every inspection through final sign-off
FAQ
Garage conversions questions
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Converting a garage to living space always needs a building permit, whether it becomes an ADU or a bonus room.
Can I keep some storage?
Often. If you convert only part of the garage, the rest can stay as storage, depending on the layout and your city's rules.
Will I need to replace parking?
Not for an ADU conversion: state law doesn't allow cities to require replacement parking. For a bonus room, office or gym, parking rules vary by city.
What warranty comes with the work?
Tulip's warranty is typically one year on workmanship from completion, plus manufacturers' warranties. Your exact terms are in your contract.
Book a consultation
Let's plan your project
- Tell us about your projectAnswer a few quick questions about your home, the project, your budget and your timing. It takes about two minutes, and we reply within one business day.
- Free in-home consultationA Tulip project leader visits, walks the space with you and talks through your goals, budget and what your city will require. The visit takes about 45–60 minutes (up to 90 for larger projects), with no pressure and no obligation.
- A price, then design and contractAfter the visit we send a written summary with an approximate price and timeline, usually within 2–3 business days (4–7 for larger projects). We then develop the design with 3D renderings and set the final price in your contract, with payments tied to completed work. Nothing is ordered or built until you approve it in writing.
We reply within one business day.
Prefer to talk? Call LA(310) 954-0051Bay Area(669) 600-6422