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Garage Conversion in Los Angeles

20+ years. 390+ LA remodels, 67 published here with their final prices. Typical garage conversion: 8–14 weeks (JADU path with kitchen + bath adds 4–8 weeks).

Your garage is probably the most under-used 400 square feet on your lot. Garage conversions transform it into livable square footage — a home office, studio, guest suite, gym, or full Junior ADU. California's ADU law specifically protects garage conversions, so the path is faster than most homeowners expect. We handle insulation, drywall, electrical upgrades, HVAC, plumbing, finishes, and permits, end to end.

How this project runs, step by step

  1. Free 60-min in-home consult. Onn walks the garage + your intended use (office / studio / JADU), checks structural + electrical + drainage, and gives an honest scope + timeline range within one business day.
  2. Design phase (1–2 weeks). Floor plan + envelope upgrade + electrical/HVAC layout. If it's a JADU, we also design kitchenette + bath.
  3. Permit + material orders (3–5 weeks). LADBS or municipal submittal. JADU permits go through the ADU streamlined path; office/studio-only conversions use standard permits.
  4. Build phase (5–9 weeks). Envelope (insulation + weatherization) → framing/drywall → electrical/HVAC → windows/door → finishes. JADU adds plumbing + kitchen + bath install (+3–5 weeks).
  5. Punch list + final inspection. Final LADBS inspection, punch list, and CO if it's a JADU. Workmanship warranty covers 12 months on labor.

What we handle

Use planning

We help you decide whether the conversion should be permitted as livable space, an office, or a full JADU/ADU — each has different code requirements and resale implications.

Insulation & weatherization

Garage walls and ceilings are typically uninsulated. We bring the envelope up to code: insulation, vapor barrier, weatherized doors/windows, and air sealing.

Electrical, HVAC, plumbing

New circuits, lighting, HVAC (mini-split or extension of central system), and plumbing if you're adding a kitchenette or bath.

Finish work

Drywall, flooring, doors, windows, paint, and built-ins. We'll match interior detail to your main home or distinguish it intentionally if it's a separate unit.

Permits & inspection

Garage conversions almost always require permits. We pull them, schedule inspections, and clean up the paperwork.

Typical price range

$75k – $200k
in Los Angeles

Market estimate. Typical Los Angeles market range. We have not yet published completed-project costs for this service, so this figure is a market estimate rather than a summary of our own finished work. The lower end is a single-room conversion such as an office or studio; the upper end is a full JADU with kitchen, bath and separate entrance.

Need help spreading payments? We work with Enhancify financing — prequalification doesn't affect your credit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a garage conversion? +

Yes, if you're changing it to livable use (heated space, occupiable per code). Permits cover insulation, electrical, plumbing, and any structural changes. We handle them.

Will I lose parking? +

California state law removed the requirement to replace lost off-street parking when converting a garage to an ADU. Most LA jurisdictions follow that. Verify with your municipality if you're close to a transit corridor or street parking is restricted.

How long does a garage conversion take? +

Simple conversions (office, studio without plumbing) run 4–8 weeks. Full JADU conversions with kitchen and bath take 3–5 months including permits.

Will it add value to my home? +

Yes — converted livable square footage increases appraised value, especially when permitted as ADU. Unpermitted conversions can actually hurt resale, so do this right.

Is a garage conversion structurally different from an ADU? +

The finished-space result is similar (livable square footage, permitted), but the process differs. Garage conversion = adapting an existing structure (foundation + walls + roof already in place). Detached ADU = ground-up new build. Conversion is faster + cheaper because you're not pouring foundation or framing walls from scratch — but you're bound by the garage's existing footprint + ceiling height.

What's the resale impact of converting my only garage? +

Mixed. A permitted JADU adds appraisable livable square footage, which usually increases home value more than the parking-space value it removed. But some LA neighborhoods (especially those with tight street parking) do see modest resale discounts from buyers who want a garage. Onn walks you through the trade in your specific neighborhood before you commit.

What clients say

5.0 ★★★★★ · 55 Google reviews · 75 Houzz reviews · real names, real homes

Read all 55 reviews on Google →
Shira Drori
Shira Drori
AUGUST 14, 2026
★★★★★

Onn was amazing he did our ADU remodel as well as multiple interior remodels for the kitchen, upstairs bedrooms and both bathrooms👏🏽Definitely a job well done would highly reccomend

Rotem Kalderon
Rotem Kalderon
AUGUST 14, 2026
★★★★★

I'm really enjoying working with Onn. He's doing an amazing project. Thanks!

‫יצחק טנדלר (טדי)‬‎
‫יצחק טנדלר (טדי)‬‎
JULY 15, 2026
★★★★★

Fantastic service and a great overall experience. I would definitely recommend them to friends and family.

Talk to Onn about your project.

Free consult, no obligation. Onn reads every inquiry personally — and aims to reply within one business day.

Get a free consultation for your kitchen, bathroom, or full home remodel in Los Angeles. We'll respond within one business day.

Licensed CSLB #1133368Fully Insured5.0 · 55 Google reviews

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