Common questions. Straight answers.

A basic conversion to living space or bedroom runs $40,000-$70,000. A junior ADU runs $50,000-$90,000. A full ADU with kitchen, bath, and permits runs $75,000-$150,000. Those are published market bands. The licensed pro you hire confirms the written price. Garage Convert SD sets no prices.

Call for a match, or use the contact form. The licensed independent professional reviews the garage, property layout, setbacks, and existing utilities, then puts scope and price in writing. Garage Convert SD does not promise a visit count or a free consultation.

California law provides targeted ADU fee rules, not a blanket incentive program. Under Gov. Code §66311.5, a local agency, special district, or water corporation can’t impose impact fees on an ADU with 750 square feet or less, or a JADU with 500 square feet or less. “Impact fee” excludes plan-check, permit, connection, and school fees. Confirm your complete fee package with your local building department.

An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a fully independent living space with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entry. A JADU (junior ADU) is limited to 500 square feet, must be within an existing structure like an attached garage, and can share a bathroom with the main home. A detached garage cannot become a JADU.

Yes. California law allows conversion of an existing detached garage into an ADU, subject to applicable dwelling standards. The licensed pro you hire confirms eligibility for the address with the reviewing department.

Yes, the garage parking space becomes living space after conversion. California law bars local agencies from requiring replacement parking for attached or detached garage conversions. The City of San Diego still lists a Beach Impact area exception outside transit priority zones. For coastal parcels, confirm the current rule with Development Services.

Yes. Any garage conversion that changes the use of the space requires a building permit. ADU and JADU conversions also require architectural drawings, Title 24 energy compliance documentation, and plan check approval. California law has streamlined the ADU permit process, but permits are still required. The pro you hire pulls the permits when the scope calls for it.

San Diego does not publish a fixed duration for the permit process. State law requires an agency to approve or deny a completed ADU application within 60 days, and the application is deemed approved if the agency misses that deadline (Gov. Code 66317). The clock begins once the application is complete, not at first submittal. Check San Diego Development Services for its current review timeline.

Most full ADU conversions involve a general contractor for framing and finish, an electrician for panel upgrades and new circuits, an HVAC crew for the mini-split or forced air system, and a plumber for ADU kitchen and bath connections. A structural engineer is required if the garage door opening requires a new header. The pro you hire brings in the trades under one written scope.

No. Garage Convert SD is a referral service; verify any matched professional’s California contractor license at cslb.ca.gov. We match you with insured local crews and help you get a clear written quote. The crew you hire does the work.

Ask any pro you are matched with for a current certificate of insurance before work starts, and read the coverage yourself. You can verify a California contractor license at cslb.ca.gov before you sign anything.

Garage Convert SD is a referral service that matches you with licensed, independent garage conversion professionals. You contract with and pay the professional directly for any services you choose. Before moving forward, confirm the project price and any estimate, consultation, or design fees with that professional.