Thinking about transforming your unused garage into a fully functional living space or income-producing rental? Ataman Studio offers end-to-end garage ADU conversion services across California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and the Bay Area.
Our team specializes in:
Our approach saves homeowners months of trial-and-error and helps avoid costly redesigns or rejections.
A Garage ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a self-contained residential unit built within, above, or in place of an existing garage. It typically includes a kitchen, bathroom, and living area, making it a fully independent home.
There are several popular types:
Garage ADUs are considered one of the most cost-effective ways to increase property value in California, as they use existing structures and can often bypass some of the costs associated with new construction.
At Ataman Studio, we offer end-to-end garage ADU solutions that go far beyond basic drafting. Our process starts with a site analysis and feasibility study to confirm zoning compliance, parking requirements, and potential utility upgrades. We then create a customized floor plan that maximizes the limited footprint of a garage, ensuring proper natural light, ventilation, and storage integration.
Our permitting team navigates California’s complex ADU regulations, coordinating with city planning and building departments to secure approvals as quickly as possible. We handle:
By managing every step — from layout design to permit issuance — we eliminate costly delays and ensure your project is fully code-compliant before construction begins. This integrated approach saves homeowners both time and money while delivering a garage conversion ADU that is comfortable, efficient, and ready for occupancy.
Our process starts with a comprehensive site evaluation that includes measuring existing garage conditions, verifying utility locations, and assessing structural integrity. From there, we conduct detailed zoning and code research specific to your city in California — including setbacks, height limits, parking requirements, and fire separation rules.
This step is critical to identify potential issues such as nonconforming garages, easements, or utility conflicts that could delay permitting. We also review state ADU laws (SB 9, SB 897, and others) to maximize allowable square footage, ceiling height, and occupancy use.
By resolving these questions early, we ensure your garage ADU design is code-compliant from day one, saving you from costly redesigns and rejected permits later in the process.
We create tailor-made garage ADU floor plans that maximize every square foot while meeting California’s building codes and energy standards. Instead of using generic templates, our team carefully considers your lot size, garage condition, and lifestyle goals to produce a plan that feels like a natural extension of your home.
Whether you need a studio unit for short-term rentals, a one-bedroom for aging parents, or a flexible space that can serve as a home office, guest suite, or rental, we optimize the layout for privacy, light, and functionality.
Our designs focus on:
This attention to detail ensures your garage ADU is both beautiful and practical, supporting your long-term investment and future resale value.
Navigating city requirements for a garage ADU can be one of the most challenging parts of the project — but we make it seamless. Our team prepares a complete permit package, including site plans, floor plans, structural calculations, Title 24 energy compliance reports, and any additional documentation required by your local jurisdiction.
We also coordinate directly with city planners, building & safety departments, and plan check engineers to resolve comments quickly and avoid unnecessary delays. This proactive approach helps prevent costly redesigns and multiple resubmittals.
Our goal is to deliver a “permit-ready” set of documents that can pass plan check on the first submission, allowing your project to move from design to construction as fast as possible. By handling the entire process, we save you time, stress, and money — so you can focus on the transformation of your garage into a high-value living space.
California’s housing laws have made it easier than ever to convert a garage to an ADU legally. You can use the space for:
A rental unit for extra income
A home for extended family or caregivers
A private guest suite or studio
Long-term property value growth
On average, 3–6 months from design to construction completion.
The cost to convert a garage to an ADU typically ranges from $60,000 to $150,000, depending on size, layout, condition of the structure, and city-specific requirements. Garage conversions are usually more affordable than ground-up ADUs due to the existing footprint and framing.
In most California cities, no replacement parking is required for ADUs.
Yes. Both attached and detached garages are eligible for ADU conversion under California law.
Yes. We create fully custom and permit-ready garage ADU plans tailored to your home.
