Garage conversion planning resources
Practical guides to plan a garage conversion before you ever take a quote, written for San Diego properties and California ADU rules.
Garage conversion planning guides
How to measure your garage before a conversion estimate
Coming to a contractor meeting with accurate measurements saves time and produces more accurate quotes. Most homeowners can take the five measurements that matter in under 20 minutes.
How to check if your property qualifies for a garage ADU in San Diego
Most single-family properties in San Diego County qualify for a garage ADU under current California law, but a few variables affect what you can build. Here is how to check before calling a contractor.
How to prepare your garage before conversion work starts
Clearing and prepping the garage before the crew arrives saves time on the first day of work and helps the contractor do a thorough assessment. Most of this takes one weekend.
How to read a garage conversion permit and understand inspections
Once your permit is issued, you have a set of approved plans and a list of required inspections. Understanding what you are looking at helps you track the project and know what the inspector will check at each visit.
When should you stop and call a professional?
Six signs that the problem is past DIY. Turn the system off and pick up the phone — running a system with these issues turns cheap repairs into expensive replacements.
Further reading
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