500 sq.ft garage conversion to living unit

[Jimmy Hendrix]

Can a 500 sq.ft garage be converted to a living unit(bath shower + small kitchen)? Are permits given? How much would be construction + permit cost together? Any good contractor referrals who can get it done for a best possible price?Will property taxes go up and how can we calculate by how much will they go up? I read some posts that it is based on construction costs for making the changes? Will it increase or decrease property value in west San Jose/west valley area?