To Build a Garage or not To Build a garage

[Craig Parsons]

I'm working a flip in a commuter town about 60 miles south of San Jose CA. Current house is 2500 sqFt 4 bed 2.5 baths. We will be installing new cabinets, floring ,paint etc. All of that is pretty cut and dry. One of the major deficiencies of this property is it has no garage. This house sits on 5 acres in a 'ranchette' subdivision. Every other house has at least a 2 car garage. Many have Barns and some have and ADU. While I would like to add an ADU I do not have the time for the permitting process. I can however relatively quickly add up to a 500 Sqft garage. (larger would require fire sprinklers). Although this would add a few weeks to the schedule. Is it worth it? What kind of questions should I be asking and what kind of a return should I get? Is just the fact that no garage could be a no go for some buyers enough to build it even if it only raises the value by the actual cost?