Convert Garage into a Second Unit: What they are and why People Build
Some of us like our garage to simply be the space in which we keep our cars. Some of us, however, don't even own a car- A Conversion is a really simple and old idea: having your garage where you store your car (for free) and turning it into a living space. Now, this garage can be attached to your regular single-family house, or unattached somewhere on your property. Regardless of its physical location, legally a Second Unit must be part of the same property as the main home.
Many Families here in Los Angeles where 90% of all garages are partially converted Usually, a privately owned single-family house located near a bus stop is occupied by several adults, each paying separate rents. The garage would be specially remodeled for the purpose, including the addition of extra bedrooms, and a kitchenette, next to a microwave if you took it one step further they would take the garage and turn it into a guest home with permits. Planners call them GCUs (Garage Conversion unit), but they’re also known as granny flats, in-law units, laneway houses, secondary dwelling units. Remember second units can be tiny houses, but tiny houses aren’t always ADUs.
Homeowners build them for lots of reasons, but in Los Angeles, the most common goals, according to one study, are gaining income via rent and housing family members.
When moving to the city, it’s hard not to notice the skyrocketing rent prices. Now that the SB-1069 has passed we are able to build Second Units in an easy and efficient fashion.
Why Convert your Garage?
Thanks to the new state law, SB-1069, California homeowners will now have an easy time building and permitting small second dwellings onto their property. The bill is intended to help aid in the need for new housing units where the lack of living space has led to exponentially high rental prices. When moving to the city, it’s hard not to notice the skyrocketing rent prices. Now that the SB-1069 has passed we are able to build Second Units in an easy and efficient fashion. The state of California hopes that these dwellings can be legally converted and rented as low-income housing options for residents. A two-car garage can become an island for renters looking for a space complete with a kitchen and bathroom.
What does this mean for a homeowner: you can get legal rental income from a permitted Second Unit, or, if you want, you can live in the Second Unit and rent out the other dwelling. A Second unit can be your answer to more space for a growing family or assist in supplemental income by renting the space
In the wake of this bill, Los Angeles residents can properly get permits for a garage conversion, as long as it fills the requirements. Some of those requirements being that it is located within one and a half mile of public transit, must not exceed 1,200 sqft and grandfathered from the property line. To see a full list of requirements or would like a Property analysis done for you to check out our page
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Due to many Inquires in regards to your local city permits, we have assigned a designated Second Unit specialist to assist you with your garage conversion to Second Unit or addition plans based on your specific needs.
G.C. Improvement is becoming the premier second unit, garage building, and Guest home remodeling specialist. Whether you are looking to convert your garage into a living space like an apartment, studio or game room, or build a brand new garage, our experienced design consultants are eager to help you create the Second Unit of your dreams. We use only the highest trained builders when we take on any guest home remodeling or second unit projects. We offer a satisfaction guarantee on all our services. Choosing us for your garage project needs is one decision you will enjoy for a lifetime!
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