HSP handled every permit. First rent check arrived exactly when they promised.
Garage conversion
Convert your garage into a permitted living unit — design, permits, and build in one scope.
Garage-to-ADU conversions for San Diego and Washington homeowners — full interior conversion with permitted kitchen, bath, insulation, HVAC, and a private entrance. One contractor, one proposal, no subcontracted PM.
- Permitted conversion
- In-house permitting
- Dedicated project manager
What we handle in a garage conversion.
From a raw single-car garage to a fully permitted studio or one-bedroom:
- Feasibility and code review — garage setbacks, minimum ceiling height, natural light requirements, and ADU eligibility under California and Washington code.
- Garage door infill — permitted framing, insulation, and exterior finish to close the opening and match the main home.
- Insulation and weatherproofing — walls, ceiling, and slab-edge insulation to meet current energy code.
- HVAC — mini-split or ducted system sized for the converted space.
- Plumbing rough-in — kitchen and bath plumbing new from the stub-out, permitted and inspected.
- Electrical — new panel sub-feed, outlets, lighting, and EV charger prep if desired.
- Interior finish — kitchen, bath, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures scoped to your design direction.
- Private entrance — exterior door added or relocated to meet ADU ingress requirements.
Garage conversion projects begin with a free feasibility consultation. You leave with a written proposal covering permit timeline, scope, and total cost.
How it works
Our 3-step process.
STEP 01
Feasibility & design
On-site assessment of the existing garage structure, ceiling height, and utility access. We walk through design options and code requirements and produce a written proposal with floor plan direction and total cost.
STEP 02
Permitting & prep
City and county permits pulled in-house — structural (if framing changes), plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. Materials and trades scheduled. You have a firm start date.
STEP 03
Build & final inspection
Garage door infill, framing, insulation, MEP rough-in, inspections, drywall, finish, and final inspection. Regular on-site updates from your dedicated project manager through every phase.
What sets us apart for garage conversions.
Permitted from day one
Unpermitted conversions create title problems and liability. We pull every required permit — structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical — as part of the project. Your conversion is legal and insurable.
In-house permitting
City and county permits are managed directly by our team in San Diego and Washington. No third-party expediters. The permit timeline is in your written proposal.
One scope, one contractor
Garage door infill, insulation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finish — in one written proposal. You aren't coordinating separate trades across overlapping schedules.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU without losing my parking?
In most California jurisdictions, replacement parking is not required when an ADU is created within a half-mile of transit or in an urban area — which covers most of San Diego County. In Washington, rules vary by city. We assess your specific lot and city requirements at the consultation.
What does a garage conversion cost?
Garage conversions typically run $80,000–$160,000 depending on the existing structure, size, and finish level — generally less than a new detached ADU since the shell already exists. Your written proposal gives a full line-item breakdown.
Do you pull all the permits for the conversion?
Yes. Structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are all pulled in-house. An unpermitted conversion is a liability — we don't do them.
Are you licensed for this work in California and Washington?
Yes — licensed in California and Washington, bonded and insured. Documentation available on request.
How long does a garage conversion take?
From signed proposal to final inspection, a typical garage conversion runs 3–6 months — permitting included. Smaller garages with simpler scope can move faster. Your written proposal gives a phase-by-phase timeline.
Can the converted garage be rented?
Yes — once permitted as an ADU, the converted garage can be legally rented. San Diego and Washington both allow ADU rentals. We can walk through projected rental income at the consultation.
Reviews
What our customers say.
on Google · 298 reviews
Service area
Where we work.
HQ in San Diego, CA
Ready to convert your garage into a living unit?
Start with a free feasibility consultation. We'll walk through the existing garage, review code requirements, and follow up with a written proposal.