If you’re thinking about turning your home’s garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), you may wonder if it’s worth hiring a contractor to do the work or if you can handle it yourself. Well, that depends on what you have in mind for your ADU and how comfortable you are with doing construction work in general. Either way, there are plenty of reasons why using an ADU contractor might be the best choice for you…
How long does a garage conversion take?
If you’re thinking about converting your garage into an extra bedroom, home office, or living space, you’ll need to find a contractor who specializes in garage conversions. Not all contractors are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before hiring someone to work on your home addition. There are many different aspects of a home addition that require expertise and precision including the foundation, framing, drywall installation, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to complete their home additions themselves because they think they can save money by doing it themselves but in reality, they end up spending more time and money than if they had hired a professional contractor from the beginning. Homeowners can often spend weeks or months working on one project while a pro will have the same job done in just days. The quality of the finished product is also better when you hire a pro. A professional contractor has years of experience under his belt and knows what products to use and how best to utilize them, which tools to use, what materials will be most cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly, etc.
Who’s involved in the planning process?
If you’re planning on converting your garage into an ADU, you’ll need to find a contractor who specializes in this type of work. Here are a few reasons why you should use an ADU contractor for your project -Your ADU needs to comply with building codes and zoning laws that other contractors may not be aware of.
-ADUs are often more complex than standard homes, so the more experience the better.
-You don’t want surprises from unlicensed contractors.
-There’s a lot at stake with ADUs; if something goes wrong, it could cost you thousands and set back your timeline. Hiring an ADU contractor will save you both time and money. Not only do they have access to better materials, but they also have years of experience working with city officials. As well as saving time, using a specialist will also save you money because they know exactly what their doing and can get the job done quickly without any hassle or costly mistakes.
What do you need to start your garage conversion?
To start your garage conversion, you will need to first determine if your garage is attached or detached from your home. If your garage is attached, you will need to obtain a permit from your local municipality. Next, you will need to determine the scope of work that needs to be completed. This includes everything from the demolition of the existing space to the framing and electrical work. Once you have a clear understanding of the work that needs to be completed, you can start shopping for a contractor. It’s best to find someone who has experience with converting garages into living spaces because they will know what permits are needed and what types of things need to be done. It’s also important to find someone who offers full service, meaning they take care of all aspects of the job from permitting through construction.
Can I remodel my garage after it’s been converted into an ADU?
If you’re considering converting your garage into an ADU, you may be wondering if you can still use the space for storage or if you have to remodel it. The good news is that you can still use your garage for storage after it’s been converted into an ADU. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, because you’ll need to comply with state and city regulations and zoning laws when converting your garage into an ADU, make sure that they allow this type of building. Secondly, think about whether you want the space as just storage or living quarters as well. For example, if you want both living quarters and storage in your garage conversion project then the two spaces will need their own heating and cooling systems which will add on cost. But if you just want one or the other, then it could be cheaper to go ahead with your plan. There are plenty of professionals who specialize in garage conversions so hire them today!
An overview of HOA rules and regulations
Most homeowners associations (HOAs) have rules and regulations in place that dictate what type of work can be done on a home. For example, some HOAs only allow cosmetic changes to be made to the exterior of a home while others are more lenient. When it comes to garage conversions, it’s important to check with your HOA to see what kind of work is allowed. If you plan to change the height or width of your garage, this will most likely require approval from your HOA before construction begins. If you want to remove any walls or doors between your living space and converted space, this too may need approval from your HOA. It’s best to get everything approved beforehand so there aren’t any hiccups during construction! One way to do this is by going through a design consultation which many ADUs offer free of charge. An experienced contractor will provide you with guidance on all the different possibilities for your garage conversion project, including what your HOA might approve. With this knowledge at hand, it’ll be easier to decide which project idea suits you best!
Tips for hiring a contractor
When you’re ready to start your garage conversion project, you’ll need to find a good contractor to do the work. Here are a few tips on how to find the right person for the job
1) Get top contractor referrals from ADU experts such as The ADU Guide.
For a free property check and bids from top contractors click here.
2) Ask people in your neighborhood who they use when they have home improvements done.
3) Search online reviews of contractors. A lot of times people will post comments about their experience with a contractor on Yelp or other review sites.
4) If possible, visit the place where the contractor does business. It’s always best to go there in person before hiring someone because this way you can get a feel for what it’s like and whether or not it’s something that would be comfortable for you to work at home with.
5) Consider if the cost is worth it. Sometimes a lower bid isn’t always the better option. What may seem cheaper upfront could end up costing more in the long run. So make sure you ask questions about warranties and guarantees when looking at bids so that you know what to expect down the road if anything goes wrong with your new addition.
6) It’s also important to think about what type of personality matches yours so that working together doesn’t become difficult.
7) Make sure the company has all necessary permits and licenses.
8) If you are doing some DIY projects, don’t forget to read through your contract carefully before signing on the dotted line.
9) Finally, don’t forget to do research about zoning laws in your area.
