The Smartest Square Footage You Own.
Transforming your existing garage is the fastest, most cost-effective way to add a premium housing unit to your property without pouring a new foundation. Most San Diego homeowners use their garage for storage — but that square footage could be generating rental income or housing a family member independently.
Lower Build Investment
Because the foundation, walls, and roof already exist, a garage conversion drastically reduces your construction investment compared to building a detached ADU. You're leveraging existing infrastructure instead of starting from scratch.
Faster Timelines
With structural elements in place, we can cut build times significantly. A typical garage conversion takes 6–12 months total from design to move-in — so you start collecting rent or housing family members months sooner than with new construction.
Easiest City Approvals
California laws (AB 68/AB 881) force cities to fast-track garage ADU permits. Plus, no replacement parking is required when converting a garage to an ADU — a huge advantage unique to this type of project. We know exactly how to navigate San Diego's specific zoning codes.
Garage Conversion Styles
We custom design every garage conversion to maximize your existing square footage, whether you're converting a standard 2-car garage or adding a second story above it.
Standard 2-Car
(~400 sq ft)
Perfect for a spacious studio or 1-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and bath. The most common garage conversion in San Diego — your existing footprint becomes a fully permitted living space.
Conversion +
Addition
Extend your footprint by ~150 sq ft to create a true 2-bedroom rental powerhouse. We build a small room addition off the existing garage to maximize livable space.
What Does a Garage Conversion Include?
Converting a garage into an ADU involves more than framing and drywall. Here's everything that goes into a code-compliant, fully permitted garage conversion in San Diego.
Garage Conversion Timeline
Feasibility & Design — 1–2 weeks
We evaluate your garage's structure, lot setbacks, utility access, and create architectural plans with 3D renderings of your future ADU.
Permitting — 2–6 months
We submit plans to the City of San Diego (or your local jurisdiction), handle plan check corrections, and secure your building permit.
Construction — 2–4 months
Demo, framing, utilities, finishes, and exterior work. Garage conversions are faster than ground-up construction because the shell already exists.
Final Inspection & Handover — 1–2 weeks
City inspections, utility hookups, certificate of occupancy, and key handover. Your ADU is ready for tenants or family.
Garage Conversion FAQs
Do I need to replace my garage parking if I convert it to an ADU? expand_more
No. Under California state law (AB 68/AB 881), cities cannot require replacement parking when converting a garage into an ADU. This applies throughout San Diego County and is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a garage conversion over other ADU types.
Can I convert a detached garage into an ADU? expand_more
Yes. Both attached and detached garages can be converted into ADUs in San Diego. Detached garage conversions are classified as detached ADUs and may have slightly different setback requirements, but the permitting process is similar. CRS Builders handles both types regularly.
How long does a garage conversion take in San Diego? expand_more
A typical garage conversion takes 6–12 months total: 2–6 months for permitting and 2–4 months for construction. Because the foundation, walls, and roof already exist, construction is significantly faster than building a detached ADU from scratch. If you already have approved plans, we can start construction in as little as 2 weeks.
Can I add a second story on top of my garage? expand_more
Yes, in many cases. A two-story garage conversion — where the ground floor is converted and a second story is added on top — can be an excellent way to maximize square footage. CRS Builders has completed several 2-story garage projects across San Diego, including in La Jolla. This approach requires additional structural engineering to verify the existing foundation can support the added weight.
What happens to the garage door opening? expand_more
The existing garage door is removed and the opening is framed in with standard wall framing, insulation, and exterior siding that matches your home. We can also add windows and/or a private entrance door in the former garage door opening — it's actually one of the best places for natural light and an entry.
Does the garage floor need to be raised? expand_more
In most cases, yes. Garage floors are typically 4–6 inches lower than the main home's living space and slope toward the garage door for drainage. To meet residential building code, we level and raise the floor, add insulation, and install finished flooring. This is a standard part of every garage conversion we build.
Can I still build a detached ADU if I convert my garage? expand_more
Yes! California law allows you to have both a garage conversion ADU and a detached ADU on the same property (plus a Junior ADU inside the main house). Converting your garage does not count against your ADU allowance for new construction.
Garage Conversion Guides
ADU Permits San Diego: 2026 Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the permitting process — including garage conversion-specific requirements.
CompareDetached ADUs: Full Guide
Considering a detached ADU instead? Compare timelines, investment, and ROI side by side.
Floor PlansPre-Designed ADU Floor Plans
Browse 10 pre-designed layouts from 400 to 1,200 sq ft — many adaptable for garage conversion footprints.
We Build Garage Conversions Across San Diego.
CRS Builders builds garage conversions in every major San Diego neighborhood. Click below to learn about regulations and zoning in your area.
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