Do you have a garage on your property that you aren’t sure what to do with? Why not convert it into an ADU!
Turning an existing garage into an ADU has many benefits. You can add livable space to your property, you don’t need to add any more outbuildings, and the bones of the building are already in place!
Read on to learn:
- Benefits of a Garage ADU
- How to Know if Your Garage Can Become an ADU?
- Considerations for Your Garage ADU in Austin, TX
- Zoning, Permitting, and Building Safety For Garage ADUs
- Steps to Get Started with a Garage ADU
Benefits of a Garage ADU
ADUs have many benefits, and adding one on top of your garage has a few unique upsides:
Cost to Build
Since your structure already exists, and you won’t need to start completely from scratch, you can often save on your budget. If your garage already has electrical, plumbing, and other utilities — even better!
Adding to your garage rather than building new can be a real cost-saver, and shorten the timeline of your project as well.
Increased Space
Like any ADU, a garage ADU will increase the livable space on your property. Whether you plan to use this as a hangout for your kids, a place for loved ones to live, a rental unit, or a space for visiting guests, you’ll reap the benefits of additional living space.
Efficient Use of Property
A garage ADU has a very unique benefit — since the structure already exists, no need to add a new one! This is great news if your yard is already on the smaller side, or if you have trees or other areas that you don’t want to deal with. Adding to your garage is an extremely efficient use of space!
Income Potential
Adding a living space to your garage offers the possibility for you to earn income through rental units. In Austin, TX, you can use an ADU as a long-term rental indefinitely or a short-term rental for up to 30 days a year. An ADU also adds value to your property should you sell. In Austin, you are also able to subdivide your lot and sell an ADU separately, but this depends on your property and other factors.
How to Know if Your Garage Can Become an ADU?
If you think a garage ADU may be the right choice for you, here are the next steps to determine if your garage is a good fit for conversion. You’ll need to determine the feasibility of your plans along with the condition of your building:
Structural Soundness
The most important factor is whether or not your garage is structurally sound. An ADU can not be built on top of a garage that’s in poor structural condition. Austin Tiny Homes provides free site assessments, and we can help you understand if your garage is in good condition or if there are concerns before you start the process!
Age of Structure
Even if your garage is in good structural condition, if it’s above a certain age, it may not be safe to build on top of it. Generally, garages over 30 years old aren’t as good candidates for conversions — however, it’s still worth having your structure assessed if it’s been meticulously taken care of.
Size & Layout
The size of your garage can impact your ability to build a dwelling over it. Very small garages might not afford the space you need if you are looking for more than a simple studio. However, our garage floor plan is designed to maximize the layout of your garage ADU.
Considerations for Your Garage ADU in Austin, TX
Safety and Accessibility
ADUs must meet building code standards and fire safety requirements for entrances and exits. For most ADUs, only one exit is required. However, exit routes must have a clear path of travel — make sure the space around your garage is set up to facilitate an unobstructed walkway!
Building on Top or Full Conversion
Most garage ADUs add a level on top of our garage. However, if your space is truly unused, consider converting the lower level into an ADU as well. You could either connect these spaces for a larger, two-story dwelling or use them as a duplex for renting or additional space.
Electrical and Plumbing
If your garage doesn’t already have electrical and plumbing, your ADU builder will need to add hookups. If it does have some systems, you may still require an upgrade so that your ADU will have all the necessary power and utilities it needs. We’ll figure out during your site assessment what is needed.
Zoning, Permitting, and Building Safety For Garage ADUs
Next, you’ll need to make sure your ADU adheres to all the regular zoning, permitting, and building code requirements. For Austin, Texas, here’s what you’ll need to know:
Which Zones Allow ADUs?
In Austin, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed in single-family residential zones — specifically SF-1, SF-2, and SF-3. If your property falls within one of these zones and meets additional criteria, you’re eligible to build an ADU.
Not sure how your property is zoned? The City of Austin offers a helpful zoning guide, explaining how zoning works. You can also use their Property Profile lookup tool to search for your address and find your zoning classification.
Is There a Minimum Lot Size?
To build an ADU in Austin, your lot must be at least 5,750 square feet (just under 0.15 acres). This is the standard lot size for residential properties. However, under the new HOME initiative, smaller lots may be eligible for a single housing unit.
Are There ADU Size Limitations?
The size of an ADU is based on your lot size and is regulated by the Floor-to-Area Ratio (FAR). In Austin, the combined square footage of both the main house and the ADU can’t exceed 0.55 of the total lot area. For example, on a 5,750 sq. ft. lot, the maximum combined floor area would be approximately 3,162.5 sq. ft.
What Is the Maximum ADU Height?
An ADU can be up to two stories, with a maximum height of 30 feet. This means you can add another story on top of your garage.
What Are the Setback Requirements?
For properties with both a main house and an ADU, setbacks must be observed: 15 feet from the front, and 5 feet from the rear and side property lines. There’s no required distance between the two structures, but they must comply with fire safety standards.
How Does the Permitting Process Work?
There are two main steps in the permitting process. First, confirm that your property qualifies for an ADU and request a new address or building number if necessary. Next, create an account to submit your permit application, which includes plan review and applicable fees. When you work with a partner like Austin Tiny Homes, we take care of the permitting process for you, making the entire experience smooth and hassle-free thanks to our ADU expertise.
Steps to Get Started with a Garage ADU
Ready to build an ADU on top of your garage? Here is how you can get started:
1. Find a Builder
Do some research in your area to find a local builder. Local experts will know the building codes and requirements, as well as the types of environmental factors that may affect your build.
Plus — a local pro is more likely to know what HOAs in your area require, and they’ll have finishes that can seamlessly match your home and adhere to the rules in your neighborhood.
2. Get an Assessment
A site assessment is the next step to ensure your property is set up to support an ADU. Whether you are building on your garage or need to add an entirely new structure, a thorough evaluation and rough estimate is the next step for your ADU build.
3. Select a Plan
After your assessment, you can design your dream ADU and select a floor plan, like this single-story gabled tiny home. You can choose what to build as the next step before getting a detailed estimate and exploring your financing options.
4. Decide on Financing
Once you have an estimate and a plan, you can decide how to finance your build. Tiny homes can be built with construction loans, cash-out refinancing, or HELOCs to name a few options. Many lenders can tailor options to your needs.
5. Choose Your Final Design
After contracts are signed, you can choose all the finishes and upgrades you’d like in your new ADU. This includes exterior siding, roofing, interior paint, cabinetry, hardware, and more.
6. Start Your Build
After you’ve settled on the look and feel of your ADU, the build begins! Before you know it, you’ll have a brand new space where you used to have a garage. It’s time to enjoy your new addition!
Get in Touch with Austin Tiny Homes
We offer white-glove service, making your build smooth and easy. Every project begins with a site assessment. Get in touch today to schedule yours.
