residentialintermediate

Convert a Garage into a Rental Studio Apartment

Garage → Studio Apartment

Last updated February 18, 2026

Turn an underused two-car garage into a fully permitted, rentable studio apartment with a kitchenette, bathroom, and separate entrance.

Cost Range

$15,000 – $40,000

Timeline

6–14 weeks

Materials Cost

$15,800

Permits Cost

$2,050

Estimates only. Costs shown are national averages and vary by location, year, project scope, and finish quality. Permit requirements differ by jurisdiction — always confirm with your local building department and get quotes from licensed contractors before starting.

Steps

Check Zoning and ADU Regulations

Research your local zoning laws to confirm your property qualifies for an accessory dwelling unit. Visit your city planning department or website to review setback requirements, parking rules, and maximum square footage.

Estimated time: 5 days

Hire an Architect and Draw Plans

Work with a licensed architect to design the layout including a bathroom, kitchenette, sleeping area, and separate entrance. Plans must meet local building codes.

Estimated time: 14 days

Pull Permits

Submit your architectural plans to the city building department. Expect plan review to take 2-6 weeks depending on your jurisdiction.

Estimated time: 30 days

Rough-In Plumbing and Electrical

Run new plumbing lines for the bathroom and kitchenette. Install a subpanel for dedicated electrical circuits. This typically requires licensed contractors.

Estimated time: 10 days

Insulation, Drywall, and Flooring

Insulate walls and ceiling to meet energy code. Hang and finish drywall. Install flooring — vinyl plank is a durable, affordable option for rentals.

Estimated time: 12 days

Install Fixtures and Finishes

Install bathroom fixtures, kitchenette cabinets, countertop, sink, and appliances. Add lighting, outlets, and switches. Paint walls and trim.

Estimated time: 10 days

Final Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy

Schedule final inspections for plumbing, electrical, and building. Once passed, obtain your certificate of occupancy to legally rent the unit.

Estimated time: 7 days

Materials

Material	Est. Cost	Required
Spray Foam Insulation	$2,500	Required
Drywall and Finishing Supplies	$1,800	Required
Vinyl Plank Flooring	$1,200	Required
Bathroom Fixtures (toilet, shower, vanity)	$2,000	Required
Kitchenette Cabinets and Countertop	$1,500	Required
Compact Appliances (fridge, microwave, cooktop)	$1,200	Required
Electrical Subpanel and Wiring	$2,500	Required
Plumbing Rough-In Materials	$1,500	Required
Exterior Door with Lock	$600	Required
Window Upgrades (egress compliant)	$1,000	Optional

Permits

ADU Building Permit

Required in most cities for garage-to-dwelling conversions

$1,500

Plumbing Permit

Required for new bathroom and kitchen plumbing lines

$300

Electrical Permit

Required for new subpanel and circuit installations

$250

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to convert a garage into a rental studio apartment?

The estimated cost ranges from $15,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, project scale, finish quality, and whether you hire professionals or do it yourself.

How long does it take to convert a garage into a rental studio apartment?

A typical conversion takes 6 to 14 weeks, covering 7 major steps including check zoning and ADU regulations, hire an architect and draw plans, pull permits, and more.

What permits do I need to convert a garage into a rental studio apartment?

You may need: ADU Building Permit (approximately $1,500); Plumbing Permit (approximately $300); Electrical Permit (approximately $250). Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

What materials do I need to convert a garage into a rental studio apartment?

Key materials include: Spray Foam Insulation (~$2,500), Drywall and Finishing Supplies (~$1,800), Vinyl Plank Flooring (~$1,200), Bathroom Fixtures (toilet, shower, vanity) (~$2,000), Kitchenette Cabinets and Countertop (~$1,500), Compact Appliances (fridge, microwave, cooktop) (~$1,200).

What is the difficulty level of this project?

This project is rated as intermediate. Some steps require professional help for plumbing, electrical, or structural work.

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