Garage Space to Rent: More Income From Unused Space

Good news to garage owners: if you need extra space or passive income, you can convert your garage or its part into an accessory dwelling unit! ADU conversions are self-sufficient living spaces equipped with all necessary amenities. Such a transformed garage can host guests, provide accommodations to family members, or serve as a home office.

Rehaul your garage space to ensure the utmost convenience and attract potential renters, enjoying revenue from your property!

Garage Space Suitability

First of all, before rent, you need to prepare your garage. ADUs can be both detached garages or attached garages. However, there are a few things you should note to determine if the garage is suitable.

These include:

• Structural soundness. Make sure your garage can support habitation by checking it for signs of wear and damage.
• Safety and security measures. Buy and prepare to install smoke detectors and provide clear exits in case of emergency. This will help to protect you, your renters, and your neighbor’s houses.
• Access to utilities. Renting out a garage without utilities is impossible. So, you have to check if your space can attain connection to plumbing, electricity lines, and heating/cooling systems.
• Permissibility in law. Local regulations and zoning laws determine if it’s admissible to convert a garage into a habitable space in your area.
• Size and basic amenities. Ensure your garage is large enough to accommodate a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a sleeping space.

Also, note that by converting your parking spaces, you’ll probably need an alternative one for all residents if you still own a car. Alternatively, you may choose to convert only a part of your garage or build an ADU above the garage.

Garage Space Remodel

Buying a new lot and building a new house seems like a good but very costly solution. Many property owners wonder how to expand their living area without spending a fortune. A garage conversion ADU is not only extra space for your family or guests. It’s also a way to financial success, in case you’ll find a long-term renter!

Let’s break down the process of creating an ADU from your underused garage space:

1. Research the city ordinance as well as zoning laws and building codes. You need to understand the peculiarities of your location when it comes to a garage conversion project.
2. Making up an effective layout. Will your garage have storage space? Will it be the studio one or the one with a separate bedroom area? Decide on the strategic location of the kitchen, bathroom, living space, and bedroom.
3. Make any necessary repairs and reinforcements to the garage structure if needed for the future project. This may involve such measures as reinforcing the foundation, walls, and roof if needed. It may also include framing new interior walls.
4. Add suitable windows and doors to provide natural light and convenient exit points.
5. Connect your garage to utilities and upgrade them if required to support additional fixtures.
6. Install sufficient insulation to prevent air leaks and cooling or overheating, as well as to ensure soundproofing.
7. Add finishes like flooring and paperwall, or paint the walls.
8. Install fixtures and furniture.
9. Schedule inspections to complete the permitting process.

Remember, to allure potential renters, you should opt for high-quality kitchen and bathroom appliances, clever storage solutions, and other solutions for efficient use of space, ensure proper lighting and aesthetic design, maximize privacy, and provide high-speed internet and cable TV access.

Unused Space Renting Process

Want to make an extra $2,000 per month without working long hours? If you have made up your mind about generating passive income by renting out your garage ADU, consider the following aspects.

Study Rent Rules

Some jurisdictions can limit security deposit amounts or enforce rent control laws that limit the sum landlords can increase rent for each year. Such laws protect the rights of tenants and landlords, ensuring fair treatment of each party. They also may dictate what information you need to include in a lease agreement, give recommendations for screening potential tenants, and establish a legal process for evicting tenants.

Type of Lease

Although most areas allow long-term leases, depending on the location of your property, you may or may not opt for short-term renting. This is important because garages used for long-term residence should adhere to higher comfortability standards.

Listing Platform

Where will I find potential renters? This is a pressing issue for many property owners who are preparing to rent their ADU out. Basically, you can choose any type of platform or even ask your neighbor to contact their acquaintance to spread rumors. The only recommendation is to select a trustworthy and safe source of renters to prevent fraud.

How You Will Get Paid

What will be your rent payment? How often are you going to take it? To determine the amount of money you want, check out the average market price in your area. Then, compare the amenities they offer with those available in your ADU and decide what price seems appropriate. As for the frequency of payment, you can choose different options. In any case, it’s important to conclude an agreement to ensure compliance with the agreement.

Boost the Appeal of Your Garage

To increase the allure of your garage ADU and earn more money, add good-quality photos and descriptions highlighting peculiarities and conveniences intrinsic to your garage ADU. For instance, if it has built-in storage and a spa zone with a luxury Jacuzzi, it makes sense to draw the renter’s attention to it. Mention if your ADU has a special space for parking vehicles or if it’s a conversion of a part of the garage. You can also point out the benefits of the ADU’s area, including its proximity to public transportation, schools, shopping areas, parks, sights, and other amenities. If your ADU has scenic views, it also merits mentioning.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Is it common to convert detached garages into ADUs?

Yes, it is pretty common to convert your detached garage into an ADU. This allows the homeowner to save space in the garden, increase their income by renting the unit, or create an additional space for family members to live in. With proper insulation, an increased amount of windows, and connected utilities, an underused garage becomes a practical solution to a housing issue.

Is renting out my garage feasible?

Sure, it’s completely possible. The only thing the host needs to make sure of is that their garage is attractive to a potential renter. You can achieve that by enhancing its curb appeal with a fresh coat of paint and taking care of the landscape. Also, to make it more desirable, you can incorporate modern amenities and provide sufficient privacy for a renter.

Where do I store seasonal belongings if I convert my garage?

If you don’t know where to stow your lawn mower or holiday decorations after a garage upgrade, consider built-in storage spaces. Such storage spaces may encompass built-in closets, wall-mounted racks, and other overhead storage systems. Integrating built-in storage space is a practical and efficient option because it saves space in your garage while providing an area to store items.

What attracts renters to a converted garage?

Usually, garage conversions are more affordable than other housing options, which makes them a popular choice for plenty of renters. Also, transformed garage spaces may frequently attract tourists who need any place for a short stay. But if a garage has quality amenities and looks well-maintained, you can put more money into your pocket by leasing it to long-term tenants.