From having extra optimized storage space, to providing an office in the home, to being able to accommodate family members and guests, an additional legal unit can have a significant increase in your property value.
- Art Studio
- Game room
- Guest room
- Gym
- Home based business
- Media room
- Multipurpose room
- Music studio
- Office
- Playroom
- Study room for teens
- Workshop space
1. Verify all the possible legal options you have to legalize your converted or added garage. This will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the building codes, zoning and planning regulations regarding to your property, its legal profile, setbacks, parking, etc. You’ll also want to do an a thorough analysis and research about the characteristics, potentials and limitations of your property.
2. Chances are, you’re going to need some type of designs and plans drawn, so go out and interview some architects. He or she will work with you on the type of conversion you want, based partially on what you have already constructed, and what may be necessary/allowed on your property.
3. When the first architectural renderings are done, go to the appropriate department(s) for your city planners to show them your initial sketches so you can have necessary feedback about your intended legal conversion, as well as any changes or corrections required.
4. If and when the initial plans are approved by your City, make yourself an estimate or ask a contractor for estimates for the construction.
5. After deciding which way to go and to take the necessary action steps and precautions, follow all the legal steps and procedures from your City and County to get the garage conversion/ guest house plans approved. The time length of this whole process varies greatly from city to city (and county) and will involve repeated visits to the city planners in order to submit the architectural plans and get all the clearances from the different departments necessary for the final approval.
6. After the plans are approved and you get the requisite building permit(s) for the conversion, you’re ready to do or have any further construction work performed. Please note that the city gives you a definite time frame to start the work, otherwise a new approval process and permit may be necessary.
7. In addition, once cited for illegal construction, all Southern California cities pose firm deadlines for completion on the work, before some heavy-duty fines and penalties kick in.
I have relied on Andy Baker for legal advice, mostly on real estate matters. He returns phone calls promptly, which can’t be said about very many lawyers! I have referred friends to Andy who have also been very happy with his services. I highly recommend him.
- Lynn B. Feldman, Attorney and Law Professor, Las Vega, NV
I answer my own phone. If you get the voicemail. just leave your name and number and the city your property is located along with a brief message of what you're calling about, a good time to call you back and I will call you back.
In your email please tell me your name, a little bit about you situation and I will write back to you.