5 Signs You Should Invest In A Kitchen Remodel
December 1, 2021How To Build A Safe and Livable ADU From Your Garage
Looking for your next great home project? How about a great room addition that won't cost you an arm and a leg? Yes, it's still possible to undertake projects like this, and not break the bank with expenses, or break your back while you try to accomplish it. It's as simple as a walk to that portion of your property that you barely go to now, and have mostly consigned to holding useless junk: your garage.
Instead of just using it to house dust, spiders, perhaps even ants, roaches, rats, and heaven knows what else, turn it into a fully functional room that you could use yourself or for guests should you have them frequently over. Truth be told, this is a dream come true for many DIY enthusiasts, as a garage conversion is an excellent opportunity for space planning, creativity, and functional plotting, and because it's already built to house something as big as a car, it's already a good size to start with.
But what if you DO like the idea of converting your unused garage space into an additional room but are not exactly into DIY?
Not a problem.
There are professionals in the market who are more than capable of doing so for you, and it is all just a matter of reaching out to one that suits your needs, your budget, and your location. There are just some considerations that you need to go over before undertaking the project so that everything will be orderly, efficient, and most of all, affordable.
Additional Dwelling Unit Cost
It goes without saying that you need a professional to give you an honest cost estimate of how much the project will go for. Imagine having commissioned someone to have at it and not really know the additional dwelling unit cost that goes with it. Not only is this ill-advised, it could prove to be disastrous. There are many projects that started out as great ideas, but somewhere along the way, cost issues came up, work had to stop, and the entire location just became a sprawling eyesore. Even worse, projects like this add to the devaluation of the unit, should the owner want to sell the entire unit in the near future.
This is why it is essential that one get an honest cost estimate from a reputable ADU contractor (Additional Dwelling Unit), as this will definitely save you the headache of having to stop the project at some point due to budgetary concerns.
Project Duration
Great friendships often take time to develop, and there are many stories about how customers become close friends with contractors because of the time they spent on the project together. This is actually a great premise for a sitcom, but not really for real life. Imagine having to see an uncompleted project just adjacent to your house, with all your dreams and aspirations still on paper, and the one doing the project seemingly taking their sweet time with it, all the while accruing more and more expenses. It's like having an additional housemate who doesn't pay rent, and instead, bleeds you of money.
A good ADU contractor will give you a project duration estimate alongside the cost estimate, as it does not make sense to undertake a renovation that you are not likely to enjoy within the next few years. On top of that, you will keep on shelling out money for a project that seems to take forever and a day. Unexpected delays are understandable, but at some point, there needs to be an absolute date of completion to the project, since you are renovating your unused garage into an additional dwelling unit, not building another Taj Mahal in your neighborhood.
Permits, Permits, Permits
You really don't want someone who looks like they could bring you up on a legality going to your door and asking if the project on your unused garage is up to code. This is the last thing you want to deal with. Not only is this a major hassle, imagine having to deal with all the paperwork, red tape, and attitude from pencil pushers just because you failed to file all the necessary paperwork ahead of the project. It all sounds so mundane and menial, this is true, but this is how civilization works, with everything needing legal permits and documentation.
Think of it this way: do all of this now or before the project begins, or be prepared to see someone sniffing around your area just looking at all the fines you could be paying and falling in line just to pay. The notion of not having these people nosing around your project is definitely much more desirable than the alternative.
Infrastructure Considerations
It's not unusual for owners to have a flash of inspiration about how much better their additional dwelling unit could be, with the simple addition of a few more planks, boards, concrete and nails here and there. The problem is, it doesn't work this way. While having a grand idea about how it should all turn out is well within the rights of the owner, the owner should also consider if their grand idea is safe, possible, and within their budget.
There are deinitely more to consider in this project, such as safety standards, matching the new ADU to the existing structure so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, and other considerations, but these are all concerns that a reputable ADU contractor like Century Bay Builders should, and definitely would, discuss with you as you sit down to talk details. This is because a reputable ADU contractor should not just only be in it to earn the big bucks, but they should also remember that the end result is a reflection on them, and not on the owner. Although the idea did come from the owner, with the owner footing the bill, the construction of the entire thing sits squarely on the shoulders of the contractor, quality and durability and all.
At Century Bay Builders, you’ll find the experts that can help you create a stunning and unique space according to your taste, budget, and preferences.
Ready to start? Get in touch with us to start planning the ADU of your dreams.
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