Garage Conversion ADU
A garage conversion ADU turns an existing attached or detached garage into a legal dwelling. It is usually the cheapest path to a full ADU — from about $95,000 in Sacramento — because it reuses the existing slab, walls, and roof, and no replacement parking is required under California law.
Conversions need egress, insulation, fire-separation, and often a panel upgrade to meet code. Older Sacramento-region neighborhoods like Broderick (West Sacramento) and central Galt have detached garages well suited to conversion. Because California bars cities from requiring replacement parking when a garage becomes an ADU, a Sacramento owner does not have to pour a new pad or give up driveway space to convert. A typical two-car garage lands well under 750 square feet, so the finished unit is impact-fee exempt — but a complete bid should still budget for enlarging an opening to meet egress and adding the insulation and electrical the original garage never had.
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