Garage conversions, garage apartments and ADUs

A garage conversion is often the least expensive way to add a bedroom, office, gym or in-law suite. A garage apartment adds a separate living unit. Both start with checking what your deed restrictions and city allow.

Bedrooms, offices, gyms and in-law suites
Garage apartments and detached ADUs
Insulation, HVAC and a floor that feels like the house

Request an estimate See typical costs

Two-car garage with a new gable roof extension on timber posts

What a garage conversion involves

Floor

Garage slabs slope and sit low. We level and insulate the floor so it meets the house and does not feel like a garage.

Garage door opening

Framing in the door with a wall and windows that match the house outside.

Insulation and drywall

Insulated walls and ceiling, drywall and trim to the same standard as the rest of the home.

Heating and cooling

Usually a ductless mini-split, or an extension of the house system if it has capacity.

Electrical and plumbing

New circuits and lighting, and plumbing for a bathroom or kitchenette if the plan includes one.

Parking and access

Driveway and parking changes your city or HOA requires when the garage stops being a garage.

Houston has no zoning. That does not mean anything goes.

The City of Houston does not have traditional zoning, but deed restrictions in many neighborhoods control what can be built, including garage apartments and second units. Building codes still apply to every conversion, and some suburbs have zoning and parking rules of their own.

Before design, we check your deed restrictions or HOA covenants, the building and parking rules for your address, floodplain status and whether a separate unit would need its own utility service.

What drives the cost of a garage conversion?

A simple conversion to a bedroom or office costs far less than a garage apartment with a kitchen and bathroom.

What moves the price

Bedroom or office only, or a full suite with a bathroom and kitchenette
Floor leveling and insulation
Heating and cooling: mini-split or extended ductwork
Plumbing runs to the existing sewer line
Exterior changes to replace the garage door
For a separate unit: utility service, fire separation and parking

We price your conversion after a site visit, with the floor, HVAC and plumbing priced as separate lines so you can see the options.

Permits for a garage conversion

Converting a garage to living space changes its use, so it needs a building permit, and electrical and plumbing work needs its own permits and inspections. A garage apartment may also need separate utility service. We confirm the requirements and handle the permits.

How we handle permits

From our job sites

Wall framing on a new slab and garage work from recent projects.

Garage conversions: common questions

Still unsure? Ask us directly and we will answer in plain terms.

Can you build a garage apartment in Houston?

In many neighborhoods, yes, but deed restrictions in some subdivisions prohibit second living units. We check your deed restrictions and city rules before design.

Does Houston really have no zoning?

The City of Houston has no traditional zoning, but deed restrictions, building codes and other city rules still apply. Several surrounding cities do have zoning.

Do I need a separate meter for a garage apartment?

It depends on the unit, the utility and how it will be used. We confirm the requirement with the utility before design.

Do I need a permit to convert my garage?

Yes. A conversion to living space needs a building permit, plus electrical and plumbing permits for that work.

Should I check deed restrictions first?

Yes, always. They are the most common reason a conversion or garage apartment cannot be built as planned.

Planning a garage conversion?

Send a few details and we will follow up to schedule a site visit. You get a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.

Written, itemized estimate
Permits and approvals handled for you
One point of contact from start to finish

Commercial project? Request a bid Call (832) 799-3283

Request an estimate

Tell us what you are planning. We follow up to schedule a site visit.