Project Spotlight: Garage-to-ADU Conversion & Addition
Residential property upgrades have become increasingly popular, particularly in today’s housing market, where renovations and additions allow homeowners to maximize existing space and adapt to evolving needs without relocating.
One of our recent residential projects in Los Angeles involved a two-story addition and a garage-to–accessory dwelling unit (ADU) conversion. This thoughtful redesign enabled the homeowner to generate additional rental income through the ADU while expanding the upper level to accommodate a potential home office or bedroom.
Originally, the existing structure consisted of a two-story portion above the garage, with the remainder of the home limited to a single story. Our proposed design introduced a new ground-floor bedroom addition and transformed the existing garage into a fully functional ADU with living, kitchen, and bathroom spaces.
As with any remodeling project, unique challenges arose during the design process. The two-story addition was constructed along the side of the existing garage, incorporating a new gable roof that formed an L-shaped configuration, along with a California roof tie-in over the existing structure. A key challenge involved roof drainage: several existing roof and patio surfaces were sloped toward the new second-story wall, which obstructed natural drainage paths and created the potential for water accumulation.
Through careful analysis and planning, our team developed an innovative drainage solution using a custom roof cricket, allowing stormwater to be efficiently redirected without compromising aesthetics or significantly increasing construction costs. This approach resolved the issue while maintaining both functionality and visual appeal.
Garage-to-ADU conversions are one of many effective ways to increase property value, add livable space, and improve long-term flexibility. Often, the greatest potential for expansion is already present—right at the front of your driveway.
If you are considering a renovation or addition to your home, we invite you to contact Advanced Engineering Services (AES). Our team specializes in residential design and engineering solutions and can help you make the most efficient and compliant use of your space.
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