How much would building a mother in law suite on your property costs?

[T. Damon]

Originally Posted by Cardiff Kook

off topic, but does anyone know if there are as many hurdles to jump in regards to a garage conversion? I know some people in my neighborhood have converted their 2 bedroom place into a 3 bedroom place with a garage conversion and I was just wondering if its generally more straightforward in terms of permits and codes?

Obviously the parking space(s) (not necessarily a garage, which is not required by the city of SD- I am only familiar with SD and county codes) will need to be replaced somewhere on the lot in a conforming fashion (max hardscape may come into play here). All new habitable space will need to conform to all new, current codes.

A garage cannot directly access a bedroom, so in terms of circulation that must be taken into account. Any wall that is 5' or closer to a property line needs to be a 1-hour rated firewall (actually not that a big of a deal, just extra plywood and Type "X" gyp. bd. and fire rated cladding). You would only be able to attach a detached garage if no part of it was within a setback (very common and allowed). You would need to prove that the existing heating system has enough capacity to just extend ductwork to that new volume and if there is more than 40' of new ductwork or a new furnace required as part of your Title 24 analysis you would need MERS certified report. You would also likely have to pay school fees based on adding a bedroom. If the conversion included a new bathroom as well it is possible that the existing water line size would be deemed insufficient and would need to be up sized (not an inexpensive proposition)

Off the top of my head.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by T. Damon

Obviously the parking space(s) (not necessarily a garage, which is not required by the city of SD- I am only familiar with SD and county codes) will need to be replaced somewhere on the lot in a conforming fashion (max hardscape may come into play here). All new habitable space will need to conform to all new, current codes.

A garage cannot directly access a bedroom, so in terms of circulation that must be taken into account. Any wall that is 5' or closer to a property line needs to be a 1-hour rated firewall (actually not that a big of a deal, just extra plywood and Type "X" gyp. bd. and fire rated cladding). You would only be able to attach a detached garage if no part of it was within a setback (very common and allowed). You would need to prove that the existing heating system has enough capacity to just extend ductwork to that new volume and if there is more than 40' of new ductwork or a new furnace required as part of your Title 24 analysis you would need MERS certified report. You would also likely have to pay school fees based on adding a bedroom. If the conversion included a new bathroom as well it is possible that the existing water line size would be deemed insufficient and would need to be up sized (not an inexpensive proposition)

Off the top of my head.

Yep, we were told that too, that we had to build another garage. Or,at least a covered area. On top of that you can't build too close to your own property line. You'll go dizzy trying to understand that mess. We scrapped having a second story put on because to be code we'd have to raze the existing garage, part of the house and start over from scratch.

[Cardiff Kook]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

Yep, we were told that too, that we had to build another garage. Or,at least a covered area. On top of that you can't build too close to your own property line. You'll go dizzy trying to understand that mess. We scrapped having a second story put on because to be code we'd have to raze the existing garage, part of the house and start over from scratch.

That's interesting. My neighbors who converted their garage actually live in a twin home (which you may or may not be familiar with) so I see the following problems 1) the garage would have been too close to the property line and 2) they never built another garage or covered area.

The sq footage of the conversion is included in their housing specs on redfin and zillow so I'm assuming it was done according to code and with permits...maybe it varies by city?

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by Cardiff Kook

That's interesting. My neighbors who converted their garage actually live in a twin home (which you may or may not be familiar with) so I see the following problems 1) the garage would have been too close to the property line and 2) they never built another garage or covered area.

The sq footage of the conversion is included in their housing specs on redfin and zillow so I'm assuming it was done according to code and with permits...maybe it varies by city?

They go by code at the time of build I believe. It does vary by City for sure. This would be in squaremont.

My friend had to build a covered parking structure in the front of his place to be able to convert his garage. I thought it was stupid since there was parking spots for about 6 cars. But then who knows I've gotten conflicting information talking to different city workers. I really don't know the codes that well.

He also did an illegal extension many years ago and the City added the square footage after 10 years so the City could get the property taxes. His words. It was also around 2002 and the City couldn't even keep up with the building going on so it would probably be a lot tougher now.

But then, I kinda snuck one by with the same tactic "wink". It was that way when we bought it Whatta ya mean my square footage doubled? Must have been a typo.

[Ms_Intrepid]

So for the companion flats, how does the parking space work?

If you're buying a 3 bedroom 2 bath house with a 2 car garage and you want to build a companion flat, does this mean I need to plan for a 3 car garage now?

[TristramShandy]

When I lived on Dictionary Hill, I swear half of the garages were turned into bedrooms. I doubt any of them were legal.

Unincorporated life.

[T. Damon]

Originally Posted by Ms_Intrepid

So for the companion flats, how does the parking space work?

If you're buying a 3 bedroom 2 bath house with a 2 car garage and you want to build a companion flat, does this mean I need to plan for a 3 car garage now?

You don't need a garage but you do need a dedicated parking space that conforms to code (non-tandem, doesn't block or utilize the existing two spaces provided for by the garage).

[LuvSouthOC]

I have done additions in San Diego proper about 14 years ago. It is a pain. A lot depends on your plot of land, whether it is an addition or a separate structure like a casita. It is not possible to tell you the cost without more information.