cost of converting detached garage into living quarters? (San Jose, San Leandro: rentals, loan)

[earth2robin]

Hi,
I'm lucky enough to have a large yard with a detached garage here in San Jose. The garage as well as my house are on slab. I would like to add heat, air conditioning, a small bathroom and a kitchenette to my detached garage so that I can use it as a rental. Right now it has only electricity, insulated walls, and flooring.
Does anyone have an idea of cost and feasibility involved with getting permits? Does anyone have experience with the same type of remodel and what it would cost?
I'm a widow working full-time and have kids in college, I need to do something! I do have a good friend who can handle the construction/installation part of the job for less than the going rate.
Thanks for reading

[2sleepy]

I don't know the costs, you would need to get bids from Contractors for that, but I did find some information on adding a rental or guest unit to your lot: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/337/ It states that permitting alone can cost 5-6k

[darkeconomist]

I was curious after your post, so I prayed to the powerful Google:
Remodel & Renovate: Is it illegal to turn a garage into a room in San Jose? If you can turn a grage into a room in San Jose what must one do to get this done and livable? - Trulia Voices

[aslowdodge]

I think zoning might be a big issue here too.

[Nell Plotts]

Visit the Building Department and ask.

[Ruth4Truth]

First check to see if your area is zoned for single-family properties, or if it allows duplexes.

Hire an architect to do the technical drawings and specs, because this is what your building department will require, most likely. If approved, your friend can do a low-cost conversion. You'll need to provide parking spaces.

Consider this an investment. If it's a two-car garage, it should pay off in the medium-term, with rents being as high as they are. Even if it requires taking out a loan, it will pay off.

If the project goes ahead, bear in mind you'll now have maintenance and repair costs to save for. I always recommend people with rentals on their property set up a separate savings account just for the income from the rental. That way, you'll always have emergency repair money when you need it.

I hope it works out, OP. Let us know what you decide.

[SFBayBoomer]

I doubt seriously that it is allowed to convert a garage into a living space, at least if it is your only garage. I know it is not permitted where I live. The city wants you to keep your vehicles in your garage and on your driveway, and your neighbors want that, too.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by SFBayBoomer

I doubt seriously that it is allowed to convert a garage into a living space, at least if it is your only garage. I know it is not permitted where I live. The city wants you to keep your vehicles in your garage and on your driveway, and your neighbors want that, too.

I think it's allowed but unless she has a huge front and side yard there will definitely be a problem with off street parking which is required http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/337/

[SFBayBoomer]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

I think it's allowed but unless she has a huge front and side yard there will definitely be a problem with off street parking which is required http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/337/

Have you seen what a mess much of San Leandro, especially near the Marina, has become with all these rental and in-law units?

But even there, people have enough room to still have a working garage and off-street parking.

[boseosoo]

would you please elaborate about it, zoning issue? please