Short answer
A garage conversion is cheap only when the garage is structurally, dimensionally, and utility-ready. Many are not.
Bay Area variables
What changes the budget here.
Check slab and moisture first
A compromised slab or moisture problem can turn the project into a rebuild.
ADU requirements add scope
Kitchen, bath, fire separation, insulation, energy, and utility rules change cost.
Existing illegal conversions are risky
Making unpermitted work legal can uncover structural and safety issues.
Cost table
Directional planning ranges.
| Project | Planning range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic conversion | $90k-$190k+ | Conditioned living space without full ADU scope. |
| Garage ADU | $140k-$325k+ | Kitchen, bath, fire, energy, and utilities. |
| Drawings and permits | $9k-$45k+ | Project-specific plan and city review costs. |
Local estimate
Run the calculator with Bay Area pressure included.
Live calculator
Bay Area planning range
Value first. No email wall, no fake exact quote.
Want a human to sanity-check the range?
Optional. The estimate already did its job. Send it only if you want a Bay Area planning review.
FAQ
Bay Area answers.
Is this a contractor bid?
No. It is a planning estimate that helps you understand the likely budget range before drawings, engineering, city review, and contractor pricing.
Why is the range wide?
Early construction budgets should be ranges because site conditions, structural scope, utility work, finishes, permits, and contractor availability can move the number fast.
Do I need to enter contact information?
No. The estimate appears first. Contact information is only for saving the estimate or asking for a local review.