There are several names for garage-style homes, including carriage houses, outbuildings, converted barns, barndominiums, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Garages with living quarters are called ADUs or garage apartments. They’re typically smaller than the primary home, located on the same lot, and have a separate entrance. ADUs can be attached to a house or garage or built as a standalone structure. They usually have their kitchen, living area, and other amenities, making them perfect for extra income units on your property.
Garage house plans come with a variety of advantages. They provide increased storage and organization, more living space, and added curb appeal for potential future buyers. In addition, a house with a garage offers more protection from the elements and greater security for your car(s) and possessions. They also provide a great place to work on more significant, messier projects and additional visitor parking.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, it costs around $26,000 to build a garage without an apartment included. However, the cost to build a garage with an apartment on top starts at around $100/square foot. It can easily reach $170-200/square foot, depending on the type of materials used and the size of the apartment, costing you anywhere from $50,00 to $250,000 to build a garage apartment. However, the ROI of a garage with an apartment can even out as it provides extra living space and can be used to generate rental income.
Yes, you will very likely need permission to convert your garage into any other living space since it will require changes to plumbing, HVAC, insulation, etc. It’s always best to check with your local ordinances and codes to determine what type of permits will be required and what the process will be.
Garage house plans aren’t limited to tiny homes anymore! America’s Best House Plans has garage house plans that are over 2,000 square feet, plenty big enough to accommodate several cars and a family.