A garage conversion costs $6,000 to $60,000 in 2026
Converting a garage into living space costs $6,000 to $27,000 for a bedroom, office, gym or family room in 2026, with Angi's average at $16,665, or about $25 to $75 per square foot. This Old House puts the full range at $9,659 to $51,659 depending on finish level. A basic conversion of a 400 square foot two car garage with insulation, drywall, flooring, a window and heat is $20,000 to $40,000 at full code. A full accessory dwelling unit with a kitchen, bathroom and separate entrance is $60,000 to $160,000, or $150 to $400 per square foot, because of plumbing, electrical service and permits.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| A1 Garage | A1 Garage lists a garage conversion at $6,000 to $27,000, with an average of $16,665. |
| This Old House | This Old House lists a low of $9,659, an average of $30,659 and a high of $51,659. |
| Angi | Angi lists a garage conversion to an ADU at $60,000 to $150,000, or $150 to $300 a square foot. |
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What you build | Office or bedroom $6,000 to $27,000. Bedroom with bath $25,000 to $50,000. Full ADU $60,000 to $160,000. |
| The floor | Garage slabs sit below the house floor and slope. Leveling, insulating and finishing the floor is $3,000 to $10,000. |
| The garage door | Removing it and framing a wall with a window is $2,000 to $6,000. |
| Utilities | Electrical upgrades $1,500 to $5,000. HVAC (often a mini split) $3,000 to $7,000. Plumbing for a bath $5,000 to $15,000. |
| Permits and zoning | $600 to $2,000 for a room. ADU permits in California run $10 to $12 per square foot, and some cities require replacement parking. |
What the price includes
A full quote covers design, permits, removing the garage door, framing and insulating walls and ceiling, drywall, flooring, windows, electrical, heating and cooling, paint and trim. Plumbing, a kitchen, a separate electrical meter and exterior work are extra and are what push a project into ADU pricing. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
Some parts of a garage conversion are fine for a handy owner, like painting, trim, and basic flooring. Other parts need a licensed pro. Electric work, plumbing, and heating and cooling are examples, and most places need a permit and an inspection for them. Framing the old garage door wall and fixing the sloped floor are also hard. A mistake can fail an inspection and cost more to fix. Many owners hire a contractor for the main work and do the finish work to save money. Check your local rules before you start.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the quote is for a simple room or a full ADU with a kitchen and bath.
- Ask if permits, electric work, and heating and cooling are in the price.
- Ask how the garage floor and the garage door wall will be handled.
- A fair quote lists each part of the work on its own line.
- Compare the total with the range above: $6,000 to $60,000 per conversion for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Keep the plumbing out. A bedroom or office without a bathroom costs a third of a suite.
- Keep the garage door and insulate behind it if local rules allow. It saves $2,000 to $6,000 and keeps resale options open.
- Use a ductless mini split for heat and cooling. It avoids tying into the house HVAC.
- Check resale. In many markets a garage adds more value than a bedroom. Talk to an agent before you build.
Why this costs more in 2026
Framing lumber, drywall and insulation all cost more in 2026, and copper wire and PVC pipe rose with commodity and oil prices after the Iran war began in February 2026. Licensed electricians and plumbers charge $75 to $150 an hour and are booked weeks out. Cities also tightened ADU codes and fees, and more families are building for parents or adult kids, which keeps contractors busy.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from A1 Garage, This Old House and Angi. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a garage conversion cost?
A simple room is about $6,000 to $27,000. A full ADU with a kitchen and bath is about $60,000 and up.
What is the average cost?
A1 Garage lists an average of $16,665. This Old House lists an average of $30,659.
Why does a full ADU cost so much more?
Angi lists $60,000 to $150,000 for an ADU, because of the plumbing, electric, and permits.
Is a garage conversion worth it?
It can add living space for less than a new addition. In some areas a garage adds more value than a bedroom, so ask a local agent.