What is it?
A garage conversion can be one of the quickest and most affordable ways to add living space to a home. The foundation, walls, and roof are already in place, the wiring is often sufficient, and if the garage is attached to the house, the entry already exists. Easy.
A Building Permit is required for all additions or conversions to habitable space in the city of Oakland. For projects involving less than three units, separate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) applications are not required, but a full description of any MEP to be performed must be included in the same application. To gain a permit, first you will need a zoning review, then you need to submit a building permit worksheet through the online permit centre, then your plans will be reviewed and if approved, you will be contacted to be issued your permit.
Research found that 4/10 of us can’t fit our cars in our garages anymore due to the amount of clutter. Almost half of us use our garage to store junk rather than cars. If your garage is wasted space where you simply pile up junk, then converting it into a useful room could improve the way you use your house as well as add value to your home. Virgin Money estimates that converting your garage into an ensuite bedroom could add 20% to the value of your home!
