Can I put an apartment above my garage?

Legally, you won’t be able to rent out the apartment over the garage unless it meets building code and passes inspection. Meeting building code is also very important if you plan to sell the house later.

How much is a garage with apartment on top?

Garage With Apartment Cost For an average 400 square foot garage, an apartment costs between $60,000 and $70,000 to add fully finished. Your return of investment could improve if you build a detached garage with a loft above it and use it as a rental unit.

Are garage apartments safe?

A garage apartment is as safe to live in as any other apartment as long as it gets built to code. Fire and building codes exist for good reason. Garage apartments often get added to an already existing garage that was not originally designed as a living space.

Are there parking garages that can be retrofitted?

For the folks designing buildings to last decades or centuries, one way to prepare for that future is to consider life in the parking garage, laying the groundwork now for a retrofit to come. And Seattle’s not the only city getting ready.

What should I expect when I move into an apartment?

The apartment you end up in might not be the one of your dreams (subway tile in the kitchen, a large soaking tub, and unobstructed views of the city), but at the very least you can expect it to be clean and safe.

Can a parking garage be converted to office space?

You can’t just throw down carpet and string up some lights to convert a space built for cars into one for humans, whether as housing, office space, or retail. It calls for a different way of building a parking garage.

Why do you need a convertible parking garage?

It calls for a different way of building a parking garage. Because apartments and offices, and the necessary crud that goes in them, are heavier than cars parked every few feet, builders must reinforce the floors in a convertible parking garage from the start. They must space the columns so they don’t ruin the look of a future living room.