Quick Facts
- Type: Garage Conversion
- Size: 630 sqft
- Timeline: About 5 months from permit issuance to final inspection
- Estimate: Property-specific written estimate
- City: Santa Ana
The Goal
The owners on 2nd St in Santa Ana had a two-car garage doing little more than storing clutter. They wanted to turn that existing footprint into a legal, income-producing home without the cost or timeline of a ground-up build. The goal was a 630 sq ft one-bedroom ADU that felt brand new — a full modern kitchen, a proper walk-in shower, and finishes that would rent well in Orange County — all while reusing the garage's existing structure to keep the project efficient.
Scope of Work
- Full conversion of an existing two-car garage into a 630 sq ft ADU
- One-bedroom, one-bathroom layout with an open living area
- Full modern kitchen with granite countertops and stainless appliances
- Walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead and dual-sink vanity
- Luxury vinyl plank flooring and recessed lighting throughout
- Santa Ana permits and final inspection handled in-house
About This Project
This Santa Ana garage conversion showcases what's possible when you transform an underutilized two-car garage into a beautiful, fully functional accessory dwelling unit. Located on 2nd St, this 630 sq ft ADU was designed to maximize every inch of space while delivering premium finishes that rival new construction.
The kitchen is the centerpiece, featuring rich wood cabinetry, durable granite countertops, a full-size stainless steel sink with modern faucet, and matching stainless appliances including a range, microwave, and refrigerator. The sage green accent walls add warmth and character to the open living area.
The spacious bedroom includes a ceiling fan for comfort, recessed lighting, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The bathroom features a contemporary vanity with dual sinks, a backlit LED mirror, and a custom-tiled walk-in shower with premium fixtures including a rainfall showerhead, handheld sprayer, and built-in niche.
Throughout the unit, luxury vinyl plank flooring in a warm wood tone provides durability and elegance, while crisp white baseboards and crown molding add a polished finish. This project demonstrates Vision ADU's expertise in garage conversions that feel like brand-new homes.
Challenges We Solved
Upgrading a garage shell to living-space code
A garage was never built to be lived in, so the conversion had to add insulation, proper egress, weatherproofing, and living-space electrical and plumbing while working within the existing slab and walls. Bringing the shell up to habitable code is the heart of any quality garage conversion.
Fitting a full kitchen and bath into the existing footprint
Because the outer walls were fixed, the interior layout had to make a full kitchen, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a comfortable bedroom all fit within the garage's dimensions. Grouping plumbing and planning the layout carefully is what let the unit feel spacious rather than cramped.
Delivering new-construction finishes on a conversion budget
The owners wanted the unit to rival new construction — granite counters, a tiled walk-in shower, an LED-mirror vanity. Achieving that finish level while keeping the cost advantage of a conversion took careful material selection and trade coordination.
Project Gallery
The Outcome
- An underused two-car garage transformed into a permitted rental home
- New-construction-quality finishes at conversion cost and timeline
- Full modern kitchen and a tiled walk-in shower
- Video walkthrough documents the finished unit
Typical rental income: A one-bedroom garage-conversion ADU in Santa Ana typically rents in the range of roughly $1,900–$2,600 per month, reflecting steady demand in the Orange County rental market.
Property value: Converting an underused garage into a permitted rental typically turns dead storage space into an income-producing asset and adds a legal dwelling unit to the property.
Budget and rental figures are typical ranges for this project type and city, not a client's private cost or a guarantee. Vision ADU provides a written, itemized estimate after a free site evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a garage conversion cheaper than a new ADU?
Usually, yes. Reusing the garage's existing slab, walls, and roof means less to build than a ground-up unit, so a conversion is typically the fastest and most affordable path to a permitted ADU on lots that have a suitable garage.
What does a garage conversion cost in Santa Ana?
A one-bedroom garage-conversion ADU budget depends on the condition of the existing garage, utility distances, structural work, and finish selections. Vision ADU prepares a written, itemized estimate after evaluating the property.
Do I lose my garage parking?
You convert the garage into living space, so it no longer stores a car — but California law has eliminated ADU replacement-parking requirements in many situations, especially near transit. A site evaluation confirms how the rules apply to your property.
How long does a garage conversion take?
A garage-to-ADU conversion of this size typically takes about 5 months of construction after permits are issued — faster than new construction because the existing structure is reused rather than built from scratch.
See More
- View the full project in our portfolio
- A 1,100 sq ft Detached ADU That Lives Like a Full Second Home in Reseda — Reseda, property-specific written estimate
- Building a Complete 320 sq ft Detached ADU on a Tight Coastal Lot in Huntington Beach — Huntington Beach, property-specific written estimate
- A Full Inside-and-Out Home Remodel on Mines Blvd in Whittier — Whittier, property-specific written estimate