Bay Area Garage Addition Contractors
Modern Garage Additions. Professional Service.
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Garage Additions Done Right/Conversions
Garage additions and conversions not only add space that meets the needs of homeowners, but they will also add value to your property as a whole. Whether you want your garage to be a place to keep your vehicles clean and safe, or you want additional features within the space, our professional team can help you achieve your vision.
The pro team at Element Home Remodeling Contractors takes pride in the fact that we can follow through from concept to completion. You have an idea, or even a solid concept of what you want, we can add creative magic and build the garage addition or complete the conversion you envisage.
Attached or Detached Garages
Garages take various forms and we design them with several different specifications. In addition to size, garages can be attached to your existing house or we can design and build a separate, detached structure. Your decision ought to be based not only on your budget but also on your needs.
We are always quick to point out to our clients that an attached garage is the less expensive option. This stands to reason, since you are building it against an outside wall of your house, there is less structural work to do. It is also more convenient for loading and unloading vehicles.
But if you want to use part of your garage as a workshop, for instance, you can benefit from building a detached garage that is away from your home. Of course, this will depend on the size of your property and how close to boundary lines you can legally build. An obvious advantage will be to shield the house from noisy power tools. If you want to link the two buildings, we can build a covered walkway between the two.
Design Build
We are equally happy to work with your design concept or to come up with an amazing design based on your needs and input. In any case, we manage the entire addition or conversion process from the planning stage to the handover. You can depend on our in-house teams that offer the services of designers, architects, engineers, and construction specialists. Having them work together under your own project manager, results in a streamlined, seamless operation that is easy for us to oversee. We also deal with all communications with your city or county.
We start the design-build process by checking the zoning laws in your area. This tells us where a garage can be located and whether there are size limitations and/or requirements that relate to design elements and materials. Once we have your input, and understand your vision, one of our licensed architects will draw your plans. If the local council needs permits, we organize these as well as all the inspections they require once the build or conversion begins.
Can I add an Addition to an Existing Garage?
The conversions we undertake often include additions to existing garages, especially when our clients want to extend the use of their existing garages. You get to keep a garage for your cars, but you get more space for whatever else you need the structure to accommodate. You might be surprised to discover that there are several ways that we can add to your existing garage.
Your ultimate decision will be based on whether you want to keep the addition on the same level and expand horizontally or take it up to a second story by expanding vertically. If you want to expand your garage for vehicles, you will need to add space on the same level. But, if you want to add living space, or perhaps add a workroom or even a laundry area, then going up might be the best option. We can help you decide which is the best option.
Can I Convert My Garage to More Living Space?
Yes, you can. In fact, many of our clients choose to convert the entire garage area to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for their children, parents, or often to rent out. Converting garages to home offices is another hugely popular option.
If you opt for an ADU, there will usually be local authority rules and regulations that we will have to comply with (on your behalf). One of the most common is that the new or converted building must follow the design and style of your home. Another is that an ADU must be smaller than your home.
If you don’t want an ADU, you might want a work area, laundry or utility area, or simply a place to store sports equipment, garden tools, or excess furniture you can’t find space for in your home. No problem. We will tailor your conversion plans to meet your needs.
Can I Add a Living Space Above My Garage?
We’ve said that you can add living space to an existing garage, and one of the ways that you can do this is to go upstairs. What we do is design and build a unit that converts your garage from space for cars to a multifunctional unit with living space above the cars.
Some of the most popular options our clients have asked us to tackle include extra rooms including:
- Bonus non-traditional rooms that give you the space for teen hangouts, a yoga studio, a music room, a home gym, or even a home office.
- Mini apartments or guest suites that you can rent out.
- Additional bedrooms or studies that you can use as workrooms to work-from-home.
Local zoning laws do come into play here but don’t worry, we will help you ensure that what you want to do is legal.
What You Need To Know Before Meeting With Us Or Any Other Garage Addition Contractor
Validating the following information before meeting with a garage addition contractor can save you a lot of time and narrow your search:
- Visit the contractors website check for their license number.
- Check they have the right license class (General B12) and that the license is active.
- Check that contractor is bonded
- Check that they have an active workers compensation insurance.
Once you have the contractors license number all you need to do is to visit the CSLB (Contractors License Board) and perform a license search. All the information above will be available under the contractors license page.
What is included in our garage addition estimates?
Our bid includes a detailed description of the scope of work that is involved in your garage addition project.
The total cost stated in the bid is for design services, architectural plans (if required and agreed upon), in addition to labor and rough materials.
Finish materials are not included in the bid as we want to give our customers the freedom to control costs and choose the type and style of the materials to their liking.
How long does a garage addition take?
The construction work involved in a garage addition can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks depending on the scope of work involved.
If a permit was obtained as part of the project, scheduling inspections with a city/county inspector throughout the project, will be required. The city/county inspection schedule availability can affect the overall timeline.
Does a garage addition require a permit?
If the scope of work involved in your project includes one or more of the following obtaining a permit will be required:
* Electrical work
* Plumbing work (if needed)
* Changes to the layout of any existing garage.
City/County permit fees will range between $800-$1700. The city/county determines the fees according to the size and cost of the project.
You do not need to worry about obtaining permits, submitting plans, scheduling inspections or filling in any type of paperwork required by the city or county, as it is part of our service and will be taken care of by our office team.
How soon can we start working on your project?
Our garage addition team can usually start the construction work 1-2 weeks from the day the work contract is signed.
In case a permit is required, work will begin 1-2 weeks from the day the permit is obtained and approved by the city/county
What permits will I need for a garage addition in The Bay Area?
This depends on the type of addition, but in general you will require a building permit(structural BLD), HVAC and Plumbing permits. However if you are in a semi-detached then you will require signoff from the neighbor in the form of a party wall agreement.
Can I live at the property during the remodeling work?
Yes, staying at home during a garage addition project is very common and most of our customers do so. In addition, we do everything possible to make you and your family feel comfortable during the process.
How do we communicate with our customers during the garage addition process?
During the renovation process your project manager, the home remodeling team and builders who are involved in the remodel, will be 100% available to you.
After signing the work contract, your project manager will open a group messaging system which includes you, our office and any team members related to your project. You can use this platform to ask questions and request updates. In addition, your project manager will visit the property on a daily basis.
Our home remodeling team will arrive at the property every morning Monday- Friday (if that fits your schedule), in order to meet the project deadline.
Our main goal is for you to be happy with our work and your new home.
Can you also create the design for the garage addition?
Yes we are a full service Design-Build contractor, meaning we take you from concept to completion including Architectural Design, Interior design, Structural engineering, building permit acquisition and of course Construction.
Will a garage addition add value to my home?
The ROI for garage additions is quite high when compared to most other renovations because you are adding actual square footage to the home. Depending on the type of addition you build, some actually create an ROI higher than the investment itself. Design plays a big factor in this and should never be overlooked!
How Can We Help You With Your Garage Addition Project
At Element Home Remodeling, we will walk you through the entire garage addition experience until you are satisfied. Located in Mountain view, CA, our renovation team will design and customize your garage according to your style. We can work with a range of designs and materials to create the garage addition you want.
Whether you are looking to create a small garage addition or a complete two-story, detached garage, Element Home Remodeling can make it happen. We pride ourselves in developing excellent relationships with our clients. Our communication channels are always available and we involve our clients every step of the way in the garage addition process.
The Process Of Our Garage Additions
Our renovation process involves several stages. During the Design Phase, our talented designers will work together with you to put your bathroom renovating ideas on paper. They will offer expert advice and discuss the options available for your garage addition. This is followed by the planning phase when our architects will create a comprehensive plan and schedule of work to ensure that your daily routine remains uninterrupted. We will ensure that our garage addition activities are done efficiently and effectively with the minimum of disruption to your everyday lives.
We promise each of our clients to provide excellent workmanship on every project we undertake.
