Garage Conversion in Orange County: Cost, Timeline & the 3 Code Traps People Miss
Why Garage Conversions Are Booming in SoCal
Converting a garage into a livable unit is one of the fastest ways Orange County homeowners are adding value, income potential, and flexibility to their property. With ADU laws loosening in California, more owners are asking: What’s it going to cost, how long will it take, and what headaches should I expect?
At Omni Construction Services, we’ve helped clients turn old garages into income-generating ADUs, family suites, and even office spaces. Here’s the no-fluff breakdown.
Real Costs You Should Expect
Garage conversion costs in Orange County typically range between $90,000 – $140,000, depending on size, finishes, and structural conditions.
Breakdown:
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Permits & Plans: $8K – $15K
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Demo & Prep: $5K – $10K
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Framing & Insulation: $15K – $20K
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Electrical & Plumbing: $20K – $30K
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Finishes (flooring, paint, fixtures): $25K – $40K
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HVAC / Mini-Split: $5K – $8K
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Contingency: $10K+
Pro Tip: Always budget a 10–15% contingency. Old garages often hide surprises (slab cracks, unpermitted wiring, termite damage).
Timeline to Completion
A smooth garage conversion usually takes 12–16 weeks.
Step-by-step:
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Plans + Permitting: 4–6 weeks (city review timelines vary).
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Demo + Rough Trades: 3–4 weeks.
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Framing, Insulation, Drywall: 2–3 weeks.
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Finishes + Final Inspections: 3–4 weeks.
Pro Tip: Some cities in OC are now requiring pre-inspection site walks before permit approval. That can add a week, but it saves time later.
The 3 Code Traps Most Homeowners Miss
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Ceiling Height – Minimum habitable room height is 7’0”. Older garages with sagging rafters can fall short. Fix: structural reinforcement or roof lift.
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Egress Windows – Bedrooms must have windows sized for emergency exit. Many garages don’t. Fix: cut-in new window or swap garage door with code-compliant slider.
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Foundation + Slab – Garages often have sloped slabs or no vapor barrier. Fix: topping slab or new moisture barrier install.
Miss one of these, and your project stalls at inspection — or worse, you have to rip and redo.
Why Work With Omni Construction Services
As a woman & minority-owned contractor rooted in OC, we know how to navigate both city code requirements and real-world budgets. Our team:
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Preps accurate scopes and cost breakdowns.
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Coordinates directly with city inspectors.
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Keeps you updated weekly so you’re never guessing.
We don’t just “convert” garages — we turn them into assets.
Next Steps
Thinking about converting your garage into an ADU or livable space? Don’t gamble with code traps or bad estimates.
Want to convert your garage?
Don’t start blind. Grab our free Garage Conversion Checklist and see if your property is code-ready before you spend a dime.
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