- Typical cost
- $70,000 – $150,000 depending on size and whether it becomes an ADU
- Typical timeline
- 4–8 months including design and permitting
- Permits through
- City of Malibu Building Safety
- Service area
- Malibu, Westside
What a Conversion Includes
We convert attached and detached garages into permitted living space with proper insulation, ventilation, plumbing and electrical.
- Attached and detached garage conversions
- Full ADU conversions with kitchen and bathroom
- Studios, offices, gyms and guest suites
- New windows, doors and exterior finishes
- Insulation, drywall, HVAC and Title 24 compliance
- Slab leveling and moisture treatment
Garage Conversion Conditions in Malibu
Most Malibu properties are not on a sewer, so wastewater treatment is a design constraint rather than a detail: the system size affects where the house and the yard can go. Slope stability, brush clearance and fire hardening shape the rest. Getting all of this settled before plan check is the difference between one submittal and a year of correction cycles.
- City permits plus coastal review on most properties
- Onsite wastewater systems that influence siting and layout
- Geology and slope stability reports for hillside and bluff lots
- Fire hardening and brush clearance requirements
- Long lead times on approvals, which we schedule around rather than fight
What We Check First
Not every garage converts cleanly. Low ceilings, a cracked or sloped slab, an undersized panel, or a sewer line that runs the wrong way can all change the budget. We walk it before quoting so the number holds.
- Ceiling height against code minimums
- Slab condition, slope and moisture
- Panel capacity for a second living space
- Sewer and water line routing
- Parking replacement requirements
Permits and Legalizing Existing Work
Converted garages need permits through LADBS or your city, including plan check and inspections. If someone already converted yours without a permit, we can usually walk you through legalizing it instead of tearing it out.
- Plan submittal, corrections and inspections
- Legalizing existing unpermitted conversions
- Title 24 energy calculations
- Fire separation between the house and the unit
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you do garage conversion in Malibu?
Yes. Malibu is part of our regular service area. We'll come out for a free on-site consultation, walk the property, and tell you what's realistic before you spend anything on design.
What does garage conversion cost in Malibu?
$70,000 – $150,000 depending on size and whether it becomes an ADU. Site conditions in Malibu and your material selections move the number, which is why we price after walking the property rather than over the phone.
Who issues the permit in Malibu?
Permits for this work go through City of Malibu Building Safety. We handle the submittal, plan check corrections and inspections as part of the project.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Los Angeles?
Most permitted garage conversions run $70,000 to $150,000. A studio without a kitchen sits at the lower end; a full ADU with a kitchen, bathroom and separate utilities sits at the upper end.
Do I need a permit to convert my garage?
Yes. Converting a garage into living space requires permits and inspections. Unpermitted conversions cause problems at appraisal and sale, and often have to be redone.
Do I lose my required parking?
California ADU law removed replacement parking requirements in most situations, including near transit. We confirm the rule for your specific parcel before design.
Is there a garage conversion company near me that handles permits?
Yes, we design, permit and build garage conversions across Los Angeles and every city within about 100 miles of our Woodland Hills office, handling LADBS or your local building department's plan check from start to finish.
Similar Projects We've Built
Garage Conversion to Permitted ADU, Woodland Hills
A detached two-car garage converted into a permitted one-bedroom ADU, now rented long-term.
Attached Garage Converted to a Studio ADU, Torrance
An attached two-car garage turned into a permitted studio ADU with its own entry, now housing an adult child rent-free.
Garage Conversion on S Dalton Ave, Gardena
On S Dalton Ave in Gardena, an attached two-car garage was converted into a permitted studio ADU with its own entrance and kitchenette.
DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT WITH 1 SMART BUILD
Licensed, bonded and insured design-build general contractor serving Los Angeles County and Southern California. Tell us about your property and goals, and we'll walk you through feasibility, permitting and a clear plan.