Garage Conversion &
ADU
Builder in Pasadena

NEO Builders is the best Garage Conversion contractor for your job. Contact us today!

Benefits of building an ADU Garage Conversion in Pasadena

Second source of income

Creating a second source of income is one of the greatest things you can do for your financial situation. Creating one that is passively earning you money is even better! Building an Garage Conversion is exactly what you should do if you want the best of both worlds. You can either rent out your Garage Conversion for short term or for the long term. Long term is more stable, while short term provides 2-3x more monthly income for you. In the city of Pasadena you can rent your ADU Garage Conversion as a short term rental for less than 30 days.

Improve your space

Building an ADU add to your space. In the City of Pasadena there are many options available, such as in-law unit, secondary unit, a backyard cottage, yoga studio, business address, or just a workshop. Anything you can dream up, we can build it in Pasadena.

Family Flexibility

Many individuals will want an ADU Garage Conversion so they have space for guess and relatives. ADU's are great alternatives then buying a bigger house.

Steps to building an ADU Garage Conversion in Pasadena

Free Phone/In Person consultation to determine what the size of the project can legally be.
Meet with an Architect and Designer to make sure you have the elements you want in your Garage Conversion and that it is built to the city of Pasadena's expectations. This is a very important meeting and cannot be skipped. Let NEO Builders help you work with one of our Architects so is ready to work with you today.
Plan submittal to the city. We submit the plans to the city, you pay for the permits, and we begin the prep work to build your Garage Conversion !
Building your Garage Conversion . This is the least stressful part of the process because you are working with NEO Builders. We create these Garage Conversions to your specifications and we are one of the most trusted builders in Los Angeles County and within Pasadena.
Final inspections. We walk the inspectors through your property to ensure that it is correct to city code.
Renting or living in your new unit!

NEO Builders is the best Garage Conversion contractor for your job. Contact us today!

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What should you keep in mind in the planning stage of your ADU Garage Conversion?

Since January 2020 it has become much simpler to get plans approved by the city of Pasadena.

The most tedious phase of building an Accessory Dwelling Unit or a garage conversion is the permit and planning process. This takes longer because you have to get plans approved by the city, by an architect, receive permits, and then finally sign them yourself. You’ll have to create, with the help of your general contractor, a “Site Plan”. This includes the proposed location, the size, parking, setbacks, existing structures, floor plans, elevations, utilities, and any other additional JADUs you want to build at the same time. In the city of Pasadena depending on your zoning you can have multiple ADUs or JADUs. After getting approval from the architect you can sign the documents and get started with the build.

Once all paperwork is recorded the draftsman will submit complete plans with required structural and energy reports to the building and safety division for review. This process should take around 30-120 days, but the city Pasadena has been known to take their time. There is an expedited process, but it does cost a bit more.

Understanding Parking at your ADU Garage Conversion

Garage Conversions are required to provide 1 additional parking space. It doesn’t matter if it is covered or uncovered. The exception is if the Garage Conversion is located within ½ mile of public transportation. All Garage Conversions within Pasadena cannot have direct access to a garage if the proposed or existing garage of less than 3 spaces.

Setbacks are an important part of planning your ADU Garage Conversion

Unit size has grown over the years, In January 2020 the maximum size of an Garage Conversion in the city of Pasadena is 1200 square feet. The increased floor area of an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area. In Pasadena specifically, an Garage Conversion can be anywhere from 150-1200 square feet.

Setbacks must adhere to the state’s 4 feet rule from the side and rear of the yard. It also must remain 6 feet from the existing main dwelling. Existing accessory structures and single family homes that are converted into Garage Conversions are exempt. So it’s worth it to see if you can do a garage conversion rather than build a brand new structure.

Title 24 in California

Title 24 is California building energy efficiency standers. California energy code is designed to reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed buildings. The states energy commission updates the building standers every three years by working with public stakeholders.

All Garage Conversions that are permitted after January 1st 2020 must comply with 2019 Title-24 standards.

New building energy standards will help reduce wasteful and inefficient consumption of energy. The new ordinate is specific about water heaters, high performance attics, walls and windows. Every set of plans will come with window schedule, this will be discussed in your meeting with our architect.

JADU vs ADU in Pasadena

A JADU is known as a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit and is an independent living space created through the conversion of an existing legally permitted bedroom. They are typically very small living units and are up to 500 sqft. You are allowed to add an efficiency kitchen and other necessities.

An ADU or Accessory Dwelling Unit is a larger independent living space either built from scratch or converting a garage into a legal living space. You have to add a kitchen, bathroom, and other amenities and follow all zoning laws. These spaces can be up to 1200 sqft.

Los Angeles has made it easier to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit or convert your Garage into a guest house. NEO Builders takes you by the hand and assists from city planning to finished construction.