We need a detailed floor pland and you need to know if this is doable where you lve, garage space is often not to code for living space.I have no idea what the pics are either.

Does the zoning for your neighborhood allow for a residential unit with no covered parking? And does it allow for a second, separate add-on unit on the property?

sorry but I cannot imagine attempting to have a decent working kitchen, some sort of 'minimal' bathroom (commode/small shower), sleeping space, office space and 'sitting room' in 22 x 17. I am a retired person, living alone. I like to cook, I also like to do crafty things. The least amount of space I am comfortable in is about 600 sq. ft. Your proposed space is less than 400 sq ft and you are using 'full-size' appliances.

Everything is going to need to be double duty. If you can find a Murphy bed store and can determine it'll be comfortable for daily use, you'll save tons of space. Also, I'd use a furniture store layout tool. You can sub squares of any size appliances and the tool itself are very user friendly. I google West Elm Room Planner and their software is worth trying as is probably any store site.

Are you clear on all the ADU rules? Different areas in southern CA has different regulations. For example, in my city, lots of people are excited about ADU until they find out the city wants the ADUs to increase the rental pool, so the ADU permit fee is lowered to a reasonable number if you are planning to rent it out to non family members. If a family member were to live or rent the ADU, the permit fee just for the ADU is more than $10K.

Does not hurt to talk to the city planning dept to make sure. The state does not set permit fees.

Apparently you have not done due diligence as to waht is the situation where you are.

There must be over 1000 architects available in the greater LA area. Why haven't you hired one to plan this?

You will need dozens of paid professionals for this job. Starting with paid design work. You will not get a permit drawing that will work from strangers on the internet that have never visited the site to know where the plumbing and electrical hookups are located. Locating your utilities in the wrong spot can make the plan undoable, or add 30K to the project. You need an in person paid design professional and contractor.

If you can barely afford the house, the 100K+ garage conversion is not a realistic project unless she is paying for it. Maybe put her in a spare bedroom.

OP - I think the point here is that you really need to get some professional advice about what can and cannot be done, or you risk wasting precious dollars (and time) on something that's unworkable. Don't worry about appliance size until you have a working floor plan, and that means figuring out electrical, plumbing, windows, etc etc. Try and draw up a plan of what is where in the existing garage as a start.

I'm also uneasy about your "barely afford" comment. What you're proposing may be beyond your budget. Is your sister going to contribute? If not, perhaps, realistically, you and she need to come up with alternatives to an expensive renovation/upgrading project.

CSparkles - Have you searched the advice using the search function? There for sure have been others posting a similar situation you can see past advice. Check out Allison Ramsey and Ross Chapin. They have lots of small home designs and the sites does allow for only searching the sq footage you have. Will for sure help with ideas.

Your first step is a paid assessment from a good general contractor. They will look at where your sewer leaves the house, where your electrical box is located, and how much electrical service it has. And assess foundation and framing, and how to properly insulate. He will discuss how to get those needed utility services to your garage, and any upgrades that may be required to make that happen. That will drive the placement of your kitchen and bath in any layout. It has to be done first to even know if the project is possible.

Just like the design documents required to be filed by your city, if your husband is unable to do this, he is not qualified to be doing the job at all, and you need to factor in contractor labor for the majority of the project, as well as design costs.

While there are some very capable DIYers, there are also some that choose to do so without the needed skills. Do not get in over your head with DIY anything here. This is how people lose their CO's when they can't get the work done correctly or timely. You only have so much open time on a permit. And all of your work must pass inspection.

Hi, we are also considering converting our attached garage into an ADU. We’re in the San Fernando valley and have been talking to professionals. I would like to know if you are still going ahead with your conversion project? Have you any good tips on what to avoid doing?

Hi xcanuck, we put a pause on it, as my sister found other arrangements for now. We are saving up and will be working on this project in a year or so. The building and planning commission (county) in our area is so awesome and helpful. From what I understand that the ADU has to have a separate address for fire and safety purposes, and because of that the owner/builder can only pull permits if they intend to live in this second address. If you have a contractor, they will be able to handle all the permitting for you. Good luck and I'll be interested to hear how your project is going.

CSparkles don’t be swayed from posting and getting ideas. It is exactly what the forum is for. It is also for people suggesting that help is needed. You weed through the comments and choose the ones that stick with you and make you reconsider your plans. There is always a mix of super helpful and well thought out advice, condescending and rude advice, completely unnecessary and just assumption filled advice. Thick skin needed to survive the forums but worth it for the useful stuff!