Modern Garage Conversion ADU – San Jose, CA

San Jose, CA |

The homeowner wanted to turn their unused garage space into a livable, income-producing ADU that could be rented or used as guest quarters. Intelligent Choice Builders took charge of the design, permitting, and full build-out — transforming the structure into a beautiful and functional secondary dwelling unit while adhering to local zoning regulations in San Jose.

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Completed Date

Project Duration

4.5 Months

Converted an existing garage into a fully permitted 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU complete with a full kitchen, laundry area, and private entrance — built for rental income and long-term flexibility.

Project Challenges

Limited Square Footage: Needed to maximize layout efficiency within a compact garage footprint.
Permit Navigation: Handled city approvals and zoning compliance for a legal ADU conversion.
Existing Conditions: The original garage foundation and walls required retrofitting for code compliance.

Objectives

Create a comfortable 1 bed / 1 bath unit with modern finishes and full amenities.
Deliver a turnkey ADU that’s ready for rent, guests, or extended family.
Finish within 4.5 months and keep total cost within the $175k budget.

Results

Functional Living Space: Efficient layout with everything needed for independent living.
High-Quality Finishes: Durable materials with a modern, rental-friendly design.
Income-Ready Unit: The ADU is now generating monthly rental income for the homeowner.
Completed on Time & Budget: Finished in 4.5 months for $175,000 total.

Solutions & Strategy

Structural & Layout

Reinforced slab and walls to meet residential code requirements.
Reframed interior to include a bedroom, living area, kitchen, and full bath.
Added new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Interior Build-Out

Installed custom compact kitchen cabinetry with quartz countertops.
Integrated stackable washer/dryer, stainless steel appliances, and dual-pane windows.
Built a full walk-in shower, floating vanity, and space-saving bathroom layout.
Applied vinyl plank flooring, recessed lighting, and neutral color palette for a bright, airy feel.

“We couldn’t be happier with how this turned out. Intelligent Choice Builders made the garage feel like a completely new home. It’s beautifully finished, and we already have a tenant lined up. The team was communicative, fast, and professional throughout the process.”