Goal: The homeowner wanted to convert their existing 500 square foot garage into a comfortable ADU for friends and family.

Design Challenge: The existing structure needed significant upgrades including seismic retrofitting and waterproofing before it could be used as a living space.


Process and Solution: The homeowner wanted a simple ADU with one bedroom and a separate living space. In order to bring the existing structure up to code, significant retrofitting was completed on the foundation and framing. The final design included sheathing panels that served as both wall finish and as structural panels for wall bracing, as well as a vapor barrier to waterproof the existing slab foundation and minimize costs.

This ADU project was completed in 6 months and cost $110,000, $3,125 of which was for Housable feasibility, design, and drafting services, saving the homeowner over $5,600 assuming the standard rate for architectural services.