--- title: Can You Build an ADU on Top of a Garage? description: Learn more about garage conversion ADUs, including full conversions and adding a story on top to expand your living space without sacrificing storage.  image: https://smartspacesadus.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2S-S-284-1G-Shed-Small.jpg --- 2 Min Read # Can You Build an ADU on Top of a Garage? Apr. 16, 2025 Some homeowners want to build an ADU, but don’t have space on their lot due to an existing detached garage. The good news is that an unused garage space can easily be converted to a secondary living space! Whether you choose to add a story and build an ADU on top of your garage, convert existing space into an ADU, or demolish and start fresh — a garage conversion might be the right choice for you.  Learn more about how you can build an accessory dwelling unit on top of an existing garage.   ## Benefits of a Garage Conversion Garage conversions offer many the same benefits as a detached ADU. However, there are some distinctions that may make them a better choice for your lifestyle.   **More living space ** A garage conversion offers increased living space just like any other ADU. Whether you opt to convert your garage space into an apartment or build on top, you’ll reap the benefits of more space, tailored to your needs.   Whether you need more space to provide a private sanctuary for aging family members, a retreat for guests, or a private room for your teenagers, a garage conversion provides more space on your property.    **Increased property value ** Any form of ADU on your property has the potential to increase your property value. Generally speaking, adding a secondary living space [can increase your property value by 35%](https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/study-adus-can-add-35-to-home-s-value#:~:text=Accessory%20dwelling%20units%2C%20also%20known,Florida%2C%20Texas%2C%20and%20Georgia.).  In addition, a garage conversion can turn unused storage space into an income stream. Aside from increasing your property value should you decide to sell, a garage conversion can be a long-term rental, allowing you to capture more income or offset your mortgage.  **No change to your lot’s footprint ** One benefit unique to garage conversions is that it doesn’t require a change to the layout of buildings on your property. If you don’t have a lot of additional space on your property, take pride in your well-manicured yard, or simply don’t want to add another structure, a garage conversion may be the best choice!  ## Different Types of Garage Conversions  When considering a garage conversion, think about your goals and needs before browsing options. Do you want to make use of your existing structure or would you prefer a brand-new space? Either way, you have options for building an ADU.  **Full Conversions** If you truly don’t use the storage space in your garage, you can make use of the space by converting it into an ADU. This is a good option if you are working with an ADU builder or contractor that can rework your existing layout into a customized space. Keep in mind that this may  be more expensive due to demolition, reconfiguring existing walls, and adding utilities.    **Add-a-Story ** A great option is you don’t want to lose parking space or storage is a single-bedroom ADU on top of your garage. Sometimes referred to as FROG, meaning “front room over garage,” these additions provide the best of both worlds — storage and living space. Plus, adding a story to an existing space is an efficient and cost-effective way to add to your living space.  You can view our garage conversion floor plan [here](https://smartspacesadus.com/plans/garage-models/). ## Can Every Garage Be Converted into an ADU?  Not all garages are good candidates for ADUs to be added on top. If your garage is more than 30 years old, it’s likely not a great candidate due to structural integrity issues that come along with wear and tear. In addition, a newer garage that hasn’t been well-maintained and had stability issues also wouldn’t be a good choice to build on top of.  In those cases, you may still be able to replace your garage with a new ADU if the expanded living space is a high priority for your family.  ## Start Your Garage Conversion Today SmartSpaces specializes in building ADUs, tailored to your lifestyle needs and requirements. We offer fully-customizable floorplans that can accommodate accessibility requirements, multi-generational living, or hobby and entertainment spaces.  If you are specifically interested in a garage, learn more about our add-a-story floor plan and [browse other models](https://smartspacesadus.com/plans/). If you are ready to move forward — [contact us for a free consultation](https://smartspacesadus.com/contact/).   ![SmartSpaces ADU Cost Guide](https://smartspacesadus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundation%20Images/Foundation%20Assets/SmartSpaces%20ADU%20Cost%20Guide.png?width=350&height=422&name=SmartSpaces%20ADU%20Cost%20Guide.png) ## Kitchen Remodeling Cost Guide Whether it’s your plan or ours, it could be one of our lots or yours. We are committed to a home building experience that you have never had before. - Example design styles - Cost estimate guides - Itemized pricing [Get Access Now double_arrow ](https://smartspacesadus.com/adu-pricing) ## Related Articles [![Image of a grey, two-story accessory dwelling unit on an Atlanta, Georgia, property. ](https://smartspacesadus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2S-S-284-1G-Shed-Small.jpg?width=352&name=2S-S-284-1G-Shed-Small.jpg) ](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/prefab-vs.-custom-adus-in-atlanta-pros-cons-costs-and-which-option-makes-sense-for-your-property) ### [Prefab vs. Custom ADUs in Atlanta: Pros, Cons, Costs, and Which Option Makes Sense for Your Property](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/prefab-vs.-custom-adus-in-atlanta-pros-cons-costs-and-which-option-makes-sense-for-your-property) [ADU Insights](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/tag/adu-insights) | [Atlanta ADUs](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/tag/atlanta-adus) | [Prefab vs. Custom ADU](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/tag/prefab-vs-custom-adu) If you've started researching accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Atlanta, you've probably run into the same fork in the road: go with a prefab ADU and get something faster,... 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[![Image of a two-sided accessory dwelling unit in Decatur, Georgia, with brick and vinyl siding and glass patio doors in the front facing the property. ](https://smartspacesadus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Smart%20Spaces%20ADU%20(1).jpg?width=352&name=Smart%20Spaces%20ADU%20(1).jpg) ](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/building-an-adu-in-decatur-ga-zoning-rules-permits-and-what-homeowners-need-to-know-before-they-build) ### [Building an ADU in Decatur, GA: Zoning Rules, Permits, and What Homeowners Need to Know Before They Build](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/building-an-adu-in-decatur-ga-zoning-rules-permits-and-what-homeowners-need-to-know-before-they-build) [ADU Insights](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/tag/adu-insights) | [Building ADUs](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/tag/building-adus) | [Atlanta ADUs](https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/tag/atlanta-adus) If you're looking to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Decatur, you've probably already figured out that the rules here don't match what you'll find in Atlanta or... ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Smart Spaces ADUs", "url" : "https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/author/smart-spaces-adus" }, "dateModified" : "2025-09-05T17:38:13.910Z", "datePublished" : "2025-04-16T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Can You Build an ADU on Top of a Garage?", "image" : [ "https://smartspacesadus.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2S-S-284-1G-Shed-Small.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://smartspacesadus.com/blog/garage-conversion-adu", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://smartspacesadus.com/hubfs/Foundation%20Images/Foundation%20Assets/SmartSpaces%20ADUs%20Blue%20Logo.png" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://smartspacesadus.com/#smartspacesadus", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Brookhaven", "addressRegion" : "GA" }, "image" : "https://49758922.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/49758922/Foundation%20Images/Foundation%20Assets/Rich%20Starkey%2c%20Owner%20of%20SmartSpaces%20ADUs.jpg", "logo" : "https://smartspacesadus.com/", "name" : "SmartSpaces ADUs", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.instagram.com/smartspacesadus/", "https://www.facebook.com/people/SmartSpaces-ADUs/61565630780045/" ], "telephone" : "(404) 474-7140", "url" : "https://smartspacesadus.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Service", "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Decatur" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Brookhaven" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Chamblee" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Dunwoody" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Avondale Estates" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Stone Mountain" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Suwanee" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Ansley Park" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Embry Hills" }, { "@type" : "Place", "name" : "Buckhead" } ], "provider" : { "@id" : "https://smartspacesadus.com/#smartspacesadus" }, "serviceType" : "Custom ADU Design and Remodeling" } ```