When Lisa, one of our lovely clients, decided to convert her old garage into a one-bedroom ADU, it was not just a construction project for her. It was about rethinking what home means because it was the place where she had spent a lot of time.
Lisa has lived in her Altadena house for over 15 years. It is the same home her family has lived in for generations. But lately, things started to feel different. The house was too large (1,600 square feet) to keep up on her own, and it no longer fit her lifestyle.
So, she and her niece had a talk.
They realized that the main house made more sense for the growing family with young kids. And what Lisa needed was a smaller, easier space she could love and maintain for years to come. That is where the idea came up: the detached garage conversion to a custom ADU. A space just for her.
We Started with a Thoughtful Chat
When Lisa and her family reached out to us, they had already spoken with other contractors. But once we met, it was clear this was going to be a great partnership. What stood out to them and what we always focus was our commitment to listening first.
She had a clear vision. She wanted the ADU to feel like a real home, not a downsized afterthought. And our remodeling company never offers cookie-cutter solutions, so we planned to build around their needs.
We also showed her some of our garage conversion to ADU works. So she feels more confident about what she actually needs.
A Custom One-Bedroom ADU That Compliments Lisa’s Lifestyle
The ADU is 570 square feet, but it does not feel small. From the very beginning, we focused on maximizing every inch.
Lisa needed a full-size kitchen, not a scaled-down kitchenette. We made it happen! Cabinets, appliances, layout, and everything other minute things were chosen to fit her love of cooking. She even picked a bold, colorful backsplash that became the star of the kitchen. And she truly adored it!
“My backsplash was my inspiration for the entire kitchen. I’m still entirely in love with it.”
We also included a dedicated laundry room, a full utility closet, and a living space that opens up to garden views. The space feels open, bright, and modern, not like a garage at all.
In fact, this is an ideal example of how garage conversions to ADUs can maximize the space and feel like real homes when done right. All it takes is the right ADU design ideas that will double its functionalities.
Designing the ADU for Now and the Future
We also worked with Lisa to make sure her space would be easy to live in long-term. She asked for a zero-entry shower. No step-over, No tub. And we designed the bathroom with that in mind.
We also added more space beyond the original garage structure to create a full-sized primary bedroom with a focus wall. Lisa was surprised by how spacious it turned out. It is private, cozy, and truly hers.
“I am stunned and thrilled with how much room there is. I did not expect to have a primary bedroom with so much space.”
This kind of thoughtful planning is part of what makes a custom ADU different from a one-size-fits-all solution. And honestly, it is one of our expertise! Our team has the complete knowledge for a car garage conversion into 1 bedroom while meeting the unique needs and preferences of customers.
What We Did in the Front House
While we were building the ADU in the backyard, Lisa also asked us to remodel parts of the main house. This included a complete kitchen remodel with new cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, and a beautiful copper sink. Also, we replaced the older wooden floors with durable and modern vinyl flooring.
For Lisa, these changes were not just cosmetic. They were meaningful. She told us how special it was to see her grandmother’s old kitchen transformed into something fresh and still filled with memories.
“It was really lovely for me, who has been in and out of this house since I was born, to be able to watch this part of the rebirth and really see it from what had been my grandma’s kitchen to what is now a lovely, stunning, brand new kitchen.”
The Way We Worked
From start to finish, we kept it clear and consistent. We shared photos and updates every day, asked for feedback, and made sure everything was exactly how Lisa wanted it.
“I would not hesitate to recommend them for any home remodel or any ADU build. They really have been great.”
She also told us how happy she still feels, even months after moving in:
“It still makes me so happy. I still love everything as much as I did the day I moved in.”
That is the kind of feedback that means the most to us.
If you are thinking about a garage conversion, Lisa’s story proves that it is possible and worth every penny. With the right planning and the right team, even an old garage can be a dream home.
Whether you are downsizing like Lisa, want extra space for family, or need rental income, a garage-to-ADU conversion is one of the smartest moves to add property value in LA.
Ready to Start Your Own Garage Conversion to ADU?
We’d love to help. We’ve helped homeowners across Los Angeles transform underused spaces into beautiful, functional, and long-lasting areas. Whether it is garage conversion, ADU building, or full-home remodeling, we treat every project with the same care.
So, contact us and schedule an appointment without wasting a single minute. We will listen, help you plan, and build something you love, just like we did for Lisa.
