Timeline / Garage conversions

How a garage conversion is sequenced

A garage conversion starts with what already exists: its records and condition decide how much of the chain is needed. This page shows the sequence and the points that most often move it.

What moves the schedule

Records before drawings

Confirm how the garage was permitted. Missing records can add a step to document or correct the existing structure.

Assessment decides keep or replace

Slab, framing and roof are assessed against living-space requirements; that answer sets the construction sequence.

Smaller scope, same inspections

Even with less new structure, rough and final inspections still apply to the work performed.

02Dependency map

Illustrative sequence — order and dependencies only, no dates or durations.

Scroll the table sideways on small screens.

Dependency map. Illustrative sequence — order and dependencies only, no dates or durations.
Step	Waits for	Can run alongside	Decisions, lead times and readiness
Predesign1. Existing garage: records, slab and height	Starts the project	—	Owner decision: Decide where parking and stored items go. Garage conversion or another ADU type →
Site investigations2. Structure check and utility locations	1. Existing garage: records, slab and height	—
Design development3. Layout, egress, insulation and energy	2. Structure check and utility locations	—	Owner decision: Fix the window and door layout that replaces the garage door before documents. California Energy Commission — 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards ↗
Application acceptance4. Completeness check	3. Layout, egress, insulation and energy	—	Stated review window: For an ADU application, Government Code § 66317 requires the agency to say in writing within 15 business days whether the application is complete, listing what is missing. California Legislature — Government Code § 66317 (ADU application review) ↗ Garage conversion permit notes →
Correction rounds5. Review and corrections	4. Completeness check	6. Electrical load and plumbing tie-ins; 7. Windows, door and mini-split orders	Stated review window: The same section requires approval or denial within 60 days of a complete application, unless the applicant asks for a delay. It is a window for one review step, not a duration for your project. California Legislature — Government Code § 66317 (ADU application review) ↗
Utility readiness6. Electrical load and plumbing tie-ins	3. Layout, egress, insulation and energy	5. Review and corrections; 7. Windows, door and mini-split orders	Utility: A new bathroom or kitchen may need a sewer connection route and more electrical capacity. Systems questions to ask early →
Procurement7. Windows, door and mini-split orders	3. Layout, egress, insulation and energy	5. Review and corrections; 6. Electrical load and plumbing tie-ins	Long lead: Windows and doors sized for the infill wall; heating and cooling equipment.
Permit issuance8. Permit issued	5. Review and corrections	—
Mobilization9. Empty the garage; protect driveway and house	8. Permit issued	—	Occupied house: Storage must move out before work; the shared wall with the house needs dust and noise planning.
Construction10. Door infill, slab work, framing, systems, finishes	9. Empty the garage; protect driveway and house; 7. Windows, door and mini-split orders	—
Inspections11. Rough and final inspections	10. Door infill, slab work, framing, systems, finishes; 6. Electrical load and plumbing tie-ins	—
Closeout12. Documents and handover	11. Rough and final inspections	—	What handover should include →

Distinctions that matter

Construction duration vs end-to-end
Construction time counts days trades are on site. End-to-end time adds design, engineering, review, corrections, procurement and close-out. Ask which one any schedule describes.
Agency metric vs your project
When an authority publishes review statistics, they describe past applications in aggregate. They are not a prediction for one parcel's drawings and corrections.
Why this page gives no durations
We found no published basis that would make a single number honest for every house, so the sequence and its dependencies are shown instead. Your schedule is set once drawings and review requirements are known.

Illustrative example — not a client

Two similar garages: one has its original permit on file, the other was enlarged without one. The second adds a documentation step before design can be finalised.

What each phase means: phase glossary

Questions

Is a conversion quicker than building new?: It often has less new structure, but records and the existing condition can add steps. Compare both sequences for your lot.
Where do I find the garage's permit history?: From the authority that reviews your address; the permit pages list each authority's starting points.

Service, permits and timing

Related guides

This service by community

KB Remodeling · Greater Los Angeles

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