Connecting home and garage

[Shaquille Carrillo]

I’m getting a home that is 2 bed 1 bath. 1 bed is very small and the garage is ~10 feet away from the house. The roof already needs repaired and I’m wondering if it is worth connecting it to the garage, adding another bed and bath for a cash out refinance deal. It would still leave room for a single car garage

[Jared W Smith]

Quote from @Ray Hage:

If it doesn't cost a lot to add the bed and bath, I certainly would and absolutely do it with permits. FIgure out the all in cost with estimates from contractors and go from there. Let's say it costs 15k to do the conversion and rent for it would go for 1200. That's a pretty easy  and fast payback period. If done correctly, I think itll be a big win.

Agree with Ray. 

However, make sure you do not make a non-compliant situation. Let me explain. Sometimes the zoning and required yards/setbacks are different for the main structure as opposed to an accessory structure like a garage. Therefore, attaching the house to the garage makes the garage now part of the main structure and applicable to a different set of requirements. Have a local architect (whom could help with plan, permits and filings), to check this feasibility before considering this option. 

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC (Licensed in NY & CT)