Does Worcester allow detached garage conversions?

Question

Hi BP,

Curious if anyone knows if Worcester allows garage to living space conversions? I Currently have a 3 family here that I am house hacking, and it has a detached 3 car garage that is used mostly as storage. I would like to explore converting it to a 1 bedroom apartment and then renting out the current unit i am in now, and moving into the converted garage. Before I go too far down a rabbit hole of thinking of ideas and what not I was just curious if any Worcester investors have converted a garage to a living space and if the city allows that?

Also if you have done it what was the overall cost for you and how did you finance it? I don't have a ton of equity so a HELOC will be out of the question most likely

(I also emailed the city but I feel like my BP fam will be quicker 😂)

Ian Hogan · Answer

@Armando Montrond I forget which town in MA, but I think only recently they changed a rule that would allow an in-law or ADU. Many towns have banned it and it's led to the hot and difficult market for renters. I think only with the added pressures will more change occur.

Worcester should already know this with the added growth in population not being kept up with in terms of construction. There is a lot in the pipeline for Worcester but nothing really affordable, seems to be straining all of the folks that have been around renting for years (or so that is what they say on r/Worcester)

Andrew Freed · Answer

@Armando Montrond - Unsure, but I'm definitely interested in how the city responds. I am a Worcester investor myself. Worst case, you should be able to rent out each bay for $100-250 per month. Keep us updated on the city's response.

Bud Gaffney · Answer

Good to know. Good luck to you!

Bud Gaffney · Answer

Nvm, I just read the entire thread.

Bud Gaffney · Answer

Call Worcester Building Dept. (508) 799-1198

Armando Montrond · Answer

well here’s the answer I got…guess I’ll just use these garages for what they’re intended for. Putting my car and junk I don’t use in 😂 my tenants also have the option to rent it for $150 a month if they want the additional covered spot. I feel like this is something that needs to be changed in Worcester, other cities and towns in massachusetts are allowing them.

Ian Hogan · Answer

@Armando Montrond For possibly a quick response you can ask the fire department. I did this to know what it would take to convert a commercial to a residential unit in a mixed use property. Ultimately wasn't worth it because it would force the building to go up to code, including sprinklers. They often care about parking available as well. So depending if it will change zoning that could be even more difficult, mine wouldn't change zoning but would change use, forcing those upgrades to the whole building.

I have a 2 bay garage (not accessible from inside the building) that I rent out for $300 total for storage, so @Andrew Freed is pretty accurate on renting is a pretty good worst case.

Does Worcester allow detached garage conversions?

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