Premier Remodeling & Construction Services
Garage Conversion in San Jose, CA
- 20+ Years of Experience
- 1000+ Successful Projects
- Integrity and Craftsmanship on Every Project
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Meeting All Your Needs
Expert General Contractors in San Jose, CA
Our team includes licensed general contractors, certified designers, and experienced project managers. We take pride in:
- Meeting deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
- Following OSHA-compliant safety procedures.
- Maintaining constant communication throughout your project.
We don’t just build structures—we build relationships based on trust and results.
“B&B remodeled my guest and master bathrooms after a bad experience with another contractor. We were pleased with the superior standard of workmanship. The good communication with all members of the team. we were assigned Daniel, as our project manager who went above and beyond to assist us when we ran into issues of materials procurement. We were also assigned an assistant project manager and a designer who assisted with all material purchases and questions and helped get them ready before our project started. The project was delayed a bit but still completed within the promised time frame. The price was reasonable, and we are happy with the end results.”
X. Madri
“We worked with Zion and his team for remodeling 3 bathrooms, some improvements in the kitchen and remodel a fireplace wall. BnB handled all the permits and inspections smoothly. Miguel was our foreman and his crew including Angel & Giovani were all really skilled and good at their job! Miguel himself is very hands-on and aims for perfection in his work. Even after the project. Zion has been very responsive for any fixes and tweaks to have a better finish to the work. We would recommend them for your next home improvement project! Special mention for Brenda for going above and beyond her role! The team put in extra hours to get our home ready for move-in and we are very grateful. Thank you BnB Team.”
Sanyukta Kabra
“Brother and Brother Builders can be trusted and relied on. I took my permitted plans for a one-bedroom apartment above existing garage to them and they made it a reality! Daniel, Nick and Zion kept me updated on all aspects of the project including timing, budget, finish materials and delays(yes PGE…). The communication with the brother and brother team is top notch as well as the build quality. You simply cannot find this from every company. If you are lucky enough to work with Brother and Brother, you cannot go wrong.”
Nathan Isla
“I’ve never really had a bad contractor, but I have now experienced a great one. My project was completed on time, and everything went smoothly. Reem was very available and responded timely to my questions. Elinor did a fantastic job of helping me find the right porcelain, tile, cabinetry and fixtures AND she provided an awesome 3D rendition of both my bathroom and kitchen. Excellent communication. Julio and team did an exceptional job, everything they did was done with attention to detail. I’m so glad I found Brother and Brother Building, I couldn’t be any happier. Professional, top notch and definitely competitively priced. You will not regret hiring them for your next project.”
Yvette Bonnet
“My wife recently contacted Brother and Brother Builders to renovate our house, and we have nothing but praise for these builders. Reem and his staff provided committed management and went above and beyond to make sure that everything was completed to our satisfaction throughout the process. Reem kept me updated about every step of the project. The job did take a little longer than anticipated, but the outcome was worthwhile. The team is of the highest caliber, and I am delighted with the result.”
Ethan Mason
Why Garage Conversions Are Popular in San Jose
- Rental Income Potential: Convert your garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and tap into the rising rental market, where median rents exceed $3,000/month.
- Multigenerational Living: Add value and function by creating a comfortable space for relatives, something we regularly accommodate in our room and home additions.
- Remote Work Solutions: A home office in your garage can rival traditional workspace productivity. Our team brings the same design care seen in our interior decorating services.
- Increased Property Value: Professionally converted garages recoup a large portion of the investment, more than 80% according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Confirm current metrics through the California Building Standards Commission.
Celebrate Your Space
Solutions Tailored to Your Home
We understand that every home tells a different story. That’s why we:
- Customize every project to fit your space and needs.
- Offer flexible design options, material choices, and scheduling.
- Ensure alignment with your goals from consultation to completion.
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality
From the initial consultation to the final reveal, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your project reflects your unique style and personality.
Brother & Brother Builders can help you create the home of your dreams.
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Why Choose
Brother and Brother Builders
- Specialized Expertise: We bring years of experience handling garage conversions in San Jose, ensuring each project aligns with local codes, ADU regulations, and energy efficiency standards.
- Seamless Project Management: From the first blueprint to the final inspection, our team manages permits, scheduling, and construction so your project progresses smoothly.
- Tailored Design Approach: Every garage conversion is uniquely designed to match your home’s existing aesthetic and fulfill your specific needs, whether that’s a guest suite, office, or income property.
- Trusted Local Reputation: As a top-rated contractor in San Jose, CA, we’re known for reliability, professionalism, and satisfied customers across the Bay Area.
- Transparent Communication: We keep you informed at every step, offering honest pricing, realistic timelines, and expert guidance throughout the process.
Key Components of a Successful Garage Conversion
We treat every project with the same level of care and customization, focusing on:
Garage Door Replacement
The garage door is typically replaced with an insulated wall system, large window, or French doors. These upgrades improve aesthetics, energy efficiency, and lighting.
Flooring Upgrade
We elevate the garage floor to meet the height of the main home, then install moisture-resistant and comfortable options such as hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Proper underlayment and insulation help control temperature and reduce noise.
Plumbing and Electrical
Our licensed team ensures your new space meets code with upgraded plumbing (if adding a bathroom or kitchenette) and dedicated electrical circuits for appliances, lighting, and outlets.
Heating and Cooling
We integrate HVAC systems or ductless mini-splits to maintain comfort year-round, ensuring your new space is as livable as any room in your home.
Soundproofing and Insulation
We enhance walls, ceilings, and floors with premium materials to reduce noise and maintain energy efficiency.
ADU, Junior ADU or Extra Room: Choosing the Right Path for Your Garage
Before any design work, it helps to know which kind of space your San Jose garage will become, because each one follows different rules.
- Accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The City describes an ADU as a small living unit with a kitchen and bathroom. ADUs are allowed on residentially zoned properties, including single-family, duplex and multifamily lots. A converted garage that will be rented out or used as a separate home for a relative usually falls here. See our ADU construction page for new-build options.
- Junior ADU (JADU). A JADU is under 500 square feet and sits within the footprint of a single-family home. The City states it may be converted from existing square footage, and that this can include an attached garage.
- Extra room for the main house. An office, gym or guest room with no separate kitchen is an alteration to the existing home rather than a new unit. It still needs permits, covered below.
The City of San José applies state ADU law in its zoning code and keeps an ADU Universal Checklist that reflects current state law. The checklist is the fastest way to find out whether your lot qualifies before you pay for plans. Source: City of San José, Accessory Dwelling Units.
If you are weighing a conversion against building out, our room and home additions page covers the other side of that decision.
For permits, parking rules and code requirements in detail, see our San Jose garage conversion guide.
Permits and Preapproved Plans in San Jose
San José requires a building permit or a plumbing, electrical or mechanical subtrade permit for alteration of walls or any structural change, most electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, and a change in occupancy. Turning a garage into living space typically touches all of these. The City also notes that state law requires you to disclose unpermitted work when you sell, and that insurance generally will not cover damage related to unpermitted work. Source: City of San José, When Is a Building Permit Required?
The City runs a Preapproved ADU program. Preapproved plans are standard, non-site-specific construction plans that City staff have already reviewed for code compliance. Key points from the City’s page:
- You still submit site-specific documents showing the unit’s location, utility connections, setbacks and other zoning items.
- If those documents are accurate and complete, permits may be issued the same day as the scheduled plan review meeting. Projects with deferred structural submittals, clearances or variances can take longer.
- To use a preapproved plan, the lot must be zoned residential with an existing single-family home or duplex, and must not be in a geohazard, landslide, flood or Wildland-Urban Interface zone.
- The City lists plans in two groups: approved, and plans still under review that are not yet approved and not eligible for expedited review. Check which group a plan is in before relying on it.
- The City advises having the vendor or contractor pull the permits so liability for the work stays with the professional.
Source: City of San José, Preapproved ADUs. Questions can go to the City’s ADU Ally at 408-793-5302.
Parking and Setbacks When a Garage Becomes an ADU
Parking is the concern San Jose homeowners raise most often, since the garage is usually where the car goes. The City’s ADU ordinance history records the rules adopted on December 17, 2019 to align with state ADU law:
| Item | What the City records |
|---|---|
| Replacement parking | Not required for garages and carports converted to ADUs |
| Side and rear setbacks | 0 feet for 1-story conversions; 4 feet for a second-story ADU built above a garage or accessory structure |
Note the difference between the two setback rules: a one-story conversion has a 0-foot side and rear setback, while an ADU built above a garage carries the 4-foot setback.
The City notes that this history page may not include the latest changes and that the ADU Universal Checklist holds current regulations, so confirm each item for your address during design. These rules apply to ADU conversions. A garage turned into a room for the main house is not covered by this table. Source: City of San José, ADU Ordinance & Updates Archive.
Areas We Serve
Brother & Brother Builders
3109 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117
Phone: (888) 412-2632
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM – 5PM
Yes, garage conversions are legal in San Jose, but they must meet local zoning laws, building codes, and parking requirements. At Brother and Brother Builders, we handle all permit applications and ensure full compliance with the City of San Jose Planning Division regulations.
Absolutely. A permit is required for any structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes. We manage the entire permitting process for you, ensuring your garage conversion meets all local codes and is fully inspected and approved.
The cost can range from $40,000 to $120,000+, depending on size, design, and upgrades like plumbing and insulation. We provide free, detailed estimates tailored to your needs and budget.
Yes, you can rent out your garage as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) if it meets city requirements for safety, access, and amenities. Our team can help design your space to maximize rental income and pass all city inspections.
Most definitely. A well-designed garage conversion can boost property value by 10% to 20%, depending on the neighborhood and features. It also makes your home more attractive to buyers who value extra livable space.
In San Jose, homeowners commonly convert garages into home offices, in-law suites, guest rooms, and rental units. With the rise of remote work and multigenerational living, flexible space is a huge asset.
Under the rules San José adopted in December 2019 to match state law, replacement parking is not required when a garage or carport is converted to an ADU. This applies to ADU conversions, not to a garage turned into a room for the main house. The City says its ADU Universal Checklist has the current rules, so confirm for your property.
It is a standard construction plan the City has already reviewed for code compliance. You still submit a site plan showing location, utilities and setbacks. If that is complete and accurate, the permit may be issued the same day as the plan review meeting. The lot must be residential with a single-family home or duplex and outside geohazard, landslide, flood and WUI zones.
Yes, according to the City of San José. A junior ADU is under 500 square feet and located within the footprint of a single-family home, and it may be converted from existing space, including an attached garage. The City’s JADU zoning ordinance lists the full requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
All Your Remodeling Questions Answered
Have questions about remodeling your home? We’ve got answers. From budgeting and timelines to permits and design choices, our FAQs cover the most common concerns. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how we make your remodel smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
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