Quick Comparison: Garage Conversion ADU vs. Home Addition

At a quick glance, ADUs and additions vary slightly by:

Cost: Depending on project scope, ADUs can be slightly cheaper to build.
Timeline: Garage conversions are typically faster since you’re building on an existing structure.
Space: Home additions offer more flexibility to customize the layout and overall footprint.
ROI: Both increase a home’s value, but some garage conversion ADUs can be rented for additional income.

Cost & Timeline

Two of the most frequent questions we get from homeowners are “How much is this going to cost?” and “How long will this take?” While it’s hard to give an exact investment or timeline breakdown without knowing some of the basic project information, some garage conversions can be faster and more inexpensive than home addition projects. This heavily depends on the complexity of each project and the existing space. If your garage requires significant structural preparation and utility integration, the difference in cost and timeline becomes negligible.

Following a free initial consultation, our experienced home remodeling team can determine which avenue will be the best option for your timeline, budget, and goals. We can also connect you with our financing partner to help bring your vision closer to reality.

Space & Functionality

How you want to use the space will be one of the biggest drivers in terms of selecting the project type. Given that garage conversions are somewhat limited to the existing structure, they’re often suited for smaller, self-contained spaces. Home offices, mother-in-law suites, and children’s playrooms are common garage conversions we’ve built.

Home additions are a lot more customizable. While there are some considerations for things like lot restrictions, your home’s existing footprint, and your lot size, you have more flexibility since you’re building the structure from the ground up. Additions are best for larger living areas like an all-seasons room, primary bedroom and bathroom expansion, or relocated living room.

For both projects, Airoom can guide you through the design, layout, location, and footprint while keeping your home’s flow and style in mind. Plus, we’ve worked in nearly every Chicago neighborhood and suburb, so we can confidently navigate local restrictions.

ROI & Lifestyle Impact

Many homeowners are mindful of their return and daily impact when considering property upgrades. Generally, both ADUs and additions can add value to your home by creating new, livable square footage. Most of that ROI will be realized when you sell your home. However, if you plan to rent out your garage conversion for extra income, you may see some return sooner.

Thankfully lifestyle impact during construction is minimized with our trademarked design/build process. Projects stay on schedule, and the vast majority of Airoom clients remain in their home throughout construction. This is true for all Airoom projects.

After completion, lifestyle impact can vary. Home additions blend seamlessly with your existing space, making it seem like they’ve always belonged. Garage conversions will match your home’s architectural style and flow. Given their separate location, though, they may not feel as seamless as something like an all-seasons room that serves as a natural extension of your living room.

Talk to an Expert

There’s no substitution to meeting with a home remodeling professional. We’ve completed tens of thousands of renovations since Airoom’s start in 1958. This experience is brought to every project, allowing us to deliver a garage conversion or addition that meets your functional needs, desired budget, and project goals. Schedule a complimentary consultation to see what’s possible for your home.