Convert Your Garage Into a Legal, Livable ADU

Garage Conversion ADUs

Build Smart - Build Local Build an ADU That Fits Your Life.

Garage conversions are one of the fastest and most affordable ways to add a rental unit, guest suite, or multigenerational space to your home. AAA Home Improvements handles the entire design-build process — from zoning to final inspection.

 

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Accessory Dwelling Units

Why Convert Your Garage?

For many Denver homeowners, the garage becomes a catch-all for clutter — while housing prices and rental demand continue to rise. Converting a garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is one of the smartest ways to reclaim that space and turn it into a valuable, livable structure.

✅ Garage Conversions Are Ideal For:

Rental Income – Long-term tenants or Airbnb guests

Aging Family Members – Keep loved ones close but independent

Young Adult Children – Give them a place to land after college

In-Home Caregivers – Provide privacy for live-in help

Work-from-Home Professionals – Convert into a live/work space

Let’s Talk About What’s Possible for Your Property

Every ADU starts with one conversation. We’ll help you understand what’s allowed, what’s possible, and what your next steps should be. There’s no obligation—just expert advice tailored to your situation.

Types of Garage ADUs We Build

Attached Garage Conversions

These convert the garage that’s part of your main home into a fully independent living unit with its own entrance.

Pros:

Great for smaller lots

Lower construction cost

Faster timeline

Challenges:

May require careful soundproofing and HVAC zoning

Detached Garage Conversions

Converting a stand-alone garage into an ADU offers more privacy and flexibility. Depending on the size, we can include a full kitchen, bath, bedroom, and even a small living space.

Pros:

Maximum privacy for occupant

Easier to permit as a stand-alone ADU

Challenges:

May require trenching for new utilities

Over-Garage ADUs

Have a detached garage with good bones? We can build a second-story ADU on top, keeping the garage function below while creating a private living unit above.

Pros:

Keep parking while adding livable space

Great for alley-access properties

Challenges:

Structural engineering required

Stairs must meet egress codes

Let’s Talk About What’s Possible for Your Property

Every ADU starts with one conversation. We’ll help you understand what’s allowed, what’s possible, and what your next steps should be. There’s no obligation—just expert advice tailored to your situation.

What’s Involved in a Garage ADU Conversion?

Garage ADU Conversion

Many homeowners assume converting a garage is just an interior remodel — but to be legally permitted as an ADU in Colorado, the space must meet full residential standards.

Your Garage ADU Will Include:

Full insulation + drywall

Electrical rewiring + outlets

Plumbing for kitchen & bathroom

HVAC installation (mini-split or ducted)

Soundproofing + fire safety compliance

Egress windows or doors

Separate entrance (required for legal ADUs)

Optional: Covered entry, patio space

Let’s Talk About What’s Possible for Your Property

Every ADU starts with one conversation. We’ll help you understand what’s allowed, what’s possible, and what your next steps should be. There’s no obligation—just expert advice tailored to your situation.

Why Choose AAA for Garage Conversion ADUs?

Local Knowledge - We’ve built Garage Conversion ADUs across Lakewood, Denver, Arvada, Golden, and Highlands Ranch — and we know each city’s regulations. for 20+ years — and we know what’s possible under each city’s zoning rules.

Full-Service Design-Build - No juggling multiple contractors. We handle design, engineering, permits, and construction in-house, keeping communication clear and timelines tight.

Dedicated ADU Team

  • Charles Ruppert – Your Discovery Call contact and project Estimator

  • Luke – Handles engineering and permitting

  • JT – Oversees construction and day-to-day jobsite management

Turn Key Service – Our 6-step system ensures clear communication from consultation to completion.

Process Steps

AAA Home Improvements – 6-Step Garage Conversion ADU Process

“From Concept to Completion: A Proven System for High-End Results”

Step 01
Step 01

Discovery Call

We start every project with a virtual consultation. During this video call, you’ll meet with Charles Ruppert, our Estimator, to discuss your vision, goals, timeline, and budget. We’ll gather essential details about your property and help you determine if your project is a good fit before ever stepping onsite.

Step 02
Step 02

Onsite Job Walk & Feasibility Review

Our team visits your property to evaluate zoning, setbacks, structural constraints, and overall feasibility. We’ll take measurements, photos, and assess the physical scope of work. This is where we ensure that what you want to build can actually be built — legally and structurally.

Outcome: Feasibility confirmed, potential constraints identified, zoning research initiated.

Step 03
Step 03

Conceptual Design & 3D Renderings

Using Chief Architect, our in-house team brings your vision to life with architectural drawings and 3D renderings. You’ll be able to walk through your future space virtually, make revisions, and ensure every detail fits your lifestyle before committing to construction.

Outcome: Visual plans completed, revisions finalized, client approval obtained.

Step 04
l
Step 04

Engineering & Permitting

Our project engineer, Luke, handles all necessary engineering and structural plans. We then submit them to the appropriate city or county building departments for permitting. You won’t have to worry about red tape — we manage the entire process on your behalf.

Outcome: Approved permit set, ready for scheduling construction.

Step 05
Step 05

Construction & Project Management

Led by our Construction Manager JT, your project moves into full production. We coordinate all subcontractors, inspections, and materials — while maintaining communication with you at every stage. Weekly updates ensure transparency and our high standards ensure lasting quality.

Outcome: Project built to plan, quality controlled, and updated throughout production.

Step 06
Step 06

Final Walkthrough & Completion

Once construction wraps up, we’ll schedule a final walkthrough to review every detail. Any punch list items are addressed promptly. We also provide guidance on maintenance and warranties so you feel confident about your investment.

Outcome: Project delivered, client satisfaction confirmed, warranty begins.

Testimonials

Julie Venci
I cannot say enough great things about AAA. I've worked with them multiple times, and they have always been super professional. Toby and his team were always timely and responsive when I asked questions. I've referred several friends to AAA ...
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Julie Venci
I cannot say enough great things about AAA. I've worked with them multiple times, and they have always been super professional. Toby and his team were always timely and responsive when I asked questions. I've referred several friends to AAA because they do great work. My family is considering building an ADU, and we plan on having AAA build it. I highly recommend AAA for any project, big or small. They are great!
Julie Venci
Julie Venci
Kevin Carney
We've worked with AAA Home Improvements for several projects since moving into our home and I can say without exaggeration that our experience working with them has been nothing short of phenomenal. Toby Hertel and his team are first-class professionals ...
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Kevin Carney
We've worked with AAA Home Improvements for several projects since moving into our home and I can say without exaggeration that our experience working with them has been nothing short of phenomenal. Toby Hertel and his team are first-class professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They've always been a pleasure to communicate with and the end results of the projects have been exceptional. I can't recommend them highly enough and hope you appreciate their services as much as our family has.
Kevin Carney
Kevin Carney
Aron Yacobucci
We had a great experience working with Toby and his team building a second story addition on our 100+ year old bungalow. In fact our first project so well, we hired them again to remove some walls and open the kitchen ...
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Aron Yacobucci
We had a great experience working with Toby and his team building a second story addition on our 100+ year old bungalow. In fact our first project so well, we hired them again to remove some walls and open the kitchen to the main living areas of the home, and finally complete a full remodel of our kitchen including redesigning the entire layout, moving the gas lines, water lines, drain lines, new electrical, cabinets and even a new kitchen ceiling. I don't have any reason I would ever hire anyone else after two successful experiences with AAA Home Improvements.
Aron Yacobucci
Aron Yacobucci
Cheryl T
AAA home improvements recently finished our basement. From the start to finish, the project went great. Starting with Bob on the design and working with Luke, Toby, JT, we were thoroughly impressed with each...
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Cheryl T
AAA home improvements recently finished our basement. From the start to finish, the project went great. Starting with Bob on the design and working with Luke, Toby, JT, we were thoroughly impressed with each phase of the work. Eddie, Rich, Merrill, Robert, Carlos, Andre, Antonio were all experts in their trades and we couldn’t have asked for better crews on this project. The basement was completed as scheduled and It turned out perfect! We highly recommend this company and would use them again on any future projects we may have.
Cheryl T
Cheryl T
J Shoppe
Our first experience with AAA Home Improvements was in about 2006 for a “refresh” of our kitchen (light remodel). Since then they have assisted us with restoration repairs when a pipe broke, flooding our finished basement, then...
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J Shoppe
Our first experience with AAA Home Improvements was in about 2006 for a “refresh” of our kitchen (light remodel). Since then they have assisted us with restoration repairs when a pipe broke, flooding our finished basement, then a deck, then new roofing and finishing a basement when we moved in 2013. In 2019 we came back to AAA for a major kitchen remodel, followed by a complete renovation of our primary bathroom a couple years later. We kept returning to AAA Home Improvements time after time because of the blend of customer service and expertise that they provide. Toby is very solution oriented and reasonable to work with when problems arise. Years of history of working with a firm that is obviously concerned with getting the job done right led us to asking Toby if AAA Home Improvements would be willing to tackle a new build in a mountain community. Working with Luke and Toby on the design-build of the house was an enormous task with beautiful results! We will continue to recommend AAA Home Improvements and seek them out for future projects. (In photos: the brick wall and windows were previously a wall of cabinets, the cooktop was moved off the island, the soffit was removed and the arch entryway was enlarged.)
J Shoppe
J Shoppe

Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life — One Room at a Time.

Whether you're planning a second story, garage conversion, or a full layout transformation, our team is here to help you create a space that fits your lifestyle and adds lasting value to your home.

Speak directly with Charles Ruppert, Estimator at AAA Home Improvements, and get expert advice tailored to your home and goals.