Garage Conversion Denver, CO
A detached garage sitting empty is one of the most underused assets on a Denver property. Turn it into a home office, a guest suite, a gym, or a rental unit — and do it once, correctly, with full permits and architectural design from the start
How Much Does a Garage Conversion Cost in Denver?
Starting from $75,000.
Where your project lands depends on the existing structure, the intended use, and how much mechanical work is involved. A garage converted to a basic home office sits at the lower end. An ADU-grade conversion with a full kitchen, bathroom, and separate utility connections is a more involved project — and a more valuable one.
What drives cost more than anything else: the existing structure. Older detached garages in neighborhoods like Washington Park, Mayfair, and Hilltop were built to store cars — not to be lived or worked in. Insulation, electrical service, HVAC, and sometimes the foundation itself need to be assessed before design begins. We do that assessment on the first visit, at no charge.
Submit a request and we’ll come out, assess the structure, and give you an exact number. Free of charge
Home office or studio
Home office or studio — basic finish, no bathroom
from
$75,000 – $95,000
Guest suite
Guest suite — full bathroom, HVAC, proper insulation
from
$95,000 – $130,000
ADU-grade
ADU-grade — kitchen, bathroom, separate utilities
from
$130,000 – $180,000+
Financing Available
Don’t let budget hold you back. We work with trusted partners
A Real Addition to Your Property's Value
A converted garage is a permitted structure that changes how your property is appraised and how it sells. Buyers see a legal living area or workspace where before there was storage.
One of the most meaningful projects we’ve done in this category: separate living quarters for aging parents. Close to family, fully independent — a proper entrance, a bathroom, a kitchen or kitchenette, and quiet. It changes the dynamic for everyone in the household. And it’s a different conversation at resale.
For homeowners looking at rental income, Denver’s ADU rules allow garage conversions on most single-family lots. A permitted, well-built unit generates monthly income and adds an income-producing structure to the lot — which carries its own weight in an appraisal
How We Work
1
Free Structural Assessment
2
Design & VR Walkthrough
3
Permitting
4
Construction
Denver Permits for Garage Conversions
Do I need a permit to convert my garage in Denver?
Yes — without exception. Denver Community Planning and Development requires building permits for any change of use, plus mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits depending on scope. ADU conversions also require a zoning compliance review. We manage every application, every plan review response, and every inspection. You don’t fill out a form
Why Arch Design & Build
Both founders are present on your project from the first site visit to the final walkthrough
Architect + structural engineer + builder — one contract, one fixed price
All Denver CPD permits, zoning review, and utility coordination handled by our team
We're fully licensed in Colorado and carry general liability insurance — so your home and your investment are protected from day one
Where We Work in Denver
Both founders are present on your project from the first site visit to the final walkthrough
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any garage be converted, or are there structural limitations?
Most can — but the existing structure determines the scope. Older garages in Denver’s historic neighborhoods often need foundation reinforcement, upgraded electrical service, and proper insulation before interior work begins. We assess all of it on the first visit and tell you exactly what you’re working with before design starts.
Can my converted garage qualify as a legal ADU in Denver?
It can on most single-family lots under Denver’s current zoning rules — but eligibility depends on lot size, zoning classification, and setbacks. We confirm eligibility during the consultation. If it qualifies, we handle the full ADU permitting process through Denver CPD.
How long does a garage conversion take?
A basic office or studio conversion runs 8–12 weeks from permit approval. A full ADU-grade conversion with kitchen and bathroom: 12–18 weeks. Denver CPD permit review is built into the timeline from day one.
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Ready to Use That Space?
Free structural assessment. Exact quote. We come to you.
Arch Design & Build
9800 Mount Pyramid Ct, Suite 400, Englewood, CO 80112