Are you staring at your garage thinking about all that unused space? In fast-growing Austin and Williamson County, converting a garage to living space—whether an ADU, home office, guest suite, or extra family room—is one of the smartest ways to add square footage without moving.
At AC Cornerstone Building, we specialize in large-scale home additions and whole-home transformations. Garage conversions are popular as part of bigger projects, creating seamless, high-quality living areas that boost both daily life and property value.
Average Costs for Garage Conversion in Austin (2026 Estimates)
Costs vary based on size, finishes, and whether it’s attached or detached. Here’s a realistic breakdown for Central Texas:
- Basic Conversion (insulation, drywall, flooring, lighting): $40,000–$70,000
- Mid-Range (HVAC, plumbing for bath/kitchenette, windows): $70,000–$120,000
- High-End/ADU (full bath, kitchenette, separate entrance): $120,000–$200,000+
Austin-specific factors:
- Permits & Codes: City of Austin requires permits (~$2,000–$5,000); energy code compliance adds cost.
- Foundation/Structural: Often minimal for attached garages.
- Utilities: Extending HVAC/plumbing/electrical: $10,000–$25,000.
ROI & Resale Value in Austin Market
Garage conversions typically recoup 60–85% of costs at resale (per 2025–2026 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report for South region):
- National Average ROI: ~70% for garage-to-living conversions.
- Austin Boost: Higher due to growth—often 75–90% in hot neighborhoods (Leander, Round Rock, Cedar Park).
- Non-Financial Returns:
- Rental income (ADU): $1,800–$3,000/month in Austin metro.
- Multi-generational living or home office—priceless convenience.
Example: $100,000 conversion → $70,000–$85,000 added home value + potential rental income.
Is a Garage Conversion Right for You?
Common reasons Austin homeowners convert:
- Growing family needs extra bedrooms/playrooms.
- Aging in place with accessible ground-level space.
- Home office or gym in work-from-home era.
- Rental income in high-demand market.
We integrate garage conversions into whole-home remodels for seamless flow and maximum value.
Our Process for Garage Conversions
- Free Consultation: Discuss vision, budget, and feasibility.
- In-House Design: Custom plans (waived fee with project).
- Permits & Prep: Handle Austin/Williamson County requirements.
- Construction: In-house crew for quality control.
- Final Walk-Through: Your new space, built right the first time.
Ready to calculate your garage conversion ROI? Contact veteran-owned AC Cornerstone Building for a free estimate.
📞 Call (512) 293-4400 🌐 Request Estimate Online
Proudly serving Austin, Leander, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Liberty Hill & surrounding areas.
