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In some cases, a detached garage can be considered extra living space, but you will need to gain permission and comply with your local building code. Depending on where you live, you may need permits for a variety of installations, including electrical work, plumbing, and structural work. Many homeowners make the mistake of converting a garage into a living space without acquiring permits, which can result in hefty fines and even the removal of your hard work. Furthermore, a detached garage doesn’t add to the livable square footage of your home when it’s time to sell.

A new space over the garage offers several upsides, including added living space, more storage space, and boosted home value from the addition. If you create an attached ADU with the space, you could secure more privacy for you and any guests you have, or even some rental income if you rent the area. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, too, including the high up-front cost, the potential need to increase structural integrity, and size restrictions since garages are smaller than an entire floor of your home.

The smallest size a standard 2-car garage can be is 20 feet by 20 feet, so at these dimensions, you could reasonably expect to fit two cars inside. However, it’s going to be a tight fit, especially if you have larger SUVs or pickup trucks. For smaller cars, 20 x 20 should be plenty for parking and some space to maneuver around the cars. A larger garage size would be better to ensure you have room to open the doors and transport groceries or other items around the cars.

You can extend a garage forward. However, the existing layout and the amount of depth you wish to add will determine how much effort and money the task will require. Considerations include moving the garage door and support structures, rebuilding or adding onto the roof, and extending the garage floor and sometimes the foundation underneath.