Before
After
Project Overview
Converted an underused detached two-car garage in Spartanburg into a ~600 sq ft independent in-law suite with full kitchenette, accessible bathroom, and private entry — bringing aging parents close without giving up household privacy.
The Challenge
The homeowners' parents needed to move closer for caregiving support, but the main house didn't have a comfortable space for long-term stays and a separate house on the lot wasn't allowed under Spartanburg County zoning. The detached garage was structurally sound but had a slab floor, single 100A panel feed, and no plumbing.
Our Solution
We verified the conversion was permissible as an accessory dwelling under the parcel's zoning, then trenched in new water and sewer from the main house, ran a new sub-panel from the main service, and framed an interior shell over the existing slab. The finished suite includes a small kitchenette, an ADA-style walk-in shower with grab bars and curbless entry, a sleeping area, a small sitting area, and a private exterior entry under a new covered stoop.
Scope of Work
- Zoning verification and full permit set through Spartanburg County
- Trenched water supply and sewer line from main house to detached structure
- New 100A sub-panel from main service, on-permit rough electrical
- Interior framing, insulation, drywall over existing slab
- New 1,000 BTU mini-split for heating and cooling
- Kitchenette — base cabinets, quartz top, undermount sink, induction cooktop, full refrigerator
- ADA-style accessible bathroom — curbless tile walk-in shower, grab bars, comfort-height toilet, accessible vanity
- LVP flooring throughout, recessed lighting, and exterior covered stoop with new private entry
Materials & Products
- •Insulated framing package and moisture-managed slab assembly
- •Ductless mini-split heat pump
- •Schluter waterproofing for the accessible shower
- •Quartz kitchenette top, induction cooktop, full-size refrigerator
- •ADA-rated blocked grab bars and comfort-height toilet
- •Waterproof LVP throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a garage-to-suite conversion considered an addition?
Yes — for permitting and tax purposes, converting an unconditioned garage into living space is treated as new finished square footage. We pull a full addition-level permit so the work shows up cleanly on the appraisal and resale paperwork.
Can the suite be rented out?
That depends entirely on local zoning, deed restrictions, and HOA rules. We can confirm what's allowed during the assessment, but the build itself is the same either way — the suite is fully functional for long-term family stays or short-term hosting where permitted.
How accessible is the bathroom?
The shower is curbless with a linear drain, grab bars are blocked into the framing (not just drywall anchors), the toilet is comfort-height, and the vanity is built to allow a future seated user. The doorway has the 32-inch clear opening ADA recommends.