What is a garage-to-ADU conversion?

A garage-to-ADU conversion turns an existing garage into a fully independent living space with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, adding flexible housing without expanding the main home footprint.

Can a garage ADU be built for aging in place?

Yes. Garage ADUs can be constructed with single-level living, accessible bathrooms, wider clearances, and durable materials to support long-term, age-in-place use.

Can a garage ADU be built to allow future expansion?

Yes. With proper upfront planning, a garage ADU can be constructed with structural capacity to support future additions, such as a second story.

Are garage ADUs allowed in Denver, Colorado?

Garage ADUs are permitted in many Denver neighborhoods, though zoning, lot size, and existing conditions apply. An experienced ADU builder helps ensure construction aligns with local regulations.

An Age-Ready Garage ADU Conversion

ADU

Feb 11

Written By Phillip Daughton

Exterior side-yard view of a completed garage ADU conversion in Denver, Colorado, featuring durable fiber cement siding, new windows, and a private entry built by Prenvalley Builders.

Project Overview

The homeowner needed an age-in-place–ready ADU with flexibility for future use. Prenvalley Builders completed a full garage-to-ADU conversion, navigating tight site conditions and existing structure constraints. The result is a durable, thoughtfully built space with long-term adaptability, including future second-story potential.

Project Details

Size: 650 sq ft

Location: Denver, Colorado

Architectural Designer: NAGY Design Co.

Architectural elevation drawing of a garage-to-ADU conversion in Denver, Colorado, illustrating exterior massing, window placement, and roof form for construction coordination.

Proposed floor plan for a garage-to-ADU conversion in Denver, Colorado, showing one-bedroom layout, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and living areas constructed by Prenvalley Builders.

Our Approach

Prenvalley Builders approached this ADU with a construction-first mindset, focusing on durability, efficiency, and long-term performance. Working from an existing design, the team carefully coordinated structural upgrades, systems integration, and exterior envelope improvements to ensure the space would age well over time. Clear communication and disciplined execution allowed the project to move smoothly despite tight site constraints.

Project Highlights

Full garage-to-ADU conversion and addition
Age-in-place–ready construction and layout
Structural upgrades to support future second-story expansion
High-performance exterior envelope and durable materials
Efficient one-bedroom ADU with full kitchen and bath
New windows, doors, and concrete flatwork
Improved site access and privacy through exterior upgrades

Existing garage exterior in Denver, Colorado prior to conversion into an accessory dwelling unit, showing original siding, roofline, and site conditions before construction.

Garage-to-ADU conversion under construction in Denver, Colorado, showing exterior framing completion, window installation, weather barrier, and patio slab executed by Prenvalley Builders.

Finished exterior of a garage-to-ADU conversion in Denver, Colorado, featuring new siding, roof detailing, window installation, and concrete flatwork constructed by Prenvalley Builders.

Results

The completed ADU provides a comfortable, accessible living space that meets the homeowner’s current needs while allowing for future expansion. Thoughtful construction detailing and durable materials ensure long-term performance and low maintenance. The result is a flexible, well-built addition that adds lasting value to the property.

Project Goals

Create an age-in-place–ready accessory dwelling unit
Maximize usable living space within an existing garage footprint
Ensure long-term durability and low-maintenance performance
Allow for future second-story expansion
Improve overall property functionality and value

Kitchen interior of a garage-to-ADU conversion in Denver, Colorado, featuring custom cabinetry installation, quartz countertops, island seating, and integrated appliances built by Prenvalley Builders.

Bedroom interior of a garage-to-ADU conversion in Denver, Colorado, showing hardwood flooring, window placement, and adjacent bathroom access constructed by Prenvalley Builders.

Bathroom interior of a garage-to-ADU conversion in Denver, Colorado, featuring an accessible tub, tiled shower surround, double vanity, and durable finishes installed by Prenvalley Builders.

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Phillip Daughton