SFGate

karen paul interiors Be specific about what is missing, what you want, what the problems are and post photos to help us help you.

orangecamera Are you asking about converting your garage into an income apartment?

houssaon I don't think you can have someone living in your garage. At least I hope so. You would have to be in a zone that allowed multiple families to convert it to a seperate unit - with a bath and a kitchen. I don't think one room would qualify. On the other hand, you could share your house with some one else. No locks on their room and they would have the use of all the facilities. This would be someone you would want to live with. But you can do that in any single family home.

olldbobbi I think you would have to check with your local zoning dept to find out if what you want to do is legal. For instance, does the garage have a bathroom? kitchen? There may be qualifiers that you have to meet to rent a space out.

orangecamera You might consider renting your garage as a garage. Lots of people need places to store cars or extra "stuff". Look at how many "self-storage" places are out there.

You wouldn't have any outlay of funds except a very good lock between your house and the garage. And check with your homeowners insurance.

olldbobbi Orange, great idea!

eztia Orange's idea is a good one. Just be sure the people aren't "shady" and putting illegal stuff or a stockpile of guns in there!

Carolina Photo To Go LLC Checking with the magistrate's court or whoever is over rental properties is always needed prior to decision making as has been stated. Be sure to make sure the garage room was insulated properly and is heated. If zoning laws allow, perhaps you could make a studio apt if there is room for a kitchenette. Even if you just decide on a roommate, make sure you have a rental agreement in accordance with the laws in your county, a deposit and know your rights and how to evict someone if it does not work out. You can sometimes ask someone to leave; but if they do not want to, you must follow the law. You cannot just set someone out if it does not work out. The magistrates office will advise you and you need to find out prior to renting so you can include what is needed in the rental agreement.

orangecamera If you live in a condo setting, you also need to adhere to the association rules.