Who can legally convert a garage into an ADU or living space?
Turning an existing garage into a bedroom, studio or full ADU: insulation, new plumbing for a bath or kitchen, new circuits, heating, windows, finishes.
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Licensed for this work
A conversion involves several unrelated trades on a residential structure — squarely a B General Building job. (§7057)
Looks like it should cover this — but doesn’t
A garage conversion means installing new plumbing, electrical and heating where there was none. A B-2 may only make minor alterations to existing systems to swap fixtures — it may not install or extend them. If the plan adds a bathroom or kitchen, a B-2 cannot take it. (§7057.5)
Basis: B&P Code §7057; B&P Code §7057.5. A California contractor may only contract for work within their classification (B&P Code §7059), with an exception for work incidental and supplemental to their own trade (16 CCR §831). This page reads the classification rules; it is not legal advice and says nothing about quality of work. Confirm with CSLB before signing.