Garage Conversion
Chicago
Your garage may be the most underutilized space on your property. We convert attached and detached garages into home offices, guest suites, gyms, studios, and ADU living units — adding usable square footage without the cost of a full addition.
Chicago’s Trusted
Garage Conversion Contractor
Garage conversions involve more than finishing the walls — insulation, moisture management, proper ceiling height, electrical, and HVAC all need to be addressed to create a space that's actually livable year-round in Chicago's climate. Lee & Sam is a licensed general contractor serving Chicago, the suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Our team brings 25+ years of construction expertise to every garage conversion. We handle all zoning research, permit applications, and trade coordination under one license.
Serving all 55 Chicago neighborhoods — from Lincoln Park to Hyde Park — plus the North Shore, Western and South suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Everything Your Garage
Conversion Needs
Insulation & Moisture Control
Walls, ceiling, and slab insulation appropriate for Chicago's climate — plus vapor barriers and moisture management to make the converted space comfortable and dry year-round.
Electrical
Dedicated circuits, outlets throughout, lighting, and panel capacity for the new use — all permitted and inspected by the city.
HVAC Extension
Extension of your home's existing HVAC system or installation of a mini-split system — climate control appropriate for year-round Chicago use.
Drywall & Finishing
Walls and ceilings drywalled, taped, finished, and painted — matching the quality of your home's interior rather than looking like a converted garage.
Flooring
Epoxy, LVP, tile, or engineered hardwood over the existing slab — with proper moisture testing and underlayment before any flooring is installed.
Permits & ADU Compliance
Garage conversions that become living units (ADUs) require specific permit types and must meet Chicago's 2026 ADU ordinance requirements. We navigate the full permitting process.
Our Garage Conversion
Process
Assessment & Zoning
We assess your garage's existing conditions — slab, ceiling height, structural elements — and determine zoning compliance for your intended use.
Design & Permitting
We develop a detailed conversion scope and pull all required permits. ADU conversions involve additional steps through Chicago's Department of Planning and Department of Buildings.
Construction
All trades sequenced correctly — insulation, electrical, plumbing if needed, drywall, flooring, and finishes. Inspections coordinated throughout.
Final Walkthrough
We walk the completed space with you, test all systems, and confirm the conversion meets your intended use before signing off.
Garage Conversion Across
Chicago & Chicagoland
Garage Conversion Projects
Across Chicago
Garage Conversion
FAQs
Have more questions? We're happy to assess your garage and discuss your conversion options.
Call Us NowYes — under Chicago's 2026 ADU ordinance, detached garages can be converted into coach house ADUs in eligible areas. This requires specific permits and must meet ADU ordinance requirements. We assess your property's eligibility before any planning begins.
Yes — any change of use from garage to occupied living space requires a permit. This includes home offices, gyms, and studios — not just full ADU units. We handle all permit applications.
This is a zoning question specific to your property and ward. Some areas allow parking reduction through ADU conversion; others don't. We research your property's specific requirements before scoping the conversion.
A basic conversion takes 4–8 weeks. A full ADU conversion takes 8–16 weeks including permitting time.
Ready to Start Your
Garage Conversion Project?
Get a free, detailed estimate from Chicago's trusted garage conversion contractor.