Garage Conversion Drawings · Lakewood, CO
Permit-Ready Garage Conversion
Drawings for Lakewood, CO
Convert your garage into permitted living space or a rental unit. We deliver complete, code-compliant drawing sets ready for Lakewood's building department — in 10 business days, starting at $997.
14-day money-back guarantee · 10 business day turnaround
Local Intelligence
What Lakewood Homeowners Need to Know Before Submitting
Size & Zoning Rules
Converting your garage to a legal rental unit means the finished space must comply with Lakewood's ADU size limits. Lakewood's current ADU size cap is 1,400 sq ft — generous enough to accommodate most project types.
Lakewood does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement, so you can rent both the main home and any ADU or conversion as investment units.
A fully permitted, code-compliant garage conversion in Lakewood can command approximately $1,628/month as a 1-bedroom rental — far more than leaving the space as storage.
Permit Process & Fees
Public Works Department permit fees for this project type typically range from $3,238 to $5,085 depending on project valuation and scope. Plan check runs approximately 8.7 weeks — though each correction cycle adds 3–6 weeks, which is why code-compliant drawings matter so much.
Garage conversion drawings submitted to Public Works Department must include a site plan, floor plans, all four elevations, an electrical plan, and energy compliance documentation — plus stamped structural plans are typically required for converted garages that are detached or require seismic upgrades.
Visit Public Works Department ↗Construction Cost Context
Lakewood's garage conversion construction costs run $180–$450 per square foot — a wide range driven by labor markets, local code complexity, and finish level. Our drawings are priced at a fraction of what a full-service architect would charge to produce the same permit set.
⚠ Common Pitfall in Lakewood
Because Lakewood sits in Seismic Zone D2, Pierce County plan reviewers scrutinize the structural calculations for your ADU's foundation and shear walls much harder than in neighboring jurisdictions, often kicking back engineering plans at least once for additional lateral bracing details before they'll issue permits. Many Lakewood lots were platted decades ago on septic systems, so if your property isn't tied to Lakewood Water District sewer lines, you'll need a separate septic feasibility review to confirm the system can handle a second dwelling's load — a step that catches homeowners off guard and can add several weeks. Also, since STRs are allowed here, don't assume your ADU is automatically rentable on Airbnb; you still need to register separately for a business license and short-term rental permit through the city, which is a distinct process from your building permit.
Expert Verdict — Marcus Reid, Licensed Designer
"In my experience with Lakewood submittals, that 8.7-week plan check figure and the $220/sqft cost are both state-level estimates, not verified local numbers, so I'd get actual bids from two or three local contractors and call Planning and Public Works directly before penciling out a budget or timeline. I've also seen plenty of "under 8 week" projections stretch another month once a drawing set comes back with corrections, so build in that buffer regardless of what's listed."
Market Context
Lakewood has a median home value of $479,000. Comparable renovation projects in this market typically add 23.0% to resale value.
Neighborhoods in Lakewood with the strongest garage conversion and rental-unit potential include Belmar (Downtown Lakewood), Green Mountain Village, Applewood, West Alameda Heights, Southern Gables. High transit access and strong rental demand near downtown and light rail make Belmar attractive for ADU rentals.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Public Works Department, with a plan check timeline of approximately 8.7 weeks. Permit fees in Lakewood range from $3,238 to $5,085 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - citywide ministerial Staff Design Review (SDR); may also be subject to additional review in local historic districts.
Lakewood falls within Seismic Design Category Seismic Design Category B (residential), which affects structural requirements for converted garage walls and foundations.
Local Financing Resources
Local Garage Conversion Lenders in Lakewood
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for garage conversion projects in Jefferson County. Compare terms before committing.
Bellco's Home Equity ChoiceLine HELOC lets you access a line of credit and lock up to three fixed-rate advances; apply at the Lakewood branch (570 S Wadsworth Blvd).
Visit Lender ↗Offers construction loans designed to fund building projects with a transition to a mortgage after completion; local Lakewood branch at 275 Union Blvd.
Visit Lender ↗FirstBank (headquartered in Lakewood) offers construction-to-permanent financing covering land, permits and materials; contact local office for program limits and rates.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty ADU/renovation lender that structures loans around after-repair value; operates nationally including Colorado—terms vary by program.
Visit Lender ↗Offers HELOCs suitable for major renovation projects; U.S. Bank has multiple Lakewood branches for in-person applications.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted Garage Conversion Contractors in Lakewood
We draw the plans. These contractors build the conversion. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Lakewood Garage Conversion Package
Transparent Pricing
Lakewood Garage Conversion Drawing Packages
One-time fee. No retainer. No hourly billing.
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓Title 24 energy form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓ADU conversion alt plan
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
After You Order
Your Conversion Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Garage Details
Share your property address, garage dimensions, and intended use (ADU, rental, home office). We confirm your order and assign your project coordinator within 4 business hours.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your complete conversion drawing set — engineered for Lakewood's building department requirements and CO code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your Building Dept
Download your complete package and submit to Public Works Department. We support plan check corrections at no extra charge.
Common Questions
Lakewood Garage Conversion FAQs
Is a garage conversion allowed in Lakewood? +
Yes — garage conversions are permitted in Lakewood. Colorado state law allows homeowners to convert an attached or detached garage into habitable living space or an ADU. A building permit and permit-ready drawings are required before work begins.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Lakewood? +
Garage conversions in Lakewood typically range from $35,000 to $77,000 depending on the existing structure, finish level, and scope of work. This is significantly less than building a new detached ADU. Our drawing package starts at $997 — a fraction of what a local architect would charge for the same permit-ready set.
What drawings are required to permit a garage conversion in Lakewood? +
Lakewood's building department requires: a site plan showing the converted garage's location on the lot, floor plans with dimensions and room labels, all four exterior elevations, an electrical plan, and energy compliance documentation (Title 24 in California). Our Starter package covers all of these. If the garage is detached or the structure requires seismic upgrades, stamped structural drawings are also required — included in our Premium package.
How long does the permit process take for a garage conversion in Lakewood? +
Plan check in Lakewood typically takes approximately 8.7 weeks. Having complete, code-compliant drawings dramatically reduces correction cycles — which each add 3–6 weeks. Our drawings are designed to pass on the first submittal.
Can I convert my garage into a rental unit in Lakewood? +
Yes — a permitted garage conversion can function as a standalone rental unit (ADU or JADU depending on size). In California, converted garages under 500 sq ft qualify as Junior ADUs (JADUs), while larger conversions qualify as full ADUs. Both can be rented long-term. Short-term rental rules vary by city — confirm with Lakewood's planning department.
Do I need to replace the garage door opening when converting? +
Yes. The garage door must be replaced with an insulated wall with a standard entry door and at least one egress window (minimum 5.7 sq ft clear opening). This is captured in our elevation drawings and flagged in the electrical plan. The new wall must also meet CO energy code requirements, which we handle in the Title 24 compliance documentation.
How much does it cost to get garage conversion drawings in Lakewood? +
Our permit-ready garage conversion drawing packages for Lakewood start at $997. Local architects typically charge $2,500–$6,000 for the same set. Every package is engineered for CO code compliance and formatted for Lakewood's building department. Turnaround is 10 business days with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Will converting my garage increase my home's value in Lakewood? +
A permitted garage conversion in Lakewood adds rentable square footage to a home currently valued around $479,000. Converted spaces typically appraise as habitable square footage, increasing the home's value. As an ADU or JADU, the rental income stream is also capitalized into the appraised value — typically at a 5–6% cap rate.
Nearby Cities
Also Available in Lakewood
Need full ADU design drawings instead?
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Lakewood ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Public Works Department.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
$997 – $2,997
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Public Works Department. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.