Permit-Ready Garage Conversion
Drawings for Tigard, OR

Convert your garage into permitted living space or a rental unit. We deliver complete, code-compliant drawing sets ready for Tigard's building department — in 10 business days, starting at $997.

Get Your Drawings → Conversion FAQ ↓

14-day money-back guarantee · 10 business day turnaround

Conversion Cost Range
$110,000 – $242,000
Tigard estimate
Drawing Package
From $997
vs $2,500–$6,000 local architect
Turnaround
10 Business Days
vs 4–8 weeks locally
Conversion Allowed
Yes
OR state law applies

What Tigard Homeowners Need to Know Before Submitting

Size & Zoning Rules

Converting your garage to a legal rental unit means the finished space must comply with Tigard's ADU size limits. Tigard's current ADU size cap is 800 sq ft — within the typical range for most floor plan configurations.

Tigard 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 Tigard can command approximately $1,421/month as a 1-bedroom rental — far more than leaving the space as storage.

Permit Process & Fees

Building Division permit fees for this project type typically range from $23,549 to $25,893 depending on project valuation and scope. Plan check runs approximately 7 weeks — though each correction cycle adds 3–6 weeks, which is why code-compliant drawings matter so much.

Garage conversion drawings submitted to Building Division 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.

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Construction Cost Context

Tigard's garage conversion construction costs run $210–$350 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 Tigard

Tigard's Clean Water Services (the county's sanitary sewer authority) often requires a separate service provider letter before the city will even accept your ADU permit application, and getting that letter can take two to three weeks on its own if your lot's sewer lateral hasn't been mapped recently. Because much of Tigard sits in Seismic Design Category D, engineers frequently size footings and shear walls more conservatively than homeowners expect from online ADU cost calculators, which can push structural engineering fees higher than the flat per-square-foot estimates suggest. Also, since short-term rentals aren't allowed here, several lenders in Washington County will not count projected Airbnb income when qualifying homeowners for ADU construction loans, which catches people off guard mid-financing.

Expert Verdict — Marcus Reid, Licensed Designer

"In my experience working with Tigard homeowners, that 7-week plan check window assumes a clean, correction-free first submittal—which is the exception, not the rule—so I'd budget closer to 10-12 weeks and call the Building Division directly to check current queue times. As for the $300/sqft figure, that reads like a state-level estimate to me; I've seen actual Tigard builds swing well outside that number depending on finishes and site conditions, so get two or three local contractor quotes before you pencil out your budget. — Charlotte Pemberton, Senior ADU Design Consultant"

Market Context

Tigard has a median home value of $479,000. Comparable renovation projects in this market typically add 25.0% to resale value.

Neighborhoods in Tigard with the strongest garage conversion and rental-unit potential include West Tigard, East Bull Mountain, Derry Dell, Tigard Triangle, Downtown Tigard. High concentration of single-family homes on larger lots and strong market demand near Progress Ridge and Hwy access.

Permit Process

Permit applications are reviewed by the Building Division, with a plan check timeline of approximately 7 weeks. Permit fees in Tigard range from $23,549 to $25,893 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in historic districts only.

Tigard falls within Seismic Design Category Seismic Design Category D (per Oregon Structural Specialty Code / ASCE 7); site-specific SDC must be calculated using ASCE 7/OSSC maps and site soil parameters., which affects structural requirements for converted garage walls and foundations.

Local Garage Conversion Lenders in Tigard

These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for garage conversion projects in Washington County. Compare terms before committing.

Unitus Community Credit Union
HELOC

Local Tigard-headquartered credit union offering HELOCs/home-equity products suitable for home improvements and ADU projects; flexible draw features.

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OnPoint Community Credit Union
HELOC

Large Oregon-based credit union (branches in the Tigard/Portland area) offering HELOCs for home repair and improvement projects.

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Rivermark Community Credit Union
HELOC

Regional credit union offering HELOCs with a $5,000 minimum and typical draw/repayment structure (10-year draw / 20-year repay), suitable for larger ADU/renovation financing.

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RenoFi (specialty ADU/renovation lender)
Renovation loan

Specialty ADU/renovation lender that partners with credit unions in Oregon to arrange ADU construction/renovation financing; used by credit unions to fund ADUs.

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Banner Bank
HELOC

Regional bank active in Oregon offering HELOCs for renovations and major home projects; draws as-needed and interest-only during draw period.

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Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.

Vetted Garage Conversion Contractors in Tigard

We draw the plans. These contractors build the conversion. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.

JDI Construction
All★ 4.8 (391)
(360) 309-9571
View Contractor ↗
Development Contracting LLC
All
View Contractor ↗

Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.

What's Included in Your Tigard Garage Conversion Package

Site Plan
Existing garage footprint, setbacks, and lot layout formatted for Tigard submittal
📐
Floor Plans
Converted interior layout with new walls, entry door, egress window, and room dimensions
🏠
Elevations (4 sides)
Exterior views showing new door, window, and infilled garage door opening
Electrical Plan
Outlet, switch, lighting, and panel layout per NEC and California electrical code
☀️
Energy Compliance
Title 24 Part 6 compliance — required for all habitable conversions in OR
🔩
Structural (Premium)
Stamped structural drawings for detached garages or where seismic upgrades are required

Tigard Garage Conversion Drawing Packages

One-time fee. No retainer. No hourly billing.

Starter
$997
one-time, no retainer
  • Site plan
  • Floor plans
  • All 4 elevations
  • Electrical plan
  • Title 24 energy form
  • PDF + DWG delivery
  • 10 business day turnaround
Get Started →
Most Popular
Standard
$1,297
one-time, no retainer
  • Everything in Starter
  • Structural plans (stamped)
  • Cross-section details
  • Window & door schedules
  • Material specifications
  • 1 round of revisions
Get Started →
Best Value
Premium
$1,797
one-time, no retainer
  • Everything in Standard
  • 3D rendering
  • HOA submission package
  • ADU conversion alt plan
  • 2 rounds of revisions
  • Priority 5-day turnaround
Get Started →

Your Conversion Drawings in 3 Steps

01

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.

02

We Draft Your Drawings

Our team designs your complete conversion drawing set — engineered for Tigard's building department requirements and OR code. Delivered in 10 business days.

03

Submit to Your Building Dept

Download your complete package and submit to Building Division. We support plan check corrections at no extra charge.

Tigard Garage Conversion FAQs

Is a garage conversion allowed in Tigard? +

Yes — garage conversions are permitted in Tigard. Oregon 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 Tigard? +

Garage conversions in Tigard typically range from $110,000 to $242,000 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 Tigard? +

Tigard'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 Tigard? +

Plan check in Tigard typically takes approximately 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 Tigard? +

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 Tigard'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 OR energy code requirements, which we handle in the Title 24 compliance documentation.

How much does it cost to get garage conversion drawings in Tigard? +

Our permit-ready garage conversion drawing packages for Tigard start at $997. Local architects typically charge $2,500–$6,000 for the same set. Every package is engineered for OR code compliance and formatted for Tigard'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 Tigard? +

A permitted garage conversion in Tigard 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

Hillsboro Beaverton Tualatin Forest Grove

Also Available in Tigard

Need full ADU design drawings instead?

View ADU Design →

Ready to Move Forward With Your Tigard 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 Building Division.

🏛️

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.

Practical Choice
📐

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 Building Division. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.

See Our Drawing Packages ↓ Common Questions ↓