What counts as a garage renovation?
A basic conversion finishes the space into a bedroom, office, gym, or entertainment room — no plumbing involved, roughly $6,000–$33,000.
A full legal ADU conversion adds a kitchenette and bathroom so the space can be rented as a separate unit — a much bigger project, often $150,000+ in the Phoenix market once permitting and full ADU-grade construction are factored in.
Why Phoenix homeowners are doing this now
Rising housing costs, multigenerational living, and rental-income potential are all driving demand.
A 2024 Arizona law (HB 2720) set statewide minimum ADU approval standards, easing what used to be a heavier permitting process — though each city still layers its own rules on top.