This is part of our Garage ADU series for San Antonio homeowners. Also in this series: cost · rules & permits · rental income · financing · timeline · FAQs.
Plan for roughly 4–6 months from first conversation to move-in. Here’s where the time goes.
Phase 1: Feasibility Check (1–2 weeks)
Zoning, HOA review, setback verification, parking rules, and utility access. This is the cheap phase — it’s a review, not construction — and it kills bad projects before they cost you money.
Phase 2: Design & Plans (2–4 weeks)
Floor plan, structural details, electrical and plumbing layouts. The more decisive you are on finishes here, the faster everything downstream moves.
Phase 3: Permits (often the longest phase)
Plans go to the city for review. Timelines vary — expect several weeks to a few months depending on jurisdiction and backlog. Good plans, submitted correctly the first time, move fastest.
Phase 4: Construction (8–12 weeks)
The visible part: framing adjustments, insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen and bath, flooring, paint. Most garage conversions land in the 8–12 week window once permitted.
Phase 5: Inspections & Handover (1–2 weeks)
Final city inspections and sign-offs, then the unit is rent-ready or move-in ready.
What Slows Projects Down
The usual culprits: incomplete permit submittals, HOA approval surprises discovered late, electrical panel upgrades nobody scoped, and mid-project finish changes. A thorough feasibility phase prevents most of these.
Is Your Garage a Candidate?
If your garage is structurally sound, your lot meets setback requirements, and your HOA allows it, you’re likely a strong candidate. The fastest way to find out is a free feasibility review — we’ll tell you straight whether the numbers and the rules work for your property.
Book a free estimate or start with our Casita / ADU Cost Guide for San Antonio & the Hill Country.