Garage Conversion in Fort Worth, TX

The Project

The homeowners in Fairmount had a 600 square foot detached garage that had been used for storage for years. They wanted to convert it into a rental unit — but they were nervous about the Fort Worth permit process and didn't know whether the existing structure could meet residential code.

We started with a structural assessment. The garage had solid framing and a good foundation — ideal for conversion. The main challenges were running plumbing to a structure that had none, upgrading the electrical panel, and adding egress windows to meet Fort Worth's residential code requirements.

The design focused on maximizing every square foot: an open kitchen and living area, a full bath with a walk-in shower, and a bedroom tucked behind a partial wall with built-in storage. We matched the exterior brick and trim to the 1940s primary home so the converted unit looked like it had always been part of the property.

The unit was rented within two weeks of completion at $1,700/month. The homeowners' payback period is approximately 6 years.