3 Car Garage with Apartment
Table of Contents
In recent years, multi purpose structures like a 3 car garage with an apartment have surged in popularity. Whether you’re expanding your living space, looking for rental income, or simply need a blend of storage and housing, these structures offer flexibility and function in one package. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know through detailed FAQs to help guide your decision.(3 Car Garage with Apartment)
What Is a 3 Car Garage with Apartment?
A 3-car garage with apartment is a detached or attached building that houses three vehicle bays and includes a living space typically built above the garage, beside it, or integrated into the rear portion. The apartment can range from a studio to a full 1 or 2 bedroom unit, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
Why Consider a 3 Car Garage with Apartment?
There are several compelling reasons people build these:
Extra Living Space: Great for multigenerational families, older children, or guests.
Rental Income: The apartment can be rented out for passive income.
Home Office or Studio: Perfect for remote workers or artists.
Property Value: Adds square footage and utility, increasing resale value.
Privacy: Offers separation between main home and additional residents.
Benefits & Planning Tips FAQs
1. How big is a 3 car garage with an apartment?
A typical 3-car garage ranges from 600 to 900 square feet depending on whether you go single-depth or double-depth (tandem style).(3 Car Garage with Apartment). When you add an apartment, the total structure could range from 1,200 to 2,000+ square feet The apartment size is flexible, but common layouts fall between 500 to 1,000 square feet.
Common Dimensions:
Garage area: 32’ x 24’, 36’ x 25’, or 40’ x 30’
Apartment area: 20’ x 25’, 25’ x 30’, etc.
2. What design styles are available?
You can customize the exterior and interior to match or complement your existing home. Popular design styles include:
Modern Farmhouse
Craftsman
Colonial
Contemporary
Rustic or Barn-style
Carriage House
Some even opt for solar panels or eco-friendly upgrades.(3 Car Garage with Apartment)
3.Can I rent out the apartment legally?
This depends on local zoning laws and ordinances. Many municipalities allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), but there may be:
Restrictions on short-term rentals (like Airbnb)
Size limitations
Occupancy limits
Parking requirements
Always check with your local zoning office or HOA before starting a project with rental plans in mind.
4. How much does it cost to build a 3 car garage with an apartment?
Costs vary based on materials, design complexity, labor, and location.(3 Car Garage with Apartment)
General Estimate:
Basic 3-car garage: $40,000–$75,000
Garage with apartment:$120,000–$250,000+
Factors that influence cost:
Foundation type (slab vs. crawlspace)
Plumbing, electrical, HVAC installation
Custom finishes
Roofing and siding materials
Permits and inspection fees
Pro Tip: Prefab or modular options can reduce overall cost and build time.
5. What features can the apartment include?
You can design the apartment to be fully self-sufficient, including:
Full kitchen or kitchenette
One or two bedrooms
Bathroom with shower or tub
Living/dining area
Washer/dryer hookups
Balcony or private entrance
This is especially useful for long-term guests, elderly family members, or tenants.
6. Is this structure considered an ADU?
Yes. In most cases, the apartment portion classifies as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). It is a secondary residential unit on a single-family lot. ADUs are increasingly allowed in suburban and urban areas due to housing shortages.(3 Car Garage with Apartment)
Benefits of ADUs:
Income potential
Increased property value
Flexible living arrangements
7. Do I need special permits?
Yes. You’ll likely need:
Building permit
Electrical permit
Plumbing permit
Zoning approval
Depending on your location, your project may require additional environmental or historical reviews, especially if you’re in a designated district.(3 Car Garage with Apartment)
Permits ensure safety standards are met, and having proper approvals prevents future resale or insurance issues.
8.How long does construction take?
Typical timeline:
Design & permits: 1–3 months
Construction: 3–6 months (site-built)
Modular prefab build: 2–4 months
Weather, contractor availability, and customization level all affect timing.
9. Is financing available for these projects?
Yes, there are several financing options:
Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit (HELOC)
Cash Out Refinance
Construction Loan
FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan
Personal Loan (for smaller builds)
Talk to a local lender or mortgage broker to find the best fit
10.What are some layout ideas?
Here are three sample apartment layout ideas for a 3 car garage:
Studio Over Garage:
Open concept bedroom/living space
Small kitchenette
Full bathroom
Ideal for solo occupant or rental
1 Bedroom Apartment:
Separate bedroom
Kitchen and living room
Full bath
Closet/storage space
2 Bedroom Apartment:
Great for family use
Two bedrooms + bath
Combined kitchen/living area
Possibly includes laundry
Advantages of a 3 Car Garage with Apartment
Ersatile Usage
Can serve as a guest house, rental unit, in-law suite, teen hangout, home office, or hobby studio.
Ncreases Home Value
Adds both usable square footage and functionality two key resale metrics.
Rivacy & Independence
A separate living unit gives more privacy to both the main home and apartment occupants.
Uture Proofing
As families grow or age, this space can adapt to changing needs. Think: aging parents, returning college grads, or caregivers.
Things to Consider Before Building
Local codes and zoning laws
How the apartment will be accessed (stairs, entrance, ADA compliance)
Parking and driveway layout
Septic and utility connections
Insulation and soundproofing
It’s wise to consult with:
A local architect or draftsman
A licensed general contractor
Your city’s planning office
Final Thoughts
3-car garage with an apartment is more than just a place to park and live it’s a strategic investment in your property’s future. (3 Car Garage with Apartment) Whether you’re housing family, working from home, or creating a passive income stream, this type of structure offers long-term versatility.
With thoughtful planning, careful budgeting, and the right team, you can create a beautiful and functional space that serves your lifestyle and adds serious value to your ho
Quick Recap (TL;DR)
Feature ————————— Description
Size ——————– 1,200–2,000+ sq. ft. total
Cost —————— $120K–$250K+
Rental potential ———— Yes (check zoning)
Use cases ——————– Guest suite, rental, studio, office
Design options ————- Fully customizable
Build time ————— 3–6 months
Financing options ——– HELOC, construction loan, etc.
Value increase————- Moderate to high
If you have more specific questions or need a sample floor plan or design ideas, feel free to ask.Would you like to turn this into a downloadable PDF or infographic?
