Garage apartments are generally detached buildings developed on the grounds of a property. Ideal for housing guests, vacationers, long-term renters, or extended family members, their use is both versatile and potentially income-generating.
Consisting of a garage and an apartment – usually on the side or an upper level with two separate entrances – garage apartments give homeowners extra living quarters away from the main home, along with additional storage space and undercover parking.
In this article, we’ll share ideas on how to use a garage apartment and review our best floor plans in this guide to garage apartment plans.
Guest Accommodations
Garage apartments make excellent guest accommodations. When visitors come to stay, a separate living space offers guests privacy away from the main home, without sacrificing home comforts.
Compared to creating a home addition, a garage apartment offers similar conveniences (in terms of extra space for guests), but is usually quicker and cheaper to achieve (depending on the garage plan you choose).
Garage apartment plans can include:
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Private bedroom or studio-style open layout – Studio styles offer more flexibility, while a separate bedroom offers more privacy
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Basic kitchenette or wet bar – Adds convenience with space for drinks and light meals
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Private entrance or stair access – Instead of entering through the garage door, a private apartment entrance can feel more homelike
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Full bathroom with shower or tub – Allowing guests to use the restroom and shower without needing to disturb residents in the main home
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Living area or lounge space – Providing both comfort and flexibility, with room for the area to be used to accommodate storage for the main home
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Closet or storage space – Allowing guests to unpack and comfortably live in the room during short-term stays
Top Picks: Guest Accommodation Garage Apartment Plans
Spacious Two-Car Detached Garage with Workshop and Storage
Long-Term Family Living
Older relatives, aging parents, in-laws, or adult children can reach a point in their lives where living with you makes sense. Garage apartments offer the ideal solution – a home only slightly away from home.
A garage apartment on your grounds offers your family the perfect balance of proximity to you (perfect for family dinner nights and keeping an eye on them), along with enough independence to live their lives.
For long-term family living, the best garage apartment plans can include:
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Full kitchen and bathroom – Offering independence to cook and shower/bath without disrupting family life in the main property
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1-2 bedrooms with closets – Private bedroom with built-in closets for everyday convenience
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Ample square-footage – Between 600-1,000+ square feet offers ample space for long-term living
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Separate laundry or shared spaces – Garage apartment plans may offer in-unit laundry, shared access in the main garage, or rely on the main home's amenities
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Two entrances for garage and apartment – Garage apartments can offer two entrances, allowing your family to have their own entrance to the apartment, while you still have separate access to the garage on the main level
Top Picks: In-Law Suite Garage Apartment Plans
Rental Income
For houses in prime locations, garage apartments can double up as a rental property for short or long-term lets. Long-term rentals are ideal in towns or cities, where singles or couples can easily commute to work and access local entertainment.
Short-term lets are a great option for homes in cities, tourist hotspots, and rural areas. For example, a garage apartment on a working farm or woodland setting can be marketed to holidaymakers seeking a tranquil escape.
For rental purposes, the best garage apartment plans include:
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Fully independent living space – With a kitchen and dining area, bathroom, bedroom, and (for long-term lets) a separate laundry area
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Separate external access – Exterior entrance ensures privacy for renters
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Efficient use of space – Studio apartments or well-utilized spaces can maximize the marketability of your rental
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Clear zoning compliance for ADUs – Local zoning laws have specific regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built on a property, and garage apartment plans should cater to this
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Room for tenant parking – With the option to choose a single or two-car garage for you and your tenants
Top Picks: Short or Long-Term Renting Garage Apartment Plans
Home Office or Work Studio
Artists, woodworkers, hobbyists, personal trainers, and remote workers alike can find appeal in developing a garage apartment on the grounds of the main home. It can provide a quiet area at home that feels like a separate workspace, with all the much-needed on-site comforts.
Garage apartments used as a home office or work studio are entirely adaptable, with the ability to use the space for work, play, storage, or even as a guest accommodation (with the option to add a sofa bed or separate bedroom).
When searching for garage apartment plans suitable for work or as a creative studio, look for features like:
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An open layout with flexible space – Open plans allow the apartment to be used as freely as needed, with room for creative projects, large office desks, storage units, or lounge areas
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Natural lighting and windows – Sunlight flooding the space can create a more pleasant and productive working environment
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Quiet separation from the main house – Separate entrance keeps work distractions to a minimum
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Small powder room or refreshment station – Enabling you to make coffee or other beverages, plus use a restroom, without having to travel back to the main home
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Storage or built-in shelving options – Every work environment needs storage space, and garage apartment plans can include built-in closets/units or space to create your own storage areas
Top Picks: Home Office/Studio Garage Apartment Plans
Spacious Two-Car Detached Garage with Workshop and Storage
Bonus Space
Garage apartments don’t have to serve an exact purpose – like as a workspace or in-law suite. They can simply be used as a flexible, extra open living space for everyone in the family home to enjoy.
For example, a garage apartment with a flexible floor plan can be used for hobbies (like playing instruments), exercise (including gym equipment), teenage hangouts, house parties, storage, or simply a quiet room away from the main home.
When looking for a garage apartment that can be used flexibly, the following features can be beneficial:
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Open or modular interior – Open layouts support multiple uses, while modular designs make it easy to reconfigure the space as needed
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Easy garage access – Having easy access via one main entrance, or a connecting garage door in the apartment
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Bathroom or washroom – Consider whether you need a full bathroom (with basin, bath, and shower) or washroom away from the home
Top Picks: Flexible-Use Garage Apartment Plans
Garage apartments offer unmatched flexibility — whether you're hosting guests, supporting family, earning rental income, or creating a personal retreat. With the right plan, you can tailor the space to fit your lifestyle today and adapt for the future.
For more inspiration and expert tips, explore our Ultimate Guide to Garage Apartment Plans.
