Sofia Palacios Turns Detached Garage Into 1-Bedroom Suite for Grandparents' Visits
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · May 17
Sofia Palacios Turns Detached Garage Into 1-Bedroom Suite for Grandparents' Visits
5 articles · Updated · Business Insider · May 17
22-year-old Sofia Palacios moved into her family’s detached garage after they bought a four-bedroom San Diego home in January, freeing a bedroom in the main house for her grandparents.
The garage already had electricity, a fan and a sink, letting her split it into a sleeping area, art studio and study while adding a mini-fridge and espresso maker.
The setup gives Palacios more privacy and direct backyard access, but no bathroom or kitchen, forcing nighttime trips across to the main house; she also uses a small heater now and plans an AC unit for summer.
Palacios said the tradeoff has worked: her grandparents are visiting more often and staying longer, while she avoids San Diego’s high housing costs and remains close to her family.
Is a garage bedroom a smart housing hack or a troubling sign of the affordability crisis facing young adults?
A full ADU costs $100k+. What are the key legal steps for a simpler, more affordable garage conversion?