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Tahoe City Garage ADU
Project Overview
The project involved converting approximately 800 square feet of unfinished space above the garage into a finished guest suite. The existing framing and structure were already adequate for the new use, allowing the project to focus on insulation, mechanical systems, and interior finishes.
Batt insulation was installed throughout the walls and ceiling before the space was fully drywalled and finished. New electrical circuits were run from the garage subpanel to serve lighting, outlets, the kitchenette, and mechanical systems. Recessed lighting was installed throughout the space to provide even illumination despite the low roofline.
The layout was designed to accommodate a sleeping area, a lounge area, a compact kitchenette, and a full bathroom. Plumbing rough-ins already existed in the space, which simplified the installation of the bathroom and kitchenette. A walk-in shower was constructed and waterproofed using GoBoard before being finished with tile.
Existing windows were preserved, allowing natural light to remain a defining feature of the space. A mini-split system was installed to provide efficient heating and cooling, with an additional in-wall electric heater serving the bathroom.
The finished result is a bright, open guest suite that makes full use of the structure’s exposed beams and generous footprint while remaining simple, durable, and easy to maintain.
Materials Used
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring throughout the living space
Tile walk-in shower
GoBoard waterproof shower system
Recessed LED lighting
Mini-split heating and cooling system
In-wall electric bathroom heater
Basic kitchenette cabinetry with sink and refrigerator
Challenges & Solutions
This project was relatively straightforward from a construction standpoint. The existing framing was structurally sound, and plumbing rough-ins were already in place, allowing the work to focus primarily on insulation, mechanical systems, and interior finishing.
The primary design consideration was the sloped roofline, which influenced the layout of the living areas and the placement of lighting to maintain a comfortable, functional space. The finished design maximizes the usable footprint while preserving the character of the exposed beams and existing windows.
Project Gallery
