Family converts detached garage into beautiful 380 square foot ‘granny pad’

Housing is an issue for many Americans. It is expensive and bound to drain families’ finances. That is the reason why many people find ways of reducing the amount of money they spend on mortgage or rent.

One mother and daughter from Santa Rosa, California, who were living in separate homes, were spending around $4,000 per month on housing. One day, they decided to pool their resources and buy a home with a detached garage together. The plan was for the garage to be turned into a tiny apartment for the mother, Lee Reich. She is a widower and doesn’t need that much space as long as the place is cozy and safe.

Source: YouTube/ Kirsten Dirksen

The daughter, Stacy Lince, who has a family on her own, really liked the idea. Her mom could be living very close to them while having a separate home at the same time.

At the beginning, the high city fees stood on their way of turning their plan into reality, but then a tragedy struck, the Tubbs fire destroyed 5,000 homes in the area and the city decided to reduce the fees for secondary units from $25,000 to around $5,000.

Learning this, the mother and daughter started working on their plan.

Source: YouTube/ Kirsten Dirksen

The garage was just 380-square feet in size so they had to be careful with the planning of the space.

Eventually, they managed to carve out a bedroom and spacious bathroom, separated by a sliding door from the living room and kitchen. The living room can easily accommodate up to four people and the bathroom is quite spacious. The kitchen is fully equipped, with a two-burner stove, a full-sized refrigerator, a nice sink, and a microwave oven. The one thing that’s missing is a dishwasher, but Reich says she didn’t really need one.

Source: YouTube/ Kirsten Dirksen

Between the house and the garage, which is now turned into a living space, there is a spacious patio where Lince’s family and Reich can spend time together.

Even though the houses are very close to one another, both Lince and Reich observe each other’s boundaries.

Source: YouTube/ Kirsten Dirksen

If you want to get a closer look at this custom-designed living space go to the video below. We love the idea very much and believe that the families did an awesome job.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook! Maybe you will inspire someone do the same.

Bored Daddy

Monica Pop
Monica Pop
Monica Pop is a senior writer for Bored Daddy magazine covering the latest trending and popular articles across the United States and around the world.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

At my grandson’s wedding, the bride mocked my quilt — minutes later, his decision stunned everyone

My name's Beatrice Walsh or Bea to everyone who ever shared a cup of tea at my kitchen table. I'm eighty-three, and I thought...

Desperate maid sleeps with millionaire boss — his next move changes everything

It was raining the kind of rain that soaks through everything; clothes, thoughts, pride. Clara Williams stood by the window, watching water crawl down...

Controversial Holiday Sign at Wisconsin DQ Draws Praise and Criticism

“One Sign, Two Americas: The Dairy Queen Controversy That Sparked a National Debate” When customers pulled into the Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, they expected...

When Healthy Turns Harmful: The Tragic Price of an Extreme Diet

The Price of Perfection: Extreme Diet She began with a promise to herself — to feel stronger, lighter, and more alive. What could be more...

Prince William has chilling threat for Prince Andrew

Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties and left Britain behind, relationships within the British royal family began...

My 5-year-old gave a mailman a glass of water — the next day, a red Bugatti showed up at his school

When my 5-year-old son gave a glass of water to a weary mailman on a scorching summer afternoon, I felt like the proudest mom...