What if the key to launching a family member’s dream and increasing your own property value lurked in your driveway? That’s what happened to the Starmer family when they transformed their underutilized garage space into a chic studio apartment, providing their son with the runway he needed to grow his startup while establishing a new source of revenue for them.
In a universe where housing prices continue to rise and young business owners have to do everything in their power, this in-the-trenches renovation tale is full of do-it-yourself hacks, budgetary secrets, and forward-thinking design strategies. From smart space tricks to the gritty details of permits and return on investment, here’s what every DIY-historic homeowner and parent can learn from this amazing makeover.
1. Creating a Family Garage Into a Launchpad for Ambition
When Jeff Starmer and Christina’s son Lyman wanted to strike out on his own and plunge into his AI-driven home hunting startup, Deli, his parents noticed a chance. Instead of letting him struggle with prohibitively expensive rent, they converted their garage into a snug studio apartment, providing him with a rent-free headquarters. As Christina explained to Business Insider, “I would give my kids all the opportunity in the world.” This switch didn’t just save Lyman roughly $1,500 per month it allowed him to put every available dollar toward his company, from paying developers to paying cloud bills. The payoff? He received the precious gift of time and attention that most first-time entrepreneurs can only imagine.
2. DIY Spirit Meets Professional Know-How
The Starmers contributed their renovation expertise to the project having a construction business certainly comes in handy! They avoided expenses by being their own contractors, performing most of the work themselves, and only hiring out the more difficult electrical and plumbing work. Their daughter Chloe assisted with design, and Lyman even assisted with tiling and framing. By going the DIY route, they completed the job for $69,000, quite different from the $120,000 or more it might have cost with a full-service contractor. Not only did this hands-on solution save money, but the finished space also felt particularly theirs.
3. Space-Savvy Design for Small Living
Working in 378 square feet of open living space is challenging enough, but making the area feel airy and welcoming is no easy task. The Starmers maximized every inch: a built-in pantry was cleverly carved out of a 2-by-4 wall, and a vintage glass door from a salvage yard became an interior window, letting light flow between rooms. High ceilings (thanks to the original hip roof) and exposed beams made the space feel much larger than its footprint. As Christina summed it up, “We wanted a really good flow in a super tiny space and for someone to not feel boxed in.” These space-saving tricks are pure gold for anyone working on a small-space renovation.
4. The Real Costs And How to Keep Them in Check
Garage conversions can be an affordable means of creating living space, but costs can spiral if not thought out carefully. The Starmers’ $69,000 investment covered insulation, new floors, kitchen appliances, and even a full-size washer and dryer. They avoided expensive structural modifications by staying within the footprint of the garage and utilities. For anyone contemplating a similar endeavor, it’s a good idea to include permits, inspections, and possible utility upgrades these can range from $5,000 to more than your area. According to industry experts, DIY can save big, but don’t skimp on professional help for complex jobs like electrical or plumbing.
5. Navigating Permits and Building Codes
One of the biggest hurdles in any garage conversion is getting the paperwork right. Every city has its own rules, but most require building, electrical, and plumbing permits. Skipping this step can lead to fines or even having to undo your hard work. The Starmers’ experience is seconded by California ADU guidelines: make sure your project complies with local zoning, fire, and accessibility regulations. A pro tip? Begin by a trip to your building department and factor in additional time for inspections. The extra time is worth it.
6. Rental Income and Long-Term Value
After Lyman moved out, the Starmers gained an asset: a fully completed apartment waiting to be rented. Comparable garage conversions can return $1,500–$2,000 a month as short-term rental space on Airbnb, real estate professionals say. Better still, they typically add between $50,000 and up to a half-million dollars to home value. With an average rate of return of 60–80%, a garage ADU is among the wisest remodels a homeowner can undertake. And its flexibility is unmatched use it for relatives, visitors, or as a home office in case your life evolves.
7. Spreading the Knowledge and Encouraging Others
The Starmer family adventure didn’t stop with their own project. Their renovation experience went viral on TikTok, generating interest among thousands of prospective DIYers. Today, they’re marketing garage conversion plans and teaching online courses to assist others with similar projects. As Christina explains, she wants their experience to be able to “help others make the most of their spaces.” It’s a reminder that a single family’s innovative solution can have a ripple effect, empowering an entire community of homeowners to think bigger about what can be accomplished.
The Starmers’ garage-to-apartment renovation is more than a heartwarming family tale it’s a lesson in innovative problem-solving, shrewd investment, and the DIY miracle. For parents hoping to enable their children’s aspirations or homeowners wanting to tap into the hidden value of underutilized areas, this project demonstrates that with imagination, collaboration, and a bit of elbow grease, the garage could be the coolest room in the house.
