From sleeping in a car to rebuilding hope.

A garage apartment transformation story

My name is Aaron and I need help.

What started as one of the hardest chapters of our lives—finding ourselves sleeping in our car, a Honda Accord (small, with 3 dogs, 2 Shepherds, and a bull terrier), just trying to make it through the freezing nights, scraping day to day, and trying to rebuild from nothing—has turned into a moment of strength, vision, and change. This garage apartment isn't just a construction project. It's a reset. It's a path back to stability, privacy, dignity, and future momentum.

Every part of this layout, every material choice, every dollar accounted for is part of building a fresh start—practical, efficient, affordable, and aligned with the life you're working towards.

Project overview

Space: 12 ft x 26 ft garage

Goal: Convert into a full micro-apartment for 1-2 people featuring:

Studio-style bedroom/living area

Kitchenette

Bathroom with shower

Utility + storage efficiency

Modern, durable finishes

Budget breakdown (estimated)

1. Framing & Structural

Item estimated cost

Wall framing, blocking anchors: $650

Subfloor leveling & repairs: $300

Doors & interior framing: $400

Subtotal: $1,350

2. Electrical

Item estimated cost

Wiring (lights, outlets, GFCI): $900

Breaker upgrades: $250

Fixtures (LED + bathroom fan/lights): $300

Subtotal: $1,450

3. Plumbing

Item estimated cost

Water supply lines: $450

Drain/waste/vent: $600

Shower installation: $850

Sink + kitchenette plumbing: $350

Toilet install: $250

Subtotal: $2,500

4. HVAC/comfort

Item estimated cost

Mini-split system: $1,500-$2,000

Insulation (walls/ceiling): $600

Subtotal: $2,100-$2,600

5. Interior finishes

Item estimated cost

Drywall + finishing: $1,200

Flooring (vinyl plank): $700

Paint: $250

Trim and doors: $400

Subtotal: $2,550

6. Kitchenette

Item estimated cost

Base cabinet + countertop: $350

Upper cabinets or shelving: $150

Sink + faucet: $150

Mini fridge or under-counter fridge: $300

2 burner cooktop/microwave combo: $200

Subtotal: $1,150

7. Bathroom

Item estimated cost

Shower unit: $650

Vanity: $200

Toilet: $150

Accessories + hardware: $75

Subtotal: $1,075

8. Furniture + setup

Bed: $250

Small table + 2 chairs: $250

Storage shelves: $100

Lighting (lamps/ambient): $60

Subtotal: $530

Total estimated budget: $12,700-$13,200

Before photos

Photo 1.

Description: Damaged walls, exposed framing, debris across the room

Photo 2.

Description: Cracked drywall, water damage, ruined flooring

Photo 3.

Description: Kitchen area with broken cabinets, debris, and unusable appliances

Photo 4.

Description: Bathroom with severe rot, missing fixtures, and structural issues

Photo 5.

Description: Living area with partial paneling, holes in walls, and mold damage

Photo 6.

Description: Floor damage and heavy debris needing full removal

Photo 7.

Description: Additional structural wall and ceiling damage

Why we're asking for help

This is more than just an apartment; this is stability, healing, and independence. Giving up has never been an option.

Any contributions won't only be helping us build a safe place to call home, but once we're able to get back on our feet, this will be a home for the next person struggling and needing a second chance. This is what hope is all about. Being able to help the next person without asking for anything in return except a grateful thank you! Helping transform brokenness to enjoying life as it should be enjoyed.

Contributing is a reward in itself, but knowing that what we're doing is genuinely the right thing to do.

Even a helping hand goes a long way.

And a kind word means more than money can buy.

Help us build a safe place for a fresh start.

-Aaron