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<div>From sleeping in a car to rebuilding hope.
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<div>A garage apartment transformation story
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<div>My name is Aaron and I need help.
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<div>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. <strong>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.</strong>
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<div>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.
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<div>Project overview
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<div>Space: 12 ft x 26 ft garage
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<div>Goal: Convert into a full micro-apartment for 1-2 people featuring:
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<div>Studio-style bedroom/living area
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<div>Kitchenette
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<div>Bathroom with shower
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<div>Utility + storage efficiency
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<div>Modern, durable finishes
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<div>Budget breakdown (estimated)
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<div>1. Framing &amp; Structural
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<div>Item estimated cost
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<div>Wall framing, blocking anchors: $650
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<div>Subfloor leveling &amp; repairs: $300
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<div>Doors &amp; interior framing: $400
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<div>Subtotal: $1,350
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<div>2. Electrical
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<div>Item estimated cost
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<div>Wiring (lights, outlets, GFCI): $900
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<div>Breaker upgrades: $250
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<div>Fixtures (LED + bathroom fan/lights): $300
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<div>Subtotal: $1,450
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<div>3. Plumbing
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<div>Item estimated cost
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<div>Water supply lines: $450
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<div>Drain/waste/vent: $600
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<div>Shower installation: $850
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<div>Sink + kitchenette plumbing: $350
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<div>Toilet install: $250
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<div>Subtotal: $2,500
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<div>4. HVAC/comfort
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<div>Item estimated cost
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<div>Mini-split system: $1,500-$2,000
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<div>Insulation (walls/ceiling): $600
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<div>Subtotal: $2,100-$2,600
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<div>5. Interior finishes
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<div>Item estimated cost
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<div>Drywall + finishing: $1,200
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<div>Flooring (vinyl plank): $700
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<div>Paint: $250
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<div>Trim and doors: $400
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<div>Subtotal: $2,550
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<div>6. Kitchenette
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<div>Item estimated cost
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<div>Base cabinet + countertop: $350
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<div>Upper cabinets or shelving: $150
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<div>Sink + faucet: $150
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<div>Mini fridge or under-counter fridge: $300
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<div>2 burner cooktop/microwave combo: $200
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<div>Subtotal: $1,150
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<div>7. Bathroom
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<div>Item estimated cost
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<div>Shower unit: $650
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<div>Vanity: $200
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<div>Toilet: $150
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<div>Accessories + hardware: $75
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<div>Subtotal: $1,075
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<div>8. Furniture + setup
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<div>Bed: $250
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<div>Small table + 2 chairs: $250
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<div>Storage shelves: $100
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<div>Lighting (lamps/ambient): $60
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<div>Subtotal: $530
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<div>Total estimated budget: $12,700-$13,200
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<div>Before photos
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<div>Photo 1.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_176517365498085_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Description: Damaged walls, exposed framing, debris across the room
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<div>Photo 2.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_1765173690454398_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Description: Cracked drywall, water damage, ruined flooring
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<div>Photo 3.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_1765173724149253_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Description: Kitchen area with broken cabinets, debris, and unusable appliances
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<div>Photo 4.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_1765173754495471_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Description: Bathroom with severe rot, missing fixtures, and structural issues
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<div>Photo 5.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_1765173791271617_r." width="100%" />
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_1765173841625390_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Description: Living area with partial paneling, holes in walls, and mold damage
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<div>Photo 6.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_1765173887622700_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Description: Floor damage and heavy debris needing full removal
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<div>Photo 7.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/97518013_176517391747135_r." width="100%" />
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<div>Description: Additional structural wall and ceiling damage
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<div>Why we're asking for help
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<div><strong>This is more than just an apartment; this is stability, healing, and independence.</strong> Giving up has never been an option.
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<div>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.
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<div>Contributing is a reward in itself, but knowing that what we're doing is genuinely the right thing to do.
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<div>Even a helping hand goes a long way.
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<div>And a kind word means more than money can buy.
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<div>Help us build a safe place for a fresh start.
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<div>-Aaron
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Rebuilding Hope: A second chance at life

Still $2,100 to go. Help us build momentum.