Unfortunately, AI for floor plans isn't as good as expected for actual permits. I've had issues with scale accuracy on Maket. For a DIY garage conversion, you should probably use SketchUp Pro 2024 Subscription or Planner 5D Home Design Software. They give you the manual control you'll need for an ADU that current AI models just lack.

Honestly, Ive tried a bunch of these AI layout generators over the years and most of them are basically just glorified mood boards. In my experience, they look amazing in a screenshot but they are lowkey terrifying from a safety standpoint. They dont understand load-bearing points or how a garage slab actually works. For an ADU in Austin, you really cant afford to wing it with a hallucinated layout that ignores basic fire codes or structural logic. If you want something that feels like AI magic but actually sticks to reality, I would skip the pure generators and go with Magicplan Floor Plan App for iOS and Android or RoomScan Pro LiDAR Scanner App. These tools use your phones LiDAR and AR sensors to scan the actual garage space and turn it into a 2D or 3D model. Its way more reliable because it starts with your real-world dimensions instead of just making up a pretty picture. The big issue with pure AI is it doesnt know about the boring stuff that keeps you safe. It wont tell you about the clearance you need for a water heater or the specific fire-rated drywall required for a garage-to-living conversion. If you show up to the city of Austin with a plan that has a 2-foot wide hallway or no egress windows, theyll just laugh you out of the office. Stick to something like Canvas LiDAR 3D Room Scanner that maps your actual physical space... your wallet and your structural integrity will thank you later, trust me.

TL;DR: AI plans are basically just pretty pictures, not blueprints. @Reply #1 - good point! AI often ignores wall thickness and plumbing stacks which is a massive headache for an ADU. Since youre in Austin, the permit office is super picky. If your floor plan is off by even an inch, theyll toss it. Ngl, relying on AI for a garage conversion is a gamble you might lose.

To add to the point above: unfortunately AI is pretty disappointing for strict codes... skip the AI and use Home Designer Suite by Chief Architect for more reliable, accurate drawings instead.

TIL! Thanks for sharing