A couple spent $68k converting their garage into a luxury apartment for their son - so he could remain independent but still nip home for a coffee.

Christina Starmer, 54, and her husband, Jeff, 55, decided to renovate their 18 by 20 garage so their son, Lyman, 21, could save on rent.

The contractors - who own CenterBeam Construction - got to work planning their small space so they could utilise every inch of it.

The couple spent $68k and three months converting the garage so Lyman could have his independence and save on the average $1,500 per month rent.

Christina, from Jacksonville, Florida, US, said: "We wanted to have somewhere beautiful for our son to live in - like a luxury apartment."

"It was perfect for him."

"He is independent out there - but he did come in for coffee and dinner."

Lyman had just graduated and was looking at apartments when Christina and Jeff came up with the suggestion to use the garage at the beginning of 2023.

Christina said: "He wanted to be independent."

"We said 'why don't we remodel the garage and you can try to be independent?'."

The couple - who also own their company with daughter, Chloe Valentin, 29 - divided up the 370 square foot space.

Christina said: "It was a basic garage."

"It had a hip roof - which make it feel so much bigger."

"It already had plumbing in there."

"We looked at the space and went to small houses for inspiration."

"We divided it into a big square - utilising all inches of the space."

The whole family got involved with the renovation - with Lyman helping too.

Christina said: "He did everything from removing the garage door."

"It was a lot of fun."

"It was exciting to see it come together."

The garage was flipped to a one-bed apartment in just three months - costing them just $68k.

But the couple advise that this would usually cost $125 to $136k.

Christina said: "Every person who walks through the front door says 'OMG, this looks so huge'."

"They are quite amazed."

"I love all the walls and arches. It's really pretty. All the extra touches - they really pull it together."

Lyman moved straight in in March 2023 and stayed there until February 2024 - and has now been able to move to New York where he setting up an online business.

Christina said: "He loved it."

"He paid a portion towards it - $400 a month."

"It was really good for him to live there."

"He has the luxury of that. He's very lucky."

Since Lyman has moved out the family have had friends stay in the garage and will start renting it out to guests in the New Year.

Traditionally the family work on restoration properties but following the success of their garage renovation the family have set up herhomereno.

It will help guide others on their own garage flips.