If you’re considering turning an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: How much does it cost to convert a garage into an ADU in Los Angeles? There isn’t a single price that applies to every garage conversion. Two garages that look similar from the outside can require very different scopes once the existing structure, proposed design, property conditions, utilities, and approved plans are evaluated. That’s why online averages are best used as an initial planning reference rather than an expected construction price.
At American New Generation Construction Inc., we work on ADU and garage-conversion projects throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. The construction scope can also extend beyond the ADU itself to exterior utilities and site work, depending on the property and project requirements. Those additional components should be considered when evaluating the overall cost of a garage conversion.
Garage-to-ADU Cost: Quick Answer
Published 2026 Los Angeles garage-conversion data from Angi reports approximately $65 to $200 per square foot, depending on the type and scope of the project. This range provides useful market context, but it applies to garage conversions broadly and shouldn’t be interpreted as the expected cost of a complete permitted ADU.
These figures are third-party market estimates—not American New Generation Construction Inc. pricing, an estimate for your property, or a guarantee of project cost.
Major cost factors can include:
- Existing garage condition
- Garage size and configuration
- Foundation and structural work
- Plumbing and interior utility work
- Exterior utility connections and site work
- Electrical systems, service, and HVAC
- Water and drainage connections
- Gas service when applicable
- Windows and exterior doors
- Kitchen and bathroom construction
- Interior finish selections
- Project-specific design and permitting requirements
Square footage can provide a useful reference point, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. A smaller garage requiring substantial structural or utility work could involve a more extensive construction scope than a larger garage in better existing condition. The same principle applies outside the structure: two similarly sized ADUs may require very different amounts of excavation, utility extension, electrical work, drainage, or other site improvements. A property-specific evaluation therefore provides a clearer picture of the potential scope than square footage or an online average alone.
What Affects Garage Conversion Cost?
Several factors determine how extensive a garage-to-ADU conversion may become. The existing garage is only the starting point; foundation conditions, structural modifications, utilities, residential building systems, exterior infrastructure, and finish selections can all influence the overall scope. Some conditions may be visible during an initial walkthrough, while others become clearer through plans and evaluation of the existing property. Understanding those variables is one reason a project-specific assessment is more useful than relying exclusively on a cost-per-square-foot figure.
1. The Existing Garage
The condition of the existing garage is one of the first things to evaluate. Its foundation, framing, roof, wall configuration, openings, previous modifications, and proposed layout can all influence the amount of construction required. Age and previous alterations can matter as well, particularly when portions of an existing structure are being incorporated into a new residential design. Two garages with nearly identical square footage can therefore lead to very different construction scopes.
Real Project: Garage Demolition
The project shown here involves two attached ADUs—one on each floor, each with a separate address. This footage captures the demolition stage as portions of the existing garage structure are removed and the space begins its transformation. Demolition can reveal framing and other existing conditions that aren’t necessarily apparent from the finished exterior. Documenting this stage provides a clearer look at the work that can occur before new construction begins.
Garage Conversion Demolition
2. Foundation and Structure
Foundation and structural conditions can have a significant effect on the scope of a garage conversion. Depending on the existing structure and approved design, modifications may be required to accommodate the proposed residential use. A project combining an existing garage with additional construction can involve a substantially different structural scope from a conversion that remains within the existing footprint. Foundation conditions, framing, openings, and the relationship between existing and new construction should therefore be considered as part of the overall project.
American NGC provides concrete and masonry construction services as part of our broader residential construction capabilities. Foundation work can also connect directly with later phases of construction, making coordination between approved plans and field work especially important. The amount and type of work ultimately depend on the existing property and the project being built. The examples below document foundation preparation and structural construction from actual American NGC work.
Foundation Preparation in Action
The foundation preparation shown below is part of the same American NGC project involving two attached ADUs—one on each floor, each with a separate address. Before excavation and foundation construction can move forward, the layout and proposed structure have to be established accurately in the field. This stage helps define the footprint, dimensions, and alignment that subsequent construction will follow. It also provides a useful look at how much work can occur before the finished ADU begins to take shape.
Real Project: ADU Framing
As construction progresses, framing begins to reveal the scale and layout of the finished project. This American NGC project includes two attached ADUs—one on each floor, each with a separate address. At the framing stage, the relationship between floors, walls, openings, and the overall residential structure becomes much easier to see. The footage below documents the project while that structural work was underway.
ADU Framing Progress
Framing for two attached ADUs by American NGC
3. Plumbing and Utilities
The cost of a garage-to-ADU conversion isn’t determined only by what happens inside the structure. Depending on the property and approved plans, utility work outside the ADU can become an important part of the overall construction scope. That work may include water and drainage connections, electrical service and metering, gas service, and other utility infrastructure. Some projects may also involve separate utility connections or meters serving the ADU, depending on project requirements and the approved design.
The location and condition of existing services matter as well. Extending or modifying utilities across a property can involve excavation, trenching, piping, conduit, connections, equipment, and related site work before those systems ever reach the ADU itself. As a result, homeowners shouldn’t assume that a price focused on constructing the ADU represents every potential cost associated with the project. Two ADUs with similar interiors can have very different overall construction scopes because of the exterior utility work required to serve them.
This is particularly important when comparing garage-conversion prices online. A cost figure focused primarily on the interior conversion may not reflect substantial exterior utility or site work associated with a particular property. Conversely, not every ADU requires the same utility configuration or separate services, so these items shouldn’t be treated as automatic requirements for every conversion. The actual utility scope should be determined by the property conditions, approved plans, and applicable requirements.
4. Electrical and HVAC
A residential ADU has different electrical, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and power needs from a typical garage. Depending on the project, the electrical scope can extend beyond outlets, fixtures, and wiring inside the ADU and may involve electrical service or metering work elsewhere on the property. Existing electrical infrastructure and the requirements of the approved project help determine what work is involved. American New Generation Construction Inc. operates under California Contractor License #937516, with B – General Building and C-10 – Electrical classifications.
5. Windows and Doors
Windows and exterior doors do more than change the appearance of a converted garage. They can affect natural light, ventilation, access, energy performance, and the interior layout of the finished ADU. Depending on the proposed design, a conversion may require new openings or modifications to existing ones. Those changes can interact with framing and other parts of the construction scope, making them another consideration when evaluating the project as a whole.
6. Kitchen, Bathroom and Finishes
Once the major structural and building systems are accounted for, kitchen, bathroom, and finish selections create another important budget variable. Cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, and other finishes can vary considerably in price. A straightforward design built around durable materials can have a very different budget from an interior with extensive customization or premium selections. Comparing two ADU prices without understanding the level of finishes included can therefore produce a misleading comparison.
Does Garage Size Affect Cost?
Yes, but square footage alone doesn’t determine the cost of a garage-to-ADU conversion. A one-car garage, two-car garage, or larger structure will naturally involve different quantities of materials and construction, but size is only part of the equation. A smaller garage that requires substantial foundation, structural, plumbing, electrical, or exterior utility work could involve a more extensive scope than a larger garage in better existing condition. The proposed layout also matters, particularly when fitting a kitchen, bathroom, storage, mechanical systems, and living space into an existing footprint.
For that reason, garage size is best viewed as one cost factor—not a stand-alone method for estimating a conversion. Cost per square foot can help you understand broad market ranges, but it doesn’t account for every property-specific condition. Exterior utility distances and site work provide a good example because those costs aren’t necessarily proportional to the size of the ADU. Evaluating the actual property provides more useful information than assuming two garages of the same size should cost about the same.
What’s Included in a Garage-to-ADU Conversion?
A complete garage-to-ADU conversion involves much more than finishing the walls and installing flooring. Depending on the existing structure and approved plans, construction can involve multiple trades and several stages of work. Some of that work occurs inside the original garage, while other portions may take place elsewhere on the property. Understanding both sides of the project is important when comparing proposed construction scopes.
Depending on the project, work may include:
- Demolition and site preparation
- Foundation and structural work
- Framing
- Plumbing and interior utility work
- Exterior utility connections and site work
- Water and drainage work
- Electrical systems and service
- Gas service when applicable
- Heating, cooling, and ventilation
- Insulation
- Windows and exterior doors
- Drywall and interior finishes
- Kitchen construction
- Bathroom construction
- Flooring
- Cabinetry and countertops
- Exterior modifications
Not every garage conversion requires every item on this list, and the extent of each category can vary considerably. Existing conditions, design decisions, property characteristics, utility infrastructure, and permitting requirements determine what is actually involved. This distinction matters when homeowners compare prices because two proposals can appear to describe the same type of ADU while including very different scopes. The cost of constructing the ADU and the cost of preparing or connecting the surrounding property infrastructure should therefore be considered together when applicable.
Why Do Online Garage-Conversion Prices Vary So Much?
Search for the cost to convert a garage to an ADU in Los Angeles, and you’ll find a wide range of numbers. Part of that variation comes from how the term garage conversion is used because one source may describe a relatively basic remodel while another is estimating a complete permitted ADU. Structural work, kitchens, bathrooms, residential systems, permitting, utility infrastructure, and finish levels can all change what is included in the quoted scope. Without knowing what’s included, two headline prices aren’t necessarily comparable.
Property conditions introduce another layer of variation. The age and condition of the garage, utility access, proposed layout, structural requirements, finish selections, and site conditions can all influence the amount of construction involved. Exterior work can be particularly easy to overlook when comparing online prices because utility connections or site improvements may extend well beyond the ADU footprint. Online pricing is therefore useful for early research, but much less reliable as a prediction of what a particular property will cost to convert.
Why Los Angeles Garage Conversions Can Vary
Los Angeles has an enormous variety of residential properties, and that variety carries over to garage conversions. Garages throughout the region were built during different eras, under different building standards, and with different foundations, framing systems, dimensions, utility configurations, and previous modifications. Some have remained largely unchanged for decades, while others have already undergone alterations that can affect a future conversion. Site access and the location of existing utility infrastructure can introduce additional differences from one property to another.
Jurisdiction matters, too. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) administers building and permitting requirements within the City of Los Angeles, but not every property in Los Angeles County falls under LADBS jurisdiction. Properties elsewhere in the county may be handled by another local building department or permitting authority. Homeowners should therefore verify which jurisdiction governs the property before relying on city-specific requirements or guidance.
Attached vs. Detached Garages
Both attached and detached garages may potentially be converted into ADUs when applicable requirements are satisfied, but the construction considerations can differ. An attached garage is connected to the primary residence, while a detached garage stands independently as an accessory structure. Those differences can influence the proposed design, structural work, utility planning, access, and other aspects of construction. Neither configuration should automatically be considered easier or less expensive.
The relationship between the garage and the property’s utilities can be particularly important. A detached structure located farther from existing services, for example, can present a different utility and site-work scope from an attached garage, although every property is different. Existing conditions and the approved design ultimately determine what construction is required. That’s another reason broad online comparisons between attached and detached garage conversions should be treated cautiously.
Can You Convert a Garage Into an ADU in Los Angeles?
California law provides pathways for creating ADUs from certain existing structures, including accessory structures. Current guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) addresses ADUs created through the conversion of existing structures, including detached garages. Whether a particular garage qualifies depends on the property, proposed project, applicable state law, and local requirements. The existence of a garage should therefore be treated as a starting point for evaluating a possible conversion—not as a guarantee that a particular design will be approved.
California’s ADU framework also contains different rules for different types of ADUs, which is one reason generalized statements about garage conversions can be misleading. A requirement that applies to one type of ADU doesn’t necessarily apply in exactly the same way to another. Property conditions and the particular project pathway matter when determining the applicable standards. Homeowners should use current official guidance and property-specific information when planning a conversion.
Can You Make the Garage Larger?
In certain circumstances, California law allows limited expansion beyond the dimensions of an existing accessory structure when creating an ADU. Under the pathway addressed in Government Code §66323(a)(1), an existing accessory structure may be expanded by up to 150 square feet when the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress. That limitation is important because the provision isn’t a general allowance to add 150 square feet anywhere or for any purpose. Whether a proposed expansion qualifies depends on the particular project and applicable requirements.
Homeowners should therefore avoid treating the 150-square-foot provision as a standard addition automatically available to every garage conversion. Other proposed expansions may fall under different rules or development standards. The project’s plans and applicable ADU pathway should establish what can be constructed. Current state guidance should be reviewed when evaluating a proposed expansion.
Do Garage Conversions Need Permits in Los Angeles?
A garage converted into a legal residential ADU is subject to applicable permitting and review requirements. California’s ADU laws establish statewide requirements that local agencies must follow, but that doesn’t eliminate the need for project review and compliance with applicable standards. For properties within the City of Los Angeles, homeowners can review current ADU information through Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety — Accessory Dwelling Units. Properties elsewhere in Los Angeles County may be handled by a different local authority.
For homeowners, the practical takeaway is straightforward: permitting should be treated as part of the project from the beginning, not as something to address after construction has started. Approved plans can influence structural work, utility planning, layout, and other aspects of construction. Requirements can also change over time, making current information important when planning a project. Property owners should verify requirements applicable to their specific property and proposed ADU.
Garage Conversion vs. New ADU
One of the major decisions homeowners face is whether to convert an existing garage or construct a new detached ADU. Neither approach is automatically better, and neither should automatically be assumed to cost less. The appropriate choice depends on the property, the condition and location of the existing garage, the desired layout, available space, utility infrastructure, and the homeowner’s goals. Looking at the entire construction scope provides a more useful comparison than considering the structure alone.
| Factor | Garage Conversion | New Detached ADU |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Existing garage | New structure |
| Footprint | May reuse existing garage | New footprint |
| Design flexibility | Influenced by existing structure | Generally more flexible |
| Structural scope | Depends on garage condition | Designed as new construction |
| Utilities | Property-specific | Property-specific |
| Exterior utility/site work | Depends on infrastructure and project | Depends on infrastructure and project |
| Project cost | Depends on conditions and scope | Depends on size, site, and scope |
Reusing an existing structure can be appealing, but an existing garage also brings existing conditions into the project. A new detached ADU begins without those same structural constraints but introduces an entirely new building scope. Either option can also require exterior utility and site work, depending on existing infrastructure and the approved project. The better comparison isn’t simply “Which one is cheaper?” but “Which approach makes the most sense for this property and the intended use of the space?”
Homeowners considering either approach can learn more about American NGC’s ADU construction services. Comparing the options early can help clarify how the existing garage, available property area, desired layout, and utility conditions may affect the construction approach. It also helps prevent the decision from being based solely on generic online cost figures. Every property brings a different combination of opportunities and constraints.
Is a Garage Conversion Worth It?
For some homeowners, converting an underused garage into an ADU can create functional residential living space without requiring an entirely separate building footprint. Depending on the property and applicable requirements, the finished ADU may potentially serve family members, guests, or other lawful residential purposes. An ADU may also potentially be rented when permitted under applicable laws and restrictions. Those possibilities can make a garage conversion worth exploring, but they don’t determine whether the project makes financial sense for a particular homeowner.
Construction cost, financing, intended use, long-term plans for the property, maintenance, utility considerations, and applicable requirements should all be considered before moving forward. The construction budget should also account for the possibility of work outside the ADU rather than focusing exclusively on the interior conversion. American New Generation Construction Inc. does not guarantee increases in property value, rental income, investment returns, financing outcomes, permit approval, or other financial results. Each homeowner should evaluate those considerations according to their circumstances and appropriate professional guidance.
Before Requesting an Estimate
A productive garage-conversion conversation starts with more than square footage. Homeowners don’t need every design decision finalized before speaking with a contractor, but having a general idea of how the space will be used can make the initial discussion more useful. Existing plans, property information, and known utility conditions can also provide helpful context. The goal at this stage is to begin understanding the project’s potential scope rather than expecting an online average to function as a property-specific estimate.
Before requesting an estimate, consider:
- How you intend to use the finished ADU
- Whether you prefer a studio or separate-bedroom layout
- The general level of finishes you’re considering
- Whether you want to remain within the existing garage footprint
- Whether the project may involve additional construction
- Where existing electrical, water, drainage, and gas services are located
- Whether separate services or metering are being considered
- Any plans, drawings, property information, or records already available
Utility information is worth mentioning during the initial discussion because the construction scope may extend beyond the walls of the proposed ADU. A project requiring substantial trenching, service modifications, drainage work, or other exterior infrastructure can differ considerably from one where the necessary systems are readily accessible. That doesn’t mean every project requires separate utilities or extensive exterior work. It means those conditions should be evaluated rather than overlooked when developing the project scope.
Choosing a Garage Conversion Contractor in Los Angeles
Garage-to-ADU conversions can involve several areas of residential construction within a single project. When evaluating a contractor, homeowners should consider more than the initial price and look carefully at what the proposed scope actually includes. Relevant construction experience, contractor licensing, written terms, communication, project documentation, and examples of actual work can all provide useful context. Homeowners should also understand whether exterior site and utility work is included, excluded, or still to be determined when comparing proposals.
California homeowners can verify contractor licensing through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). American New Generation Construction Inc. operates under California Contractor License #937516, with B – General Building and C-10 – Electrical classifications. The project footage throughout this article comes from real American NGC construction work, including the two-attached-ADU project documented above, rather than relying solely on finished-project photography. You can also explore our general construction services for additional information about our capabilities.
Planning a Garage-to-ADU Conversion?
American New Generation Construction Inc. provides ADU and general contracting services for residential projects throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. If you’re considering a garage conversion, ADU, addition, or another residential construction project, the existing structure is only one part of the conversation. Foundation conditions, design, interior construction, and exterior utilities and site infrastructure can all contribute to the overall scope. Understanding those components together provides a much more useful starting point than relying on a generic cost-per-square-foot figure.
Contact American NGC to discuss your project and the next steps.
Serving Los Angeles & Orange County
(818) 388-9623
AmericanNGC.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a garage-to-ADU conversion cost in Los Angeles?
There isn’t one price for every property. Published 2026 Los Angeles garage-conversion data from Angi reports approximately $65 to $200 per square foot, but that range covers garage conversions generally and isn’t American NGC pricing or a quote for a complete permitted ADU. The existing structure, foundation, utilities, design, finishes, site conditions, permitting requirements, and overall construction scope can all affect cost. Exterior utility and site work may also contribute to the overall project cost and shouldn’t automatically be assumed to be included in a general interior conversion figure.
Are exterior utility costs included in the cost of an ADU?
Not necessarily, which is why homeowners should understand exactly what a particular estimate or published cost figure includes. Depending on the property and approved project, exterior work may involve electrical service or metering, water and drainage connections, gas service, trenching, conduit, piping, excavation, or other site infrastructure. The amount of work can vary considerably based on where existing services are located and what the project requires. An ADU’s interior construction cost therefore shouldn’t automatically be treated as the entire potential project cost.
Does garage size affect conversion cost?
Yes, but garage size is only one factor. Existing structural conditions, utilities, layout, finishes, approved plans, and exterior site work can also influence the overall construction scope. A smaller garage with significant foundation or utility requirements could involve more work than a larger structure with more favorable existing conditions. Square footage is therefore useful as a reference point, but not as a complete estimating method.
What’s included in an ADU conversion?
Depending on the project, work may include demolition, foundation and structural modifications, framing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, insulation, windows and doors, kitchen and bathroom construction, flooring, cabinetry, finishes, and exterior modifications. The project may also involve exterior utility connections, electrical service, water and drainage work, gas service, trenching, or other site improvements when applicable. Not every conversion requires the same work, and not every proposal includes the same scope. Homeowners should understand what is included before comparing one project price with another.
How long does a garage conversion take?
There is no universal timeline for a garage-to-ADU conversion. Design, permitting, existing conditions, project scope, inspections, jurisdictional requirements, utility work, and other factors can influence the schedule. A project involving substantial exterior infrastructure or structural modifications can have a different sequence of work from a more straightforward conversion. For that reason, a project-specific schedule is more meaningful than a generic online timeline.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU?
California State ADU Law includes pathways for converting certain existing structures into ADUs. Whether a particular garage qualifies depends on the property, proposed project, jurisdiction, and current requirements. Existing structure conversions are addressed in current guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Homeowners should verify the requirements applicable to their particular property rather than assuming every garage automatically qualifies.
Is a garage conversion cheaper than a new ADU?
It can be, but not necessarily. A garage conversion begins with an existing structure, but the condition of that structure and the modifications required can significantly affect the construction scope. Exterior utilities, site conditions, and additional construction can also affect either option. A property-specific comparison is therefore more useful than assuming a garage conversion will always cost less than a newly constructed ADU.
Do garage conversions need permits?
Yes. Garage-to-ADU conversions are subject to applicable permitting and review requirements, and the responsible agency depends on the property’s jurisdiction. Within the City of Los Angeles, LADBS provides information and resources for ADU projects. Homeowners outside the City of Los Angeles should verify the appropriate local agency for their property.
Can a detached garage become an ADU?
California HCD guidance addresses the conversion of existing detached garages and other accessory structures into ADUs under State ADU Law, subject to applicable requirements. Whether a particular detached garage qualifies depends on the property and proposed project. Existing conditions, plans, applicable development standards, and other requirements can still affect the project. A detached garage should therefore be evaluated in the context of the specific property rather than treated as automatically eligible.
Can I expand the garage during the conversion?
Potentially. California law provides a specific pathway for certain ADUs created within existing accessory structures to expand by up to 150 square feet when the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress. That provision shouldn’t be interpreted as an automatic general 150-square-foot addition available to every garage conversion. Other proposed expansions may be subject to different requirements or development standards.
Official Sources & Cost Reference
The regulatory information in this article was developed using California and City of Los Angeles government resources current at the time of publication. Because ADU laws, regulations, agency guidance, and local requirements can change, homeowners should consult current official information for their specific property and proposed project. Third-party cost information is included only to provide general market context and shouldn’t be interpreted as American NGC pricing. The following resources provide additional information for homeowners researching an ADU or garage conversion.
California Department of Housing and Community Development — Accessory Dwelling Units
California HCD ADU Information
California Department of Housing and Community Development — Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook, Updated March 2026
California HCD ADU Handbook
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety — Accessory Dwelling Units
LADBS ADU Information
California Contractors State License Board
California CSLB
2026 Third-Party Cost Reference — Angi, Garage Conversion Cost in Los Angeles
Angi Garage Conversion Cost in Los Angeles
Third-party cost information is provided only as general market context. It doesn’t represent American New Generation Construction Inc. pricing and shouldn’t be interpreted as an estimate, proposal, or guarantee for any project. Published per-square-foot figures may differ substantially in what they include and may not account for structural, utility, site, permitting, or exterior infrastructure work associated with a specific property. Homeowners should understand the scope behind a published figure or construction proposal before using it as a basis for comparison.
About the Author
Director of Marketing, American New Generation Construction Inc.
Mike Simon oversees digital marketing for American New Generation Construction Inc., including the company’s website, search engine optimization, digital content, and project marketing. His work includes developing educational construction content using American NGC’s project documentation and construction experience alongside publicly available government and industry resources. For this article, company project documentation was combined with current California and City of Los Angeles ADU resources to help homeowners better understand the factors that can influence garage-to-ADU construction costs. The goal is to make a complicated construction topic easier to research without presenting generalized online pricing as a substitute for evaluating an individual property.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, architectural, engineering, financial, tax, real estate, permitting, or other professional advice. ADU laws, building codes, local ordinances, agency guidance, utility requirements, fees, property conditions, and permitting requirements may change and may vary by jurisdiction and project. Nothing in this article guarantees that a particular property qualifies for an ADU, that a design will be approved, that permits will be issued, or that a project will achieve any particular cost, completion date, property value, rental income, investment return, or other result. Property owners should verify current requirements applicable to their specific property and proposed project with the appropriate governmental agencies, utility providers when applicable, and qualified professionals.
Third-party cost information is provided only as general market context and does not constitute American New Generation Construction Inc. pricing. Published construction-cost ranges may also differ in what they include and shouldn’t be assumed to account for every component of a project, including exterior utility connections, site infrastructure, service modifications, excavation, or other property-specific work. American New Generation Construction Inc.’s project scope and pricing, when applicable, are governed by the terms of the applicable proposal or contract. Readers shouldn’t rely on this article as a substitute for project-specific plans, professional evaluation, governmental requirements, or contractual terms.
