I want to renovate a small garage into a mother-in law apt. Tips?

I think you need to find out what basics are required for occupancy based on your town's laws and regulations. I am almost positive you would need a building permit. Is there running water out there? Electricity?

First things first, check locally to see if you need permits and what codes you have to follow for electric, plumbing, fire, etc. You will probably need to insulate. I would change out the garage door for a regular door and a couple of windows in front, maybe a small concrete area out front with an outdoor table and chairs and room for some potted plants.

First you have to see if they are legal in your community, and some communities require a garage so it may not get approved. Once its approved, you will need a building permit, so you should find the regulations as to whether it will need two doors, or a door and egress window in compliance with fire codes, and draw up a plan. You might want to looks at some of the tiny houses on YouTube for ideas.

Take out the garage door, and frame another window and a front door. Have an electrician wire the cabin. Then you will need to insulate the building and floor, potentially also seal the concrete floor for moisture before maybe laying a laminate floor with an underpad specifically for concrete. Drywall interior and ceiling, you might want to put a loft bedroom inside with a skylight. Create a kitchenette. Add smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Have it inspected.

Ophs forgot Plumbing, tying into city water and sewer lines, and deciding whether to have seperate meters. And having power company add a power line to the cabin and whether to have a seperate meter.

Check with your municipality to see about zoning first - to see if this is allowed where you live.

Assuming you have checked out all the municipal restrictions/requirements etc. this still looks like a very small space to have a kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom, storage.

I would put in sliding glass doors. There will be a lot of natural light.

Me too me too me too. Did I mention me too? Do you have any plans you could share? I have a rough drawing I made I could send you.

my dad had an apartment above a garage..the steps up to it weren't quite regulation. it had been grandfathered in for city codes.

Provided you are legally allowed to do so, there are hundreds of sites out there with garage conversion tips. Have you Googled? Here are a few!

I would suggest that you also check with your property insurance policy carrier to see if they have any stipulations or requirements about outbuildings/improvements on the property as far as electrical and other building composition specifics.