When Christina and Jeff Starmer’s son graduated from high school with dreams of launching a startup, they knew rent costs might crush his chances. So they took an unconventional route: turning their garage into a rent-free studio apartment just for him.
The renovation not only gave their son the runway he needed to build his company — it also became the foundation of a thriving side hustle for the family.
Giving Their Son a Head Start
In late 2022, the Starmers, who run a historic home renovation company in Jacksonville, Florida, found themselves at a turning point. Their son, Lyman, was graduating high school and preparing to dedicate himself full-time to Deli, his AI-powered real estate startup. But with high local rents, his mom Christina worried: how could he focus on building a company if he was struggling just to pay for housing?
“You don’t want to use investor money to pay for rent,” she told Business Insider. The solution? Convert their detached, underused garage into a self-contained apartment where Lyman could live — rent-free.
From Garage to Guesthouse
The family had already lived in their home for 19 years and built a detached garage on their property. It was wired for electricity and plumbing but mainly used for storage. Christina, with her background in renovations, saw an opportunity.
She and Jeff began the transformation in November 2022, initially budgeting $48,000. Acting as their own contractors, they handled most of the labor themselves, only hiring out specialized electrical and plumbing work. Their daughter, Chloe, helped design the space, and even Lyman pitched in with tiling and framing.
What was once a garage full of bikes and a spare fridge became a cozy 378-square-foot studio apartment with a full kitchen, bathroom, washer and dryer, and even custom-built features like a pantry crafted from a stud wall.
A Space Built With Intention
The renovation prioritized smart use of space and light. Since the original layout offered little natural light, the Starmers installed a salvaged 1900s glass door sideways as an interior window between the living room and bedroom. High ceilings and exposed beams added a spacious feel. Christina even added thoughtful details like under-washer drawers — though she admits she regrets raising the dryer just a bit too high.
In total, the project cost $69,000 and took four months to complete.
The Garage That Launched a Startup
When the apartment was completed in March 2023, Lyman moved in — and immediately used the freedom to push his company forward.
“Skipping $1,500 in rent for nearly two years let me pour every dollar into Deli — paying developers, covering cloud costs — instead of a landlord,” Lyman said.
The space also struck a balance between independence and support. “I had a door I could close for late-night coding sprints, but I was still close enough to pop in for dinner or pep talks.”
Christina said the transition was seamless and special. “He’d come in for coffee in the mornings, and we’d have dinner together at night. I thought it was lovely.”
Lyman eventually moved to New York City, but the studio remains — ready for Airbnb guests or future use.
Going Viral — and Building a Business
The family shared the journey online, and their renovation videos quickly went viral, racking up millions of views on TikTok. Encouraged by the response, the Starmers launched Her Home Reno, a platform offering floor plans, renovation tips, and even an online course on how to convert garages into livable spaces.
They’ve turned their one-time solution for their son into a growing business helping others do the same.
“I’d give my kids all the opportunity in the world,” Christina said. And it turns out, that opportunity sparked not only a startup — but a new chapter for the whole family.
Read the original article on Business Insider
