COSTS OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

We have a comprehension of the expenses associated with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in California.

When constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), it is essential to have a thorough understanding of all associated costs. At SnapADU, our commitment to transparency and clarity extends to the financial aspects of ADU construction. Beyond designing and obtaining permits, we actively engage in the building process, providing us with firsthand knowledge of any concealed expenses that may arise.

The complexity of ADU construction spans from initial planning to the concluding stages of building. Through our experience, we have learned to anticipate and effectively manage unforeseen costs that may be overlooked during the design and permitting phases. Armed with extensive practical knowledge, it is our duty to anticipate potential challenges and navigate them to ensure a smooth construction process.

This article aims to explore the comprehensive costs involved in ADU construction, considering all the variables that can impact the final expenditure in the San Diego, California, region. We aim to offer a realistic perspective on the financial expectations associated with embarking on an ADU project.

116

ADUs completed & in progress

COSTS OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

We have a comprehension of the expenses associated with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in California.

When constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), it is essential to have a thorough understanding of all associated costs. At SnapADU, our commitment to transparency and clarity extends to the financial aspects of ADU construction. Beyond designing and obtaining permits, we actively engage in the building process, providing us with firsthand knowledge of any concealed expenses that may arise.

The complexity of ADU construction spans from initial planning to the concluding stages of building. Through our experience, we have learned to anticipate and effectively manage unforeseen costs that may be overlooked during the design and permitting phases. Armed with extensive practical knowledge, it is our duty to anticipate potential challenges and navigate them to ensure a smooth construction process.

This article aims to explore the comprehensive costs involved in ADU construction, considering all the variables that can impact the final expenditure in the San Diego, California, region. We aim to offer a realistic perspective on the financial expectations associated with embarking on an ADU project.

116

ADUs completed & in progress

What is the expense associated with constructing an ADU in San Diego, California?

For budgetary considerations, estimate the cost of constructing an ADU per square foot to be in the range of $375 to $600 or more, encompassing the total expenses for building a detached ADU with sizes ranging from 500 to 1200 sqft. Approximately 80-85% of these costs pertain to the vertical building construction, which includes the construction of the structure itself along with standard finishes.

In calculating the overall cost of building a granny flat, it's crucial to include expenses for design (around $10,000), permitting (approximately $2-14 per square foot in fees, depending on the city), and typical sitework (estimated at $25,000). Additionally, account for an average of $30,000 to $50,000 or more for supplementary work such as utility upgrades, which will be tailored to your property's specific requirements. Our assessment considers more than 75 factors for each property to comprehensively evaluate all relevant costs for your ADU project.

What is the expense associated with constructing an ADU in San Diego, California?

For budgetary considerations, estimate the cost of constructing an ADU per square foot to be in the range of $375 to $600 or more, encompassing the total expenses for building a detached ADU with sizes ranging from 500 to 1200 sqft. Approximately 80-85% of these costs pertain to the vertical building construction, which includes the construction of the structure itself along with standard finishes.

In calculating the overall cost of building a granny flat, it's crucial to include expenses for design (around $10,000), permitting (approximately $2-14 per square foot in fees, depending on the city), and typical sitework (estimated at $25,000). Additionally, account for an average of $30,000 to $50,000 or more for supplementary work such as utility upgrades, which will be tailored to your property's specific requirements. Our assessment considers more than 75 factors for each property to comprehensively evaluate all relevant costs for your ADU project.

What would be the overall expenditure for constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

Expense associated with ADU Feasibility, Design, and Site Assessment: $2,500

We prioritize completing tasks typically deferred to later stages in the process. Our aim is to evaluate the feasibility and all expenses associated with constructing the ADU on your property. The initial step involves generating a site plan, mapping existing utilities, evaluating electrical panel loads, and preparing a feasibility report that incorporates your chosen ADU floor plan situated on your property. This enables us to provide a fixed price for your project before you decide to proceed with the development of construction documents. Every activity undertaken in this phase contributes to the ultimate completion of your comprehensive set of ADU plans for submission to the city.

Cost for the production of construction drawings: $7,500

Even when utilizing standard ADU plans, it is essential to customize the ADU to fit and align with the specific details of your property. This ensures the submission of construction documents and an application package, complete with all necessary forms, to the city. The comprehensive package encompasses all mandatory components, such as architectural design, structural engineering, Title 24 compliance, building code review with the city, permit expediting, and any necessary revisions. We take care of all the requirements to facilitate the permitting process for your ADU.

Extra Design Services: $2,500+

(Relevant under certain circumstances) You have the option to customize any of our standard ADU floor plans to meet your preferences or create an entirely unique plan. If you opt for modifications to a floor plan, need a septic system, or encounter specific foundation requirements, the design process will typically take an additional 2-4 weeks.

Fundamental Site Preparation: $25,000

In the case of a flat lot with ample access for construction machinery, the standard site preparation cost for establishing a suitable foundation for the ADU is $25,000. This covers activities such as trenching and linking the new utilities essential for servicing the ADU, along with final hand grading to ensure proper drainage away from the unit. Further details regarding the potential necessity for extra site work in your project are provided below.

Construction of Vertical Structure: $200,000-$400,000

The cost associated with vertical building encompasses the ADU itself, covering the poured foundation with a slab-on-grade, the structural components, and standard finishing materials. Explore our floor plans for illustrations of construction prices for vertical builds, and refer to our home features for a comprehensive list of inclusions in the construction.

Upgrades for Finish Materials: To Be Determined

(Applicable as an option) Our standard vertical build prices featured on our plans page already include basic finish materials. The standard finishes include fixtures for electrical and plumbing, cabinets, quartz countertops, and appliances from our standard packages. Additionally, you have the choice to enhance any of these selections from our comprehensive design catalog, featuring upgrades like tiled showers, islands, and premium appliances.

What would be the overall expenditure for constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

Expense associated with ADU Feasibility, Design, and Site Assessment: $2,500

We prioritize completing tasks typically deferred to later stages in the process. Our aim is to evaluate the feasibility and all expenses associated with constructing the ADU on your property. The initial step involves generating a site plan, mapping existing utilities, evaluating electrical panel loads, and preparing a feasibility report that incorporates your chosen ADU floor plan situated on your property. This enables us to provide a fixed price for your project before you decide to proceed with the development of construction documents. Every activity undertaken in this phase contributes to the ultimate completion of your comprehensive set of ADU plans for submission to the city.

Cost for the production of construction drawings: $7,500

Even when utilizing standard ADU plans, it is essential to customize the ADU to fit and align with the specific details of your property. This ensures the submission of construction documents and an application package, complete with all necessary forms, to the city. The comprehensive package encompasses all mandatory components, such as architectural design, structural engineering, Title 24 compliance, building code review with the city, permit expediting, and any necessary revisions. We take care of all the requirements to facilitate the permitting process for your ADU.

Extra Design Services: $2,500+

(Relevant under certain circumstances) You have the option to customize any of our standard ADU floor plans to meet your preferences or create an entirely unique plan. If you opt for modifications to a floor plan, need a septic system, or encounter specific foundation requirements, the design process will typically take an additional 2-4 weeks.

Fundamental Site Preparation: $25,000

In the case of a flat lot with ample access for construction machinery, the standard site preparation cost for establishing a suitable foundation for the ADU is $25,000. This covers activities such as trenching and linking the new utilities essential for servicing the ADU, along with final hand grading to ensure proper drainage away from the unit. Further details regarding the potential necessity for extra site work in your project are provided below.

Construction of Vertical Structure: $200,000-$400,000

The cost associated with vertical building encompasses the ADU itself, covering the poured foundation with a slab-on-grade, the structural components, and standard finishing materials. Explore our floor plans for illustrations of construction prices for vertical builds, and refer to our home features for a comprehensive list of inclusions in the construction.

Upgrades for Finish Materials: To Be Determined

(Applicable as an option) Our standard vertical build prices featured on our plans page already include basic finish materials. The standard finishes include fixtures for electrical and plumbing, cabinets, quartz countertops, and appliances from our standard packages. Additionally, you have the choice to enhance any of these selections from our comprehensive design catalog, featuring upgrades like tiled showers, islands, and premium appliances.

When Can We Discuss ADU Expenses?

We believe it's crucial to initiate discussions about the cost of constructing an ADU right from the beginning, as we recognize the importance of aligning the design with your budget constraints. With a decade of experience in construction, we have refined our process to provide precise and realistic construction estimates, backed by a price guarantee. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive overview of the expenses associated with the granny flat project, covering aspects from design and permitting to site work and construction.

Whether you're in the early stages of contemplating an ADU addition or ready to proceed, we can provide you with a cost estimate for building an ADU. This information is essential for you to make informed decisions about moving forward with your project. The initial step is to provide us with the address where you intend to build and the size of the ADU you're considering. We'll generate a proposal for you within 24 hours.

CALL NOW: 888-222-8553

When Can We Discuss ADU Expenses?

We believe it's crucial to initiate discussions about the cost of constructing an ADU right from the beginning, as we recognize the importance of aligning the design with your budget constraints. With a decade of experience in construction, we have refined our process to provide precise and realistic construction estimates, backed by a price guarantee. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive overview of the expenses associated with the granny flat project, covering aspects from design and permitting to site work and construction.

Whether you're in the early stages of contemplating an ADU addition or ready to proceed, we can provide you with a cost estimate for building an ADU. This information is essential for you to make informed decisions about moving forward with your project. The initial step is to provide us with the address where you intend to build and the size of the ADU you're considering. We'll generate a proposal for you within 24 hours.

CALL NOW: 888-222-8553

Understanding the Costs of ADU Construction

It's a common inquiry as to why the expenses associated with building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) may appear higher when compared to a Single Family Residence (SFR) on a cost per square foot basis. The primary reason lies in the fact that SFRs are often twice the size of an ADU, resulting in a lower cost per square foot. ADUs incur a higher cost per square foot because they share many of the same "fixed" costs inherent in any residential building project.

Whether constructing an ADU or an SFR, certain foundational costs are inherent, irrespective of the structure's size. These include:

1. Design & Construction Documents:

The hours and costs associated with drafting are relatively comparable for an ADU or a basic SFR. Even with pre-approved plans, an ADU still necessitates a customized full set of building plans tailored to your property.

2. General Conditions:

Essential elements such as dumpsters, temporary toilets, project supervision, and site protection are required regardless of the build size and are integral components of ADU costs.

3. Kitchen, Bath & Laundry:

Kitchens typically constitute the most expensive rooms in a building, encompassing cabinets, countertops, plumbing, sinks, and appliances. Bathrooms and laundry facilities also incur substantial costs, including plumbing and finish materials. Despite a one-bedroom ADU being smaller, it still requires a kitchen and a bathroom, while a modest SFR might only need an additional bath yet support four times the square footage.

4. Vendors:

Whether a vendor is installing a small quantity of materials for an ADU or a larger quantity for an SFR, there is a foundational cost associated with their presence and the setup of their tools.

Hence, there exists a minimum base cost to construct a residential unit, regardless of its size. Consequently, the ADU cost per square foot can be relatively high, reaching $500 or more for very small units.