Getting started with an ADU project is what many think of as “the fun part” – it’s when you think about the value your ADU will bring you, look for design and layout inspiration, and start to figure out what will work on your property.
Project Timeline
Most ADU projects take 12-18 months to complete, but some extend to 24 months or more. Getting started is part of the Pre-Work phase, which typically takes 1-3 months.
Key Resources for Getting Started
RELEVANT WEBINARS
FAQs
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about getting started.
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The best place to start is with our ADU Workbook, then sign up for a customized ADU Feasibility Consult to understand your specific property and local ADU rules. At the same time, you can work on thinking about what you want and looking at other ADUs to get a sense of what’s possible. Once you have some ideas in mind, you can move on to Learning the Rules to figure out what you can build on your property (the feasibility study will help with this too).
You can also use our Process Map resource for an overview of the process and some initial issues to consider as you get started.
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Building an ADU is an investment of time as well as money. Most projects take one to two years to complete. Typically, it takes homeowners one to three months to get started and assemble their team, then one to six months to develop plans, meet with the city, and submit the application. Depending on what permits are required, how many rounds of review are required and how quickly a homeowner and their project team can respond to comments, it will take one to three months to get permits. Construction usually takes six to twelve months.
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You’re not required to tell your neighbors about your ADU, but it’s always a good idea to communicate with them early in the process. Your project will run more smoothly if they are kept informed, and they may have great ideas for your project!
If you live in a Neighborhood or Homeowners Association, talk with your representative or board early in the process. They can’t prevent you from building or renting an ADU with a single-family home, but they may have guidelines or standards you’ll need to know for design and construction.
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This is a great thing to be thinking about before you purchase! We’ve written a guide to what you should be thinking about and looking for.
Steps in the Process
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Make sure you understand the types of ADUs and the other content covered in our ADU 101, and look at our Process Map for a brief overview of the entire ADU process. You may also want to check out our Glossary to make sure you understand the key terminology.
Think About What You Want
Start by thinking about your short- and long-term goals and concerns for your ADU project and what kind of ADU is best for your needs. Our ADU Workbook has a goals and concerns exercise to get you started. Talk to friends and neighbors who have built an ADU and reach out to any builders or designers you know for a casual chat. Check out our ADU Stories, Vendor Registry, sample floorplans, and Standard ADU Plans Gallery for inspiration.
Keep in mind your plans might change once you hire a professional. On a more personal note, it’s a good idea to notify your neighbors about your project (not required but recommended), and to think about what it means to share space with tenants (and if that impacts your design and layout).
KEY RESOURCES
Browse, filter, and compare standard ADU plans and find one you like that works with your property.
Make an Informal Sketch
A major part of pre-work is figuring out where an ADU would make the most sense on your property. Start with making a rough sketch of your property, including the existing home, any other structures, and space for a possible ADU. Our ADU Workbook includes more details to help you with this step. (Note: You can update this sketch or make new versions as you continue to learn about your property and what’s possible.)
For some properties, doing this sketch and deciding where your ADU will go is fairly easy because there is limited space and only one option works for their desired size. For those who are trying to choose between different areas, or different types of ADUs, such as a detached ADU vs one built above your garage, you may want to get early consultation from tradespeople and other experts who can spot opportunities or challenges. For instance, plumbers can help identify where the sewer line might run.
KEY RESOURCES
Your go-to guide to developing an ADU, from first thoughts through move-in.
Estimate Project Cost
It’s never too early to start thinking about and planning for your project budget. A very rough placeholder for you to use is $400-600 per square foot, including construction and other costs (design, fees, etc.). The real number can vary widely and depends on many factors. Our ADU Calculator is a great place to start when developing a budget. It provides a rough estimate of costs and income and will help you understand how choices can impact your budget over time, all customized to real local numbers.
See Budget & Finance (LINK) for more information. Our Workbook also contains details regarding the cost of ADU design, permitting, and construction. Plus, watch our candid conversation with ADU finance experts about whether or not ADU costs pencil out in your favor in the current economy.
KEY RESOURCES
