The Cost of ADUs

Clients often wonder about the dramatic range of costs for an ADU. There are several reasons to consider:

1. ADUs can be created in multiple ways, such as converting an attached or detached garage into an ADU, creating an ADU by adding on to an existing home or garage, building a detached ADU on the lot of an existing home, or building a detached ADU over a new or existing garage. Construction prices will vary depending on the type of ADU construction.

2. ADUs can be built to different construction standards. Some are designed to provide serviceable housing on a tight budget and may be partially or completely DIY. Others are built more like custom homes, sparing no expense to create beautiful, little dream homes. A high-end kitchen remodel can easily cost more than double the cost of a similarly sized Ikea kitchen; the same holds true for ADUs.

3. Due to their relatively small size and location next to a primary dwelling, it’s tempting for handy owners to perform some or all the construction work themselves. This may decrease out-of-pocket costs for the owner but they often don’t include their own labor associated with buying or installing materials. A contractor would include overhead and profit for the job. But even though and ADU may have a small size, these are big projects for a DIYer.

We Can Help. Call 310-592-5566

4. ADUs typically cost more per square foot than full sized homes. The small size of ADUs reduces efficiency of scale for labor, coordination, and materials. They contain proportionally more kitchen and bathroom space (expensive spaces) and less bedroom and hallway space (inexpensive spaces). They are likely to be located in back yards, away from the street, which may have poor access for excavating machinery or material deliveries, and they are more likely to be built in tight locations where careful protection of existing structures and landscaping is required.

5. There are other costs in addition to the actual construction, such as design, building permits, energy calculation, financing (lender fees, interest payments, etc.), and other professionals based on the specific needs of your project (i.e.: surveyor, structural engineer, grading, project manager, etc.)

To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation, contact us at ortnerdesign@gmail.com