AN ADU BUILD SOFT COSTS

The purpose of this guide is to explain all the components of costs that go into building an ADU. Mainly divided into two classifications:

⦿  Hard costs – which includes labour and construction material.
⦿  Soft costs – Predominantly covers all other expenses related to the construction project,            which come up before.

LET US EXPLORE ON THE ADU SOFT COSTS  

PLANNING & ITS ELIGIBILITY

To determine the eligibility to build an ADU on the property, it involves reviewing the property characteristics with the ever-changing local and/or county regulations. The regulations help determine the size, shape, and design suitable for the property. There are plenty of different types of ADUs to choose from including a detached ADU, an attached ADU, and junior ADUs (JADUs).

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Once the ADU location and type to build on the property is analysed, next steps are to get to the design part wherein one may seek the help of an architectural designer. The industry standard is 10-15% of project value/budget.

In contrast, one may choose FORTUNE ADUs in-house Design Studio specializing in ADU design and value engineering, saving time, money and off the hassles. From inception to permit processes, we help through design decisions that have an impact on the cost of your ADU.

CONSULTANTS & SPECIALISTS

All ADU projects shall require few other consultants, subcontractors, and specialists in the process of putting together the Submission Plan set:

◎   Structural Engineer: for framing and load bearing calculations
◎   Title 24 Energy Consultant: for energy efficiency & impact analysis
◎   Boundary/Site Surveyor: for establishing the official boundaries and space of your                      property, including property lines, distances, and existing Certain complex projects may            require additional specialist-provided documentation for unique conditions or based on          city requirements:

◎   Geotechnical/Soils Report: for projects with significant slope, flood zone, or pool infill                  concerns
◎   Grading & Drainage Plan: for projects requiring significant drainage oversight for flooding.
◎   Arborist Report: for projects involving protected tree removal, trimming, or root protection        requirements.
◎   Fire Prevention Plan: for projects requiring fire sprinklers and/or other fire measures.

• CITY PLANNING & PERMITTING

The plan set needs to be submitted for review to the municipality (one/ both by Planning Department and Building Department). The charges her include:

i)    Review fee – The first out-of-pocket fees come with your submission to your local                        Planning Department.
ii)  Local Building Permit fee – Based on project valuation, the calculated permit fee can                range from $2,000 – $10,000 which varies from city to city. In addition, some municipalities        charge fixed fees for ADUs, but this is the exception, rather than the rule.
iii) Next, you may have to file a deed restriction at the County where you pledge not to sell              the ADU as separate from the main home.
iv) Impact Fees – For ADUs > 750 sq. ft. in size, some municipalities may charge Impact Fees.          The fees is generally proportional to the size of the ADU in relation to the size of the main            house. In some cities, these impact fees can quickly become quite significant and can              range from $5,000 – $25,000 for a 1,200 square foot detached accessory dwelling unit                apartment.

NEXT PROCESSES

Once we get through the permits process, the soft costs get winded up and we can get ready to proceed with building the new unit—choosing appliances, lighting fixtures, closets, tile countertops, and other aesthetic choices to make your ADU home dream come true.