How much is a SoCal ADU?

Question

Hey Gang! This seems like an appropriate question for the forums.

How much do ADUs cost from start to finish?

I think this question is dependent on a few factors. 1. Contractor 2. Local City Requirements 3. Time and Materials

I recently asked a contractor friend what is a healthy estimate for an ADU, he said anywhere from 75k to 150k.

How does this compare to your experience?

Dan Portka · Answer

@Jimmy Cooper quote i got for a 2 bed 2 bath garage conversion ~900sq ft was $250K here in LA. that didn't include permits or designs

Joey C. · Answer

A larger ADU (>1,000sf) can be in the $300-$350/sf range. Smaller ADUs (<1,000sf) will be as high as $400-$500/sf. There are many fixed costs associated with building that do not change with the size. These include Design/Engineering, Utilities, Bathrooms, and Kitchens which make smaller ADUs have a high price/sf.

Maxwell Ventura · Answer

I've been seeing higher price per sq ft prices recently out here in SD. $300-$325/sq ft seems to be pretty common now if you have a company like ADUGeeks handle your entire project from A-Z. I know everyone over at ADUGeeks. Good people.

Dan H. · Answer

Your range is far too low unless you do a lot of work for yourself. You cannot even do a hands off garage conversion for less than 6 digits.

Your low end is way too low. High end of price depends on finishes, size, conversion or not, and numerous other criteria.

Good luck

Tess Reitz · Answer

Hi Jimmy, I have family in the San Diego area that were exploring an ADU through ADU Geeks, who you may be able to connect with for more info depending on where your property is located. Their average cost estimates were $250/sq foot for a single-story detached or attached ADU. Garage conversions were generally a little less.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Assuming the garage is a typical 20' x 20' or 400 SF, that's only $250 SF. Seems ok right?

Twana Rasoul · Answer

@Jimmy Cooper I'm starting construction on one of my garage conversions here in San Diego which is going to cost a little over a 100k (even though I don't think it should be), this is for a 2 single car garage space being turned into a 1bed/1bath.

For detached garages (I'm starting on a couple here as well) they are anywhere between $250/sf to $500/sf+

Jon Schwartz · Answer

It really depends on the ADU. The cheapest ADU, more or less, is a converted garage. I have a client who's having her garage converted into a studio for $120K. That's the reasonable low end.

From there, the sky's the limit. A lot depends on the finishes you select, as well as how fancy you want to get. I'm building an ADU from scratch with an architect on a hillside. Nothing fancy, trying to save costs, but nicely designed. We're targeting 800 sq ft and a total budget (inclusive of everything) around $600K.

Jonathan Klemm · Answer

Hey @Jimmy Cooper - Where are you at in SoCal? My friend @Doug Spence is in San Diego and might be able to provide some guidance.

Here in Chicago, ADU's can range from $225-275/SF but thats obviously pretty relative to the area and subject to type of ADU (i.e, basement vs. garage).

Hope that helps.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

How many SF? Is your 'Contractor friend' a State Licensed General Contractor? Can't be...no one would say $75k.....

How much is a SoCal ADU?

How much is a SoCal ADU?

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