Los Angeles ADU design cost
There's also a ton of pre-fab companies that do ADU's, which includes the cost of design and construction in one, like Connect-Homes and LivingHomes (they are pricier). Good luck!
In Bay Area all-in architect fee for me to build a detached ADU (800 sq. ft.) was $12K (inclusive of engineering and title 24). Permit fees total were roughly $5K. Hope this provides a reference from another expensive area in CA. More detailed breakdown below.
https://infinitesabbatical.com/adu-permit-process-and-fees-5-step-guide/
Originally posted by @Lily Kerrigan Bergmann:There's also a ton of pre-fab companies that do ADU's, which includes the cost of design and construction in one, like Connect-Homes and LivingHomes (they are pricier). Good luck!
Yes I have considered them but they are way pricier!!
Originally posted by @Mattian Tad:Originally posted by @Lily Kerrigan Bergmann:There's also a ton of pre-fab companies that do ADU's, which includes the cost of design and construction in one, like Connect-Homes and LivingHomes (they are pricier). Good luck!
Yes I have considered them but they are way pricier!!
Yes, that tends to happen at any firm that has more overhead (i.e. employees). My last though is Office of Mobile Design (OMD), but they might also be pretty pricey. Otherwise, you'll want to find a sole proprietor architect who is working out of their home.
FYI - The City of San Jose has some pre-approved plans with these 2 private companies.I wouldn't be surprised if LA or other jurisdictions started doing this too.
@Mattian Tad hey there! Send me a PM I may be able
To help you with this.
Just came across United Dwelling which only has 1 ADU option (studio) but it's about $88k and they do all the work from getting the permit to even managing the tenants (if you go with that option). Have been trying to figure out options for ADU myself.
I've seen it cost between $6-15k depending on the complexity/etc. I have a list of our 'approved' vendors...DM me if you'd like a copy. Thx.
We built an ADU in San Diego a year ago and we hired a drafter who specialized in ADU designs. His total fee was approximately $6.5K and the permit fees were $2.7K. I made the mistake of assuming a cost of $150/SF for construction and we originally had a 2 story design (1,200 SF). Once I began getting price quotes from contractors, the cost was $275-$350 per SF. Eventually, we ended up paying $300 per SF for construction. We also reduced the SF of the ADU to 499 SF. We paid cash for the construction and the 499 SF was b/c we would not have to pay additional fees to the city (ie. sewer cap, school, etc).
I'd like to do it again, but this time, I'd do the following:
1. Use one of the pre-approved designs that are available from local cities and make sure that my city will approve their pre-designs.
2. Pay a contractor for his/her time to review the plans and provide a more accurate estimate. I noticed that when I asked for quotes, many contractors didn't want to take the time to provide a detailed line item estimate and I understood why.
3. I should have done more research from the City on how their fees are determined and what fees are triggered based on the size of the ADU.
If you'd like to know more, you can send me a message.
I agree with those who have said this should be in the 8-12k range plus permits. I've worked on several ADU projects and the design, architecture, engineering costs have netted out in that range. Hope that helps!
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Mario: is that ground-up ADU or conversion?
@Mattian Tad I just got a bid for $3,500 with title 24 and engineering. ADU size - 1100 sqft. I'm meeting with the architect today actually.
If you need a referral let me know, I've worked with him in the past.
Originally posted by @Brandon Carlson:@Mattian Tad I just got a bid for $3,500 with title 24 and engineering. ADU size - 1100 sqft. I'm meeting with the architect today actually.
If you need a referral let me know, I've worked with him in the past.
Brandon, if you can please provide me a referral I would appreciate it.
@Flavio Guzman Magana
3,500 for plans, engineering and title 24 is too cheap. Your contractor is only as good as your design team and engineer. You may think you are saving now but there are so many instances I’m glad I pay my engineer $3,000 alone as he saves me $15,000 in construction costs. The plans are cheap relative to the construction costs. I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t go cheap on the pre-construction. If you want to save money then save it on the flooring, tile, doors, etc. When you try to save it on design and engineering it’s my experience you pay more in construction and you don’t even know it because you don’t know how to read engineering. Sorry to be blunt but I hope this helps.
Quote from @Brandon Carlson:Greetings,
@Mattian Tad I just got a bid for $3,500 with title 24 and engineering. ADU size - 1100 sqft. I'm meeting with the architect today actually.
If you need a referral let me know, I've worked with him in the past.
Did you go through with architect? Would you recommend? I’m in the market for ADU floor plans in the city of Downey. If possible could you refer?
Quote from @Maria Velasquez:
Quote from @Brandon Carlson:Greetings,
@Mattian Tad I just got a bid for $3,500 with title 24 and engineering. ADU size - 1100 sqft. I'm meeting with the architect today actually.
If you need a referral let me know, I've worked with him in the past.
Did you go through with architect? Would you recommend? I’m in the market for ADU floor plans in the city of Downey. If possible could you refer?
I'm an L.A. architect and primarily do ADU's these days. Many designers and architects quote a low price but it doesn't include working with the city to get your permit, which is primarily what you need. And, I've had clients come to me with half-baked plans from others that would never pass code. However, you can benefit you're comfortable and willing to work directly with the building department, bureau of engineering, etc.