First Rehab Converting Garage to ADU! Do you use draftsmen or architects?

Question

I bought my first investment property and did a rehab myself on the main unit, but I want to make the detached garage an ADU to househack for now. I want to act as GC and do some of the easier work myself, but I could definitely use advice on how to go about that. I see architects, designers, and draftsmen who all generally seem to get the same thing done.

Who / what do investors use for city approvals and how do you find that person? My given assumptions are that the Cert of Occupancy is worth the trouble if I sell or use it as an Airbnb and also that this would be too specific and difficult to do myself.

Any advice would be immensely appreciated!

Joseph Cacciapaglia · Answer

You should check with whatever municipality you'll be dealing with, as they often have different requirements. Here in San Antonio, I'd use an architect for that, and may need to have separate engineer and/or trades stamps as well, depending on the scope of work.

Finding them is just as tough as finding good contractors. On my first project, I went through several architects before finding one that I thought fully understood the assignment. A great architect will save you money with good design. A poor architect will cost you money for "good" design.