All Forum Posts by: Brandon Carlson

Hi BP,

For over a year now I have been thinking of building an ADU. With that said, what's your experience been like when obtaining architect plans/designs? I live in Los Angeles County, specifically the San Gabriel Valley.

I've called around and received quotes ranging from $4500 - $7000 for a 2 bedroom 1 bath ADU at 749 sqft. The services include the following:

Architectural Design: Creating a new design that fits your scope and complies with city requirements, and providing necessary drawings and details

Structural Design: Designing the structure to support the new ADU and items and providing necessary drawings, details, and calculations

Title 24: Requirement for new living space to analyze energy efficiency and utility effectiveness with new square footage. 

I discovered ADU Building Plans.com and they have pre-designed plans for $50. If I go this route, would I have to sub out the structural design and title 24 part? How much architectural work is actually needed for an ADU? I am trying to justify the cost. I plan on project managing this job and using subs for framing, foundation, etc. to help control costs.

And what are development impact fees and the cost?  I hear they don't apply for units under 750 sqft.

Thank you for any input or advice. My goal for next year, is to complete this project. 

Amazing story. Congratulations!

@Natalie Allen do you wholesale in Bloomington Indiana? If so, I would love to chat. 

Best

@Jason Malabute I see your from California. Always nice to chime in with a Cali guy. Similar to you, I have been exploring the Bloomington area. I was told Monroe County may be an opportunity for investors. 

@Aaron K. I agree. That price point doesn't have much room to drop, demand will be their due to first time homebuyers. 

@Aaron K. I am doing the same. Just waiting patiently to see what pans out in the next 6-9 months. Obviously, timing the market is difficulty and by no means I'm I stating that something is happening but I am predicting some sort of correction. 

What are your thoughts of where the market is heading? 

@Aaron K. Thank you for your input. Murrieta has been on my radar as well as Temecula. Great school system and both towns have a lot to offer. To your point, I may have to look for B neighborhoods based on the type of people I want to attract to my rental. 

By any chance do you invest in  Murrietta/Fontana?

Hi BP,

With SoCal home prices on fire right now and people moving towards the suburbs, where would you invest in the Inland Empire?

I recently heard some news that Amazon is on a hiring frenzy, hiring thousands of employees in Riverside County. 

Previous articles I read suggest Menifee, Jurupa Valley, and Riverside may be some areas to consider but would love to get some feedback from BP. 

I currently reside in San Gabriel Valley and looking to purchase a second property, either SFR or multi-family.

Any input is much appreciated. 

Best,

@Mark Futalan Congrats on your purchase in La Quinta. My brother and I have been considering Rancho Mirage/La Quinta area for STR.

Is your rental a home or a condo?

Best,

@Ashlyn Harris Yucca valley has sparked my interest as well. What areas do you recommend?

Best,