Process of Turning Space Into

Our first step is understanding your ADU vision and evaluating its feasibility. We provide a free virtual site assessment, zoning analysis, and budget estimate as part of this process. We’ll also identify any overlay zones or potential challenges that could impact your project. This gives you a clear, high-level overview of feasibility, costs, and answers to any questions you may have.

If you’ve already secured financing for your project, you can skip this step. Otherwise, now is the perfect time to explore funding options. With an estimated all-in cost for your ADU project—including design, permits, sitework, and construction—we can also recommend lenders who specialize in ADU financing.

We’ll create a detailed proposal outlining the complete, all-inclusive costs for your ADU project. Our process is thorough, reviewing over 75 property-specific factors to ensure precise scoping and budgeting. With insights from discovery calls and virtual site visits, our proposal delivers the same depth as Feasibility Reports that often cost $2,500 elsewhere—but at no upfront charge. Once you approve the proposal, we’ll start the Feasibility Study, and you’ll only be billed after the work is completed.

The Feasibility phase includes a comprehensive planimetric and topographic survey, utility mapping and planning, and a full evaluation of local regulations and site-specific conditions. During this critical stage, we develop your floor plan, exterior elevations, and detailed 3D renderings. If required, we also handle boundary surveys, septic system planning, and preliminary reviews with local jurisdictions. All findings, along with a preliminary project budget, are compiled into a complete Feasibility Study. Timeline: • Standard Plan: 8–10 weeks • Custom Plan: 10–12 weeks

Once you approve the Feasibility Report, our drafting team prepares all required architectural drawings, calculations, and reports needed for city permit applications. This includes any necessary documents for HOA approvals, soil reports, or construction loan applications. During this stage, we conduct a detailed constructability analysis to ensure the design is practical and fully compliant. After finalizing the construction documents (CDs), we provide a Construction Estimate Agreement (CEA), locking in your project price for up to 6 months while permits are processed. Timeline: 4–6 weeks

We handle the submission of plans to the city and obtain all required permits, working closely with the building department to expedite the review and approval process. Our dedicated in-house permitting team will also inform you of any plan check and permit fees that need to be paid. Timeline: 3–6 months Timeline: 4–6 weeks

We help clients select interior and exterior design materials early in the process to ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget. While your plans are under city review, you’ll make your design choices. You can choose from our standard designs in the Look Book, opt for custom finishes a la carte, or provide your own materials for us to incorporate.

With permits in hand, construction typically begins within 2–4 weeks. We manage every aspect of the process, right through to the final punch list, ensuring your ADU meets or exceeds your expectations. The timeline for this phase depends on factors such as the size of the unit and the responsiveness of city inspectors, with two-story units typically requiring an additional 3–4 weeks. Timeline: 5–7 months