Step-by-Step Guide Building a guest house with ADU360

This roadmap offers a clear overview of our proven process, taking you from initial planning to the final touches of construction. Each step includes detailed insights, and our team is always available to help you get started or answer your questions along the way.

01

Free Discovery Process

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.

02

Financing

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.

03

PROPOSAL

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.

04

Feasibility Study & Design

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

05

Construction & Price Fix

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

06

Permitting & Revision

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

07

Design and Material Selection

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.

08

Construction Phase

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

Book an On-Site
Feasibility Consultation

ADU360 is a Los Angeles based design & build construction firm that specializes in ADU developments.

 

Our Office

15500 Erwin St #2002
Van Nuys, CA   91411

get updates

Email

© 2022 – 2025 | All rights reserved.

Website designed by LIONDEL STUDIO