Building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be a costly adventure. However, with proper planning and financing, you can save yourself quite a bit of money. Here is an ADU development cost breakdown to help you figure out where you can save the most money.
Design And Planning
There are four main ADU costs and the first one is design and planning. This phase of ADU development is characterized by figuring out how you want your ADU to look and the necessary drawings to make it all happen. For this stage, you will need things like:
- Architectural drawings
- Energy calculations
- Land surveys
Costs will vary from person to person depending on your unique requirements. On average though, this stage costs between $6,000 to $14,000. You can save money by simplifying your plans as much as possible.
City Fees
There will be fees that you will have to pay your city for things like:
- Building permit
- Plan check
- Utility fees
These fees will vary from city to city, but they are usually around $3,000 to $11,000.
Construction And Materials
The price of your contractor will depend on who you choose and the complexity of the build. The same goes for raw materials. How fancy you want your ADU to be will affect the price of the materials. However, some local contractors may be able to get you deals with suppliers they work with often to save you money on your materials.
The average cost of this section of ADU development is between $250 to $300 per square foot.
Finish Materials
Finish materials will bring a decorative look to your ADU and make it feel homier. They include things like:
- Windows
- Cabinetry
- Tile
Your design tastes will be the deciding factor in this aspect of ADU costs. On average though, this section of ADU development costs between $50.00 to $75.00 per square foot.
Total ADU Costs
The total ADU costs will vary from person to person. How you decide to save money on each section will determine your overall costs. Be sure to budget each section out before you start any development to ensure you don’t overspend.
On average though, a new ADU costs around $161,700 – $201,125.
