Thanks for the info Rich. Could I ask if the $200K for an ADU of 800 sft. on OC is just for construction or also covers design, permits, utilities etc Thanks
Hi, we'll be doing an update several months from now when Rich has completed his ADU on whether or not the realm estimate was accurate and how his project turned out. :)
@@allupinu5792 Thanks for sharing. The wide range of costs is one of the reasons I want to do more interviews with folks actually finishing their ADUs. Please feel free to email me or comment if you know somebody who has finished an ADU and wants to talk about costs.
The main service they promote in LA-area and Bay Area is a "Get It Done" package. There's a $500 deposit which you get credited back to you if you use one of the builders or designers they find for you. So it's $500 upfront, but you could get it all back. If you come from my link you can save $100 on that deposit. And they have other services at other price points too, including free virtual estimates. Hope that helps!
Thank you for all the videos and information you give. I just started the second phase with villa. With 10k cost, we are moving to design and permitting process. I chose villa because they are prefab so I don't have to have a whole construction team on my yard for months. I'd like to find out more about others experiences.
I’m curious as to what the $10 included, if not for the design, since they’re a pre-approved company as listed on LABDS. Iv spoken with them and think they’re pre approved designs are very nice, but the costs were out of my budget. Lots of middlemen costs. I do like that they offer custom designs, but that’ll be an additional cost. Be wishes on your project!
As far as I understand... In their process, you pay Realm a bit of money to find your designer. Then the designers pitch you before you sign a contract. Then once you get designs, they help you find builders. And you already have designs before you get into contract with the builder. So you sign a small agreement with Realm before knowing what kind of ADU you're going to get. But then you custom design it with a designer of your choice, or walk away.
Hi Lynn - I'm Kerry with Realm. Similar premise, but we use local data to support homeowners in getting more transparency around all of their options (pricing estimates, home value impact, rental data, zoning, etc..). Then we advise throughout the process to ensure you are working with hyper local vendors we have a relationship with.
Hi, im in Southern California too. I am building a basement ADU. My current cost are 12k for Design, 7k for engineering, and 2.5k for survey. I wanted to know if those numbers are correct?
Yes, the architecture firm where I work charges in that ballpark for custom designs, engineering and a boundary survey. You can save a bit of money on this step, but it's a good way to spend a few thousand extra on good design and save yourself a lot on construction costs down the road.
@@HowToADU thank you. I appreciate you answering this question because this is the first time I do some sort of remodel (ADU project) and the information on the internet is not so clear. I am scared that all I’m doing is losing my money because it happened to my parents with a contractor. Anyway, thank you for all the content.
Here's a question, Should I assume that the Architect/Designer person will allocate all costs for drawings that will include their Design, MEP and Structural Drawings? Or should i be hiring the consultants as I go?
Most architects I have worked with will include those three things but not necessarily other drawings like boundary surveys or geotech soil reports. structural, energy and MEP Al change when the architect makes changes to the design (especially footprint, elevations, and openings). So they often iterate with the engineers. It’s worth asking each designer you get a quote from if these elements are included or extra. That’s part of the bid analysis that realm does with you
Hi Simon! Do you mean that architects charge / sq. ft. of the whole house? The main home shouldn't come into pricing at all - not even taxes actually (the construction cost is the only impact on the taxes, not the main home). Are you pursuing any renovations?
Great channel!!! If you can kindly help me with a questions please…. With the new SB 9 law passing in California, do you believe it would be possible to build a total of 8 units on the property?? Meaning if you sub divide the lot in 2, would you be able to build a duplex+ADU+JADU on each of the 2 lots…??? Thank you in advance
Thanks for the question, I answered on the other post where you made this comment. For others reading, SB9 has language that says cities do not have to ministerially approve ADUs or JADUs if you've used both sections of SB9 so 8 is not really going to happen unless the specific city has made a choice to approve more units. I don't expect this to happen much. Good visual guide to all the possible combos to get to 4 units: sites.google.com/view/alfredtwu/infographics/sb9
@@themoneyteamsanchez3505 Thanks for watching and asking your question! If any jurisdictions actually start approving more than 4 units on a lot, you better believe I will make a video about it ;)
As a follow up- under SB 9, without splitting a lot, they allow for a duplex plus 2 detached adu’s. My question would be, if I own a single family home with an attached garage, would I be able to convert my attached garage into a duplex? Even if the converted garage would be substantially smaller than the primary duplex? And if so, are there additional hoops to do? Thanks in advance
@@themoneyteamsanchez3505 good question. I think that would depend on the local zoning requirements for duplexes and other residential structures. You would have to apply to convert your attached garage under section 1 of SB9. And if they approved that, after you were done, you could apply for ministerial permits for two detached ADUs. Note: some jurisdictions only interpret the first detached adu to be eligible for statewide exemptions to things like FAR and open space requirements. So be careful and check with planning early for both parts of the project!
Hello Ryan. I need your assistance on a project. I have replied to your email with no success in your reply. I know your busy! Hope to hear from you soon! Enjoy your videos and information! Thanks!
Sorry about that - I just found it and replied. If you want to pursue this, you should really speak to an attorney about AB670 and your correspondence so far with the HOA. Sounds shady, but it can be realllly hard to fight an HOA, even when you're right.
Hi Simon - I'm Kerry with Realm. All-in design costs range depending on the architectural team you choose. Most of the design costs we see from architects in our network range from $5,500 - $8,500. Although, yes sometimes it can hit $10k if you opt-in for add-ons (permit expediting, 3D renderings, for example).
Yes, and the lending options are pretty ill equipped for now. But it's getting better every year. And SB9 now gives people even more options because (under some conditions) they can split the lot and sell it to finance part of their project!
I hired REALM because of your video and so far I am beyond impressed. Thank you.
That's great to hear! Let me know when your project nears completion and we should do an episode about your experience!!
Talked to Kerry over the weekend and he was great. Thanks Ryan!
Sorry to hear that! I’ve forwarded your comment to Realm and hope they get in touch and make it up to you.
Hi Ryan. This is February 2024. Is there any follow up to this video like you mentioned? If there is can you give us a link? Thanks, kevin
Super helpful video - I love ADUs and have been looking for a company like this
Thanks for watching. Let us know how it goes!
Thanks for the info Rich. Could I ask if the $200K for an ADU of 800 sft. on OC is just for construction or also covers design, permits, utilities etc
Thanks
Hi, we'll be doing an update several months from now when Rich has completed his ADU on whether or not the realm estimate was accurate and how his project turned out. :)
@@HowToADU Ok, will keep an eye out
Thanks
Dahm that’s crazy .... I seen decent 800sqft ADU built for $120 k .
@@allupinu5792 Thanks for sharing. The wide range of costs is one of the reasons I want to do more interviews with folks actually finishing their ADUs. Please feel free to email me or comment if you know somebody who has finished an ADU and wants to talk about costs.
Did we miss the update? Great vid!
This is great info. Thank you!
What does/how much does Realm charge?
The main service they promote in LA-area and Bay Area is a "Get It Done" package. There's a $500 deposit which you get credited back to you if you use one of the builders or designers they find for you. So it's $500 upfront, but you could get it all back. If you come from my link you can save $100 on that deposit. And they have other services at other price points too, including free virtual estimates.
Hope that helps!
Thank you for all the videos and information you give. I just started the second phase with villa. With 10k cost, we are moving to design and permitting process. I chose villa because they are prefab so I don't have to have a whole construction team on my yard for months. I'd like to find out more about others experiences.
Thanks for sharing! You said they’ve charged you $10,000 before design and permitting?
@@HowToADU Yes. 😂😂 I assume since it's prefab, the design is already there, just few personalized upgrades.
@@GTZZTG Interesting - let me know how it goes. Be careful out there!
I’m curious as to what the $10 included, if not for the design, since they’re a pre-approved company as listed on LABDS. Iv spoken with them and think they’re pre approved designs are very nice, but the costs were out of my budget. Lots of middlemen costs. I do like that they offer custom designs, but that’ll be an additional cost. Be wishes on your project!
BEST wishes… typo
Do they provide what the features of the ADU before signing the contract?
As far as I understand...
In their process, you pay Realm a bit of money to find your designer. Then the designers pitch you before you sign a contract. Then once you get designs, they help you find builders. And you already have designs before you get into contract with the builder.
So you sign a small agreement with Realm before knowing what kind of ADU you're going to get. But then you custom design it with a designer of your choice, or walk away.
Really sounds like Buildzoom, but on a smaller scale.
Hi Lynn - I'm Kerry with Realm. Similar premise, but we use local data to support homeowners in getting more transparency around all of their options (pricing estimates, home value impact, rental data, zoning, etc..). Then we advise throughout the process to ensure you are working with hyper local vendors we have a relationship with.
@@kerryross7020 Thanks for your reply, Kerry. Does Realm assist with getting permits?
Hi, im in Southern California too. I am building a basement ADU. My current cost are 12k for Design, 7k for engineering, and 2.5k for survey. I wanted to know if those numbers are correct?
Yes, the architecture firm where I work charges in that ballpark for custom designs, engineering and a boundary survey. You can save a bit of money on this step, but it's a good way to spend a few thousand extra on good design and save yourself a lot on construction costs down the road.
@@HowToADU thank you. I appreciate you answering this question because this is the first time I do some sort of remodel (ADU project) and the information on the internet is not so clear. I am scared that all I’m doing is losing my money because it happened to my parents with a contractor. Anyway, thank you for all the content.
Here's a question, Should I assume that the Architect/Designer person will allocate all costs for drawings that will include their Design, MEP and Structural Drawings? Or should i be hiring the consultants as I go?
Most architects I have worked with will include those three things but not necessarily other drawings like boundary surveys or geotech soil reports. structural, energy and MEP Al change when the architect makes changes to the design (especially footprint, elevations, and openings). So they often iterate with the engineers. It’s worth asking each designer you get a quote from if these elements are included or extra. That’s part of the bid analysis that realm does with you
I've been told they charge you per square foot of the whole house even though they're only working on the Adu side
Hi Simon! Do you mean that architects charge / sq. ft. of the whole house? The main home shouldn't come into pricing at all - not even taxes actually (the construction cost is the only impact on the taxes, not the main home). Are you pursuing any renovations?
Great channel!!! If you can kindly help me with a questions please…. With the new SB 9 law passing in California, do you believe it would be possible to build a total of 8 units on the property?? Meaning if you sub divide the lot in 2, would you be able to build a duplex+ADU+JADU on each of the 2 lots…??? Thank you in advance
Thanks for the question, I answered on the other post where you made this comment. For others reading, SB9 has language that says cities do not have to ministerially approve ADUs or JADUs if you've used both sections of SB9 so 8 is not really going to happen unless the specific city has made a choice to approve more units. I don't expect this to happen much. Good visual guide to all the possible combos to get to 4 units: sites.google.com/view/alfredtwu/infographics/sb9
@@HowToADU you are the man, thanks for taking the time to respond.
@@themoneyteamsanchez3505 Thanks for watching and asking your question!
If any jurisdictions actually start approving more than 4 units on a lot, you better believe I will make a video about it ;)
As a follow up- under SB 9, without splitting a lot, they allow for a duplex plus 2 detached adu’s. My question would be, if I own a single family home with an attached garage, would I be able to convert my attached garage into a duplex? Even if the converted garage would be substantially smaller than the primary duplex? And if so, are there additional hoops to do? Thanks in advance
@@themoneyteamsanchez3505 good question. I think that would depend on the local zoning requirements for duplexes and other residential structures. You would have to apply to convert your attached garage under section 1 of SB9. And if they approved that, after you were done, you could apply for ministerial permits for two detached ADUs. Note: some jurisdictions only interpret the first detached adu to be eligible for statewide exemptions to things like FAR and open space requirements. So be careful and check with planning early for both parts of the project!
Hello Ryan. I need your assistance on a project. I have replied to your email with no success in your reply. I know your busy! Hope to hear from you soon! Enjoy your videos and information! Thanks!
Sorry about that - I just found it and replied. If you want to pursue this, you should really speak to an attorney about AB670 and your correspondence so far with the HOA. Sounds shady, but it can be realllly hard to fight an HOA, even when you're right.
$10k just to design?
Hi Simon - I'm Kerry with Realm. All-in design costs range depending on the architectural team you choose. Most of the design costs we see from architects in our network range from $5,500 - $8,500. Although, yes sometimes it can hit $10k if you opt-in for add-ons (permit expediting, 3D renderings, for example).
Too bad not every homeowner can afford to build an adu without getting in debt.
Yes, and the lending options are pretty ill equipped for now. But it's getting better every year. And SB9 now gives people even more options because (under some conditions) they can split the lot and sell it to finance part of their project!