ADU Survey: Building ADUs Precisely

Before advancing with the actual building of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), homeowners may wonder if they have to obtain a survey. Indeed, in Sacramento, California, permit submission requires a site plan, but the requirement for a boundary survey needs to be clarified and depends on various factors.

How do you avoid making grave mistakes during accessory dwelling unit planning? What is the purpose of an ADU survey? Let’s explore the challenges associated with ADU survey regulations that arise before starting the construction of accessory dwelling units!

Survey Requirement

Whether you require a survey for your ADU project or not is contingent on several factors, such as ADU location, site condition, city regulations, and even the discretion of the building inspector assigned to your ADU construction project.

In previous years, it was possible to move past the planning stage without a survey, but recently, the law in many jurisdictions started to mandate a survey for all ADU constructions. In some regions, even though the survey was originally unnecessary, the inspector makes the final decision. If they deem it necessary to provide additional information about the site, it means extra delays in constructing your unit. Let alone additional monetary resources.

In order to avoid these mishaps, a good ADU builder places a strong emphasis on thorough preparation for the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), incorporating basic ADU surveys if required, especially when near property boundaries.

Such surveys are inherently detailed maps of the land aimed to describe its terrain (highs and lows, slopes, boundaries, etc.). This information is important to know when it comes to designing a proper ADU foundation or managing water drainage on the land.

Types of ADU Surveys

Homeowners may need to complete several types of surveys to build an accessory dwelling unit. They involve the following:

• Planimetric and Limited Topographic Survey

We require the planimetric when there’s a need to learn about existing site features. For instance, if your property has trees and other vegetation, driveways, or a structure already built on it, it’s vital to understand how all this is going to work with the new ADU. As for the limited topographic survey, we apply it to examine the area that the new ADU will occupy and learn how the landscape of the area will affect the foundation and water-outflow choices.

• Boundary Survey

It marks where your property ends. When you build an ADU, you have to abide by setback requirements that state the right spot for your residential construction. Building rules and zoning regulations prescribe that an ADU cannot be closer to property lines than 4 feet, so the property lines must have a defined position.

• Building Verification Survey

This survey, aimed at ensuring compliance with the setback requirements, usually goes hand in hand with the previous one. When conducted, it allows homeowners not to worry about the correctness of their structure’s location.

• Stake Building Corners

It ensures the physical marking of the ADU’s concrete location. Focusing on the exact area your ADU will occupy, professionals use stakes to mark the corners of the construction site.

Survey Costs for Accessory Dwelling Units

If you apply for surveys, you may expect to pay up to $4,000–$10,000, depending on the survey type and number. Specific cities may or may not demand particular types of surveys. For instance, homeowners usually have to complete planimetric and stake-building corners, but some jurisdictions can also ask for boundary and building verification surveys. So the price will soar accordingly.

The other factors that influence costs encompass these:

• Age and location of the previous survey

If your last survey needs to be updated (it holds information from tens of years ago) and it describes a property far from the current site, you’ll have to pay way more because it necessitates re-mapping the entire surrounding area.

• Characteristics of your plot

Properties with steep slopes or pits frequently mandate a grading survey for civil engineering. Grading plans describe the unevenness of the ground for easier grading, but they increase your expenses.

To determine whether your ADU needs the survey or not and how much it will cost in advance, it’s crucial to request a personalized quote for your property.

Advantages of ADU Surveys

It may seem quite expensive, but there are valid reasons to purchase surveys for ADUs. They include:

• Helping to detect potential technical obstacles that may arise during construction. If you learn this valuable information before building, you can save time and money in the long run. Surveys act as a form of insurance so that you don’t need to redo expensive construction work or risk your safety.
• Avoiding issues with ADU permits When you get feedback from surveys, you’ll know how to build in the correct way. So, when it’s time to apply for permission, everything will be in order.

All in all, surveys for ADUs are necessary tools that help you ensure a smooth construction process and better predict expenditures.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

How much time does it take to conduct surveys for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)?

Completing surveys for ADU typically takes fieldwork and data analysis. They inspect your site for 1-2 days and then spend another 1-2 weeks putting everything together at the office of the county surveyor. However, you also have to wait a few weeks before scheduling the survey because they’re in demand.

How does the building of ADUs support communities?

ADUs are affordable housing options that help you stay within your community and participate in improving your local economy. This way, ADUs indirectly support your neighbors as well, developing a diverse social-economic environment.

Can I rent out my ADU?

Besides housing elderly parents or grown children, you can also rent your ADUs. Renting ADUs can potentially bring up to $1500-$2000 of monthly income, depending on the neighborhood and popularity of the city.

Can I convert my basement into an ADU?

Sure. You can either build an ADU from scratch or convert it from existing non-residential structures like your garage. Also, it’s possible to create internal ADUs in your basement or attic. If you have further questions about ADUs, contact trustworthy ADU builders.