How Much Is ADU Feasibility Study in Sacramento, California?

If you wonder why a feasibility study is crucial for the ADU project, let’s imagine that you are commencing to build an accessory dwelling unit, but it turns out that your units clash with utilities during construction or unstable soil leads to foundation issues.

To determine whether your potential project is viable and what measures you should take to make it so, homeowners conduct feasibility studies before construction begins. Besides, an ADU feasibility study enables you to determine the financial viability of your project and identify the best ADU location on your property with respect to all pertinent constraints.

ADU Project Feasibility Study: What It Includes

A feasibility study is a written report that encompasses several components, each of which highlights a tricky side of ADU construction.

It contains detailed information about the following:

• Basic Survey

This survey describes notable features within 10 feet of the proposed ADU. They may include any sort of existing habitable space or other structures, such as fences, trees, bushes, and so on.

• Mapping of Utilities

No matter if we’re building a new ADU or converting existing habitable space, the location of utilities is crucial, as we not only prevent potential interference with ADU construction but also choose the optimal utility connection path.

• Site Plan

Before you build accessory dwelling units, you need to know where to locate them. A site plan is a blueprint of your ADU set on the property with respect to all features we discovered: other structures, property constraints, setbacks and zoning requirements, and local jurisdiction rules.

• Designing ADU

The design phase is an essential step when we build an ADU, as ADU designs vary widely depending on site configuration, particularities, and architectural preferences. Whether it’s a backyard cottage with a custom design or an ADU studio converted from a garage, your design should incorporate features for maximum functionality.

• Final ADU Costs

A feasibility study implies a customized financial analysis of your expenses with the updated information we just received. Knowing all the pitfalls of the construction process specific to your site, we can make sure there will be no additional costs, from permit fees to unexpected site preparation costs.

All in all, our adapted feasibility study incorporates a multi-aspect study of your future project, from a site visit to comprehensive blueprinting, law study, and budget planning.

ADU Feasibility Study: When Recommended

The short answer to whether you must conduct an adaptive feasibility study or not is “no.” Some contractors and their business partners prefer to proceed with ADU construction directly. However, since a feasibility study provides you with a clear understanding of your property’s unique features, an estimate of your costs, and the knowledge that your project will obtain city approval, spending some money and time on it is usually a worthwhile investment.

In our opinion, avoiding this step places the homeowner at undue risk, especially if there are reasons to believe that your property may have specific features that prevent simple construction. For example, a seismic risk or flood zone, poor soil condition, complex zoning restrictions, unusual setbacks, protected objects, or easement on your property. Neglecting it, you can encounter such complications as legal conflicts due to non-compliance, costly alterations to your property or modifications to an already-built ADU, and many more, leading to more extensive and expensive works.

Therefore, as responsible contractors, we offer to conduct the study when you build an ADU to prevent later issues, save you money in the long run, and ensure the safety and longevity of your ADU construction.

ADU Feasibility Study Pros

If you conduct feasibility studies, there are several positive things it enables you to do:

• Prevent Delays

The information collected during the feasibility study helps in identifying any challenges and organizing the process in the most efficient way. By addressing all potential issues upfront, you can significantly speed up the ADU process. Let’s say there’s a drainage issue that can potentially lead to water accumulation. It can damage the construction materials or even the ADU’s interior. However, if you conduct a feasibility study, you may learn that your property needs French drains and go on with the process without halters.

• Avoid Costly Errors

For instance, with a proper site plan, you can find out the location of existing utilities and avoid damaging them accidentally during construction. By developing strategies to mitigate risks, you can minimize ADU construction costs.

• Select the Best Layout

When planning your ADU with existing structures or existing lines of utilities in mind, you can choose the floor plan that fits your individual needs. For instance, your plot has slopes on it. You conduct an on-site inspection and determine that a layout with varying ground elevations will suit your site the best as it can capitalize on the unique terrain.

• Access Project Profitability

To decide whether your project is worth it or not, it’s essential to calculate potential costs and compare them with potential profits. We assess your ADU potential by comparing estimated construction costs, utility study expenses, permit fees, and other ADU costs with the proposed ADU income and revenue.

• Adhere to Zoning Requirements

The major milestones of the feasibility study are studies of zoning rules, building codes, and local ordinances. We navigate laws in the ADU construction field to avert potential non-compliance issues with your project.

All in all, the purpose of a feasibility study is to explore your site and detect possible challenges, predict the overall project cost, ensure compliance with ADU regulations, and make an informed decision about your construction and design process.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What is the feasibility of ADU?

Feasibility of ADU means the likelihood of successfully building an ADU under the conditions inherent in a particular plot. Examining the project’s feasibility allows you to make sure your ADU can practically occupy the place on the land you dedicated it to without causing extensive issues and expenses.

How much does a 500-square-foot ADU cost in Sacramento, California?

The cost of an ADU can vary depending on many factors, including size, design intricacy, location, the scope of site preparation works, the need for extra utility connections, and many others. The common cost of a 500-square-foot ADU may be around $150,000–$300,000. However, it doesn’t mean it can’t be higher or lower for your lot in particular.

How much is a permit for an ADU in Sacramento, California?

Typically, they establish the fee for ADU permission on a per-square-foot basis. Hence, ADUs larger than 750 sq. ft. may be subject to extra impact fees. The permitting cost typically ranges from $8 to $12 per square foot, so for a 500-square-foot ADU, it may start around $3,700, while for a 750-square-foot ADU, the cost may be as much as $7,500 or more. However, these cost ranges are not universal for all cities, so we strongly recommend studying local rates.

What are ADUs for?

You can use an ADU to accommodate extended family members and house guests, generate rental income, and use it for work, studying, or hobbies. Also, it’s possible to run a business from detached units or invest in them now to resell lucratively later, benefiting from the increase in real estate prices.