Project roadmap
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1. Property & Feasibility
Understand the property, your goal, and the local rules that shape what is worth exploring. ADU California does not publish property determinations — local agencies do.
- • Write down what the space needs to do for you
- • Note lot size, existing structures, and site access
- • Contact your city or county planning department about setbacks, height, size, and parking
2. Design
Turn the idea into a documented set that a plan checker and a builder can both read.
- • Engage a designer or architect
- • Review the layout against how you'll actually use the space
- • Confirm the drawing set your jurisdiction expects
3. Engineering
Confirm whether structural, civil, or geotechnical engineering is required, and get it documented.
- • Ask your designer which engineering disciplines apply
- • Order soils or drainage work if the site calls for it
- • Coordinate engineering with the architectural set before submitting
4. Budget & Financing
Build a range, not a single number, and keep a contingency separate from the construction figure.
- • Use the cost estimator for a planning range
- • Separate soft costs from construction costs
- • Decide how the project would be paid for
5. Permits
Submit to your jurisdiction and work through plan check comments.
- • Submit the plan set to your building department
- • Track corrections and resubmittals
- • Confirm utility, school, and impact fee requirements
6. Contractor Selection
Compare licensed professionals and written scopes before committing.
- • Verify licenses directly with CSLB
- • Get more than one written proposal
- • Compare scope and exclusions, not only price
7. Construction
Construction, coordination, and change management.
- • Keep a written change-order process
- • Hold a regular schedule check-in
- • Document progress with dated photos
8. Inspections
Work through required inspection milestones with your building department.
- • Track required inspection milestones
- • Keep approved plans on site
- • Resolve correction notices promptly
9. Completion
Close out the permit and get your records in order.
- • Obtain final inspection sign-off
- • Collect warranties and as-builts
- • Update insurance and, if renting, local registration