What is the average cost of drawings and permits?

[Anthony To]

I'm in San Diego and looking to convert a three car garage into two 1-1 units. The total square footage is roughly 700 sq ft. There is a 2-1 apt above the garages already. The property is in North Park.

I spoke to ADU Geeks, a San Diego-based firm that specializes in ADU development, and they quoted me ~$36k for all soft costs for both units. Soft costs includes design, permit fees, school fees, water/sewer and title 24. So basically from nothing to permits in hand and ready to build will be $36k.

Does that seem reasonable? Any way for me to get that done cheaper? 

[Andrew Sundseth]

That does sound expensive but that could be due to your location. Also, does that include the actual install/connection of sewer and water or just the design? I’m trying to budget for the same scope as you in Hawaii and I’m budgeting roughly 10k for the plans and permits. Your plans are going to be your biggest variable cost, permits should be standard fees or percent based. I would recommend you get at least one or two more quotes.