Architecture services for ADU

[James Wang]

I’m in the Bay Area, totally new to construction projects and so looking for advice.

Looking to convert a free standing garage to a two story garage + ADU structure. 800 sqft total: 400 sqft ADU on second floor, ground floor has 300 sqft garage + 100 sqft ADU space.

First step is to find an architect. My first one quoted ~$30k, charged hourly, for the following services: schematics & design development, construction documents, and construction administration.

Is this a reasonable quote for architectural services for a relatively straightforward project like mine? I estimate total cost of the project at $200k, so this architect would represent 15% of total cost.

[Sherry Chen]

Hi James, I agree with Colin. Sounds high based off the design quotes I've seen here in San Diego. Quotes for a two story I'd estimate at about $15-$20K but this is without the construction administration. Does your architect include permit processing? Be wary of this. If they don't, they may charge you for multiple plan corrections during permit processing. It's a good idea to get multiple proposals to compare prices and services included. Good luck!