ADU Advice Bay Area

[JaNae Anderson]

Does anyone have any experience with ADU's in the Bay Area? Specially with cost, planning, timing, contractors etc. I'm looking to build in Vallejo, Ca.

[Chen Zhou]

@JaNae Anderson

I recently got permit approval in SJ (Willow Glen) for a 630 sqft attached ADU + 170 sqft addition to the existing unit. I'm happy to share my experience working with architect, the city, and contractors here. It took me about 4 months to get my permit and now I'm 3 months away from completion of the construction. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

I do want to point out that starting from July 2018, owners now can rent out both units without living in the property. With more relaxed rules from July 2018, it makes a lot more economic sense to invest into building an ADU: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/78534

Here's the cost breakdown of my project:

Architect + structural engineer	$ 7,000
Park fee	$ 4,450
School fee	$ 2,192
Permit application	$ 2,653
Permit Issuance	$ 9,416
Contractor (estimated)	$ 170,000
Inspections (estimated)	$ 4,000
Landscaping and other miscellaneous	$ 300
Total (estimated)	$ 200,011

Good luck with your project!