Have experience building an ADU in Signal Hill or Long Beach?

[Austin N.]

I am planning on building an ADU on a duplex I recently purchased in Signal Hill. I am leaning towards converting an existing freestanding accessory dwelling by expanding it into an ADU, it already has electricity, water, sewer (other option is a detached garage). I have had preliminary discussions with building department and they seem supportive.

Does anyone have experience building an ADU in Signal Hill or Long Beach in 2020?

Do you have an architect you recommend? What is a fair range of prices for something like this?

How was your experience working with LBC or SH?

[Jason Gettler]

@Austin N.

Hey Austin,

Haven't done one in Long Beach yet but we've built plenty in the surrounding cities and I've found them all to be about the same. I've been told that all of the cities are following the ADU handout that the state provided.

Prices will vary. $300 per SF if you hire a company like ours, $200-250 per SF if you find a builder who works out of their truck and $150 per SF if you GC it yourself and manage the labor.

Architectural plans will allows vary in price. I would expect you to pay around 8,000-10,000 for architectural plans and another few thousands if engineering if required. After you add the city fees I’d expect you to be around 20k pre-construction.

Hope this helps. Oh also, the cost of construction has gone up due to the increase in lumber and rough materials. Plywood has doubled and most lumber is up 35%.