Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 975 votes
Hello BP community! I'm looking into building a detached ADU at our primary residence in La Mesa.
Does anyone have recommendations for ADU design and construction companies in San Diego county? I've already reached out to 85 Design but looking for more, preferably a company familiar with La Mesa since the city can be especially tough with permits, etc.
Hello BP community! I'm looking into building a detached ADU at our primary residence in La Mesa.
Does anyone have recommendations for ADU design and construction companies in San Diego county? I've already reached out to 85 Design but looking for more, preferably a company familiar with La Mesa since the city can be especially tough with permits, etc.
I used Design Appruv on my first ADU and they have since gone bankrupt and stole everyone's money :/...so don't use them, but do look up their Yelp reviews if you want a good chuckle.
My buddy CJ just left ADU Geeks and is starting his own company - I think for quite a significant discount. I can put you in touch with him! I am pursuing a few larger companies myself as I am building 3 different ADU projects this year, but I haven't really gotten started enough with any of them in order to give positive/negative feedback.
Do you have financing already setup for your project?
Hello BP community! I'm looking into building a detached ADU at our primary residence in La Mesa.
Does anyone have recommendations for ADU design and construction companies in San Diego county? I've already reached out to 85 Design but looking for more, preferably a company familiar with La Mesa since the city can be especially tough with permits, etc.
I used Design Appruv on my first ADU and they have since gone bankrupt and stole everyone's money :/...so don't use them, but do look up their Yelp reviews if you want a good chuckle.
My buddy CJ just left ADU Geeks and is starting his own company - I think for quite a significant discount. I can put you in touch with him! I am pursuing a few larger companies myself as I am building 3 different ADU projects this year, but I haven't really gotten started enough with any of them in order to give positive/negative feedback.
Do you have financing already setup for your project?
@Keegan Wetzel Thanks for that info on Design Appruv! Im sorry you had a bad experience but I appreciate you passing that info along. Knowing who NOT to use is just as important.
Yes I'd love to chat with your buddy CJ. Does he have experience doing ADU's in La Mesa?
I do not have financing set up yet, but my plan is to use an interest only HELOC to fund the ADU. Do you have any recommendations?
@Keegan Wetzel Thanks for that info on Design Appruv! Im sorry you had a bad experience but I appreciate you passing that info along. Knowing who NOT to use is just as important.
Yes I'd love to chat with your buddy CJ. Does he have experience doing ADU's in La Mesa?
I do not have financing set up yet, but my plan is to use an interest only HELOC to fund the ADU. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you!
Hey Doug - please reach out - happy to pass on CJ's information. With ADU Geeks he worked all over San Diego so I would be very surprised if he hasn't worked in La Mesa.
HELOC is always the most firm route - I have recently learned of some solar companies funding home improvement loans that I am looking into myself. I may be able to give you some guidance there as well as I figure it out!
@Doug Spence how did your ADU project evolve? Did you end up getting started? Would love an update!
My #1 piece of advice is to make sure you gather true apples to apples bids, that account for the entire scope of the project. To do this, you need to make sure and find designers/contractors that have built many ADUs and can properly determine what your full required scope will be.
Also, jurisdictions are tightening their interpretation of ADU rules, and we're finding MANY more plan check comments are coming back for items not previously requested. E.g. fire rated construction requirements on main homes, survey & soils reports, utility upgrades. This is happening across San Diego County (and also the state) as permitting departments catch up to demand and have gotten more experience. It was truly the wild west for a few years. Now much of our job is client advocacy & problem solving, because (expensive) roadblocks are part of many projects.