Architect needed in Los Angeles area and question

[Heather Rummel]

I have never posted before so please let me know if I'm doing it wrong. I am a (very) rookie investor planning a house hack. I will be adding an ADU (additional dwelling unit) to my property for rental income. I have a bid from one architect that seems very high. Can anyone provide an architect referral in the Los Angeles area (Altadena, CA specifically)? Is an investor friendly architect even a thing? If so, that would be a huge plus.

Also, this might be a dumb question but is it ever possible to get a loan on the ARV? The home is in a very expensive neighborhood so the additional square footage will make the property worth so much more after than it is currently worth. I was thinking we could do it like a BRRR but I'm worried about refinancing after the build because the interest rates might increase dramatically by the time its finished.

Any referrals or advice you can provide would be so appreciated.

Thanks! Heather

[Will Barnard]

How big of an ADU and what was your arch bid? Cant answer if it is high without knowing that info.

You can certainly refi after the ADU is done and hope that they give you enough value needed to get your funds back but you couldn't get a loan based on the ARV with the ADU. Keep in mind that the appraisal will not give full value to your ADU compared to the main house.