Legalize ADU in Ventura County, CA

[Jennie Boulch]

Hi Everyone! Newbie & First time Homeowner here! 

We purchased as-is & the previous owner added a detached ADU with a bathroom and kitchenette. This may have been a one car garage conversion but we do not know as county data shows no plans or permits on file for the house. They said this is not uncommon since the house was built early 1900s (no it's not a historic property).

My strategy is to hold and rent this property.

I'd like to get the ADU legalized but don't know where to begin and want to know the $ size of the project before diving in. One contractor, without even coming out, provided a quote from their Engineer to draw up plans. Is this the normal process? Does anyone have experience permitting someone else's work and/or have a GC or Engineer that can help with this? So many questions!!

We also need to upgrade the electrical panel as it is currently a fire/safety hazard. Need some advice on this, as well. 

option A: do the electrical panel upgrade with no permit & continue as-is. Deal with legalizing the ADU in the future.

option B: rip the band-aid & get everything done the right way now. 

option C: just get the panel upgrade permitted and hope they don't call out the ADU.

Any advice is appreciated!