All Forum Posts by: Brian Larson

@Olivier Mader - Looks pretty good.  Thanks for sharing.

If possible, can you also share the general construction costs and what you end up renting the unit for?

My advice.....networking, networking, networking.

He should attend an industry event to meet new people already in industry jobs.

Also, he should connect with friends of friends.  I think most folks often fail to realize how many people their networks contain when you factor in your friend of friends.

I wish him the best of luck with his search.

@Wes Blackwell - Thanks for the post. As a former Sacramento resident and A now Bay Area transplant, I found it entertaining and insightful.

@Abraham Bar - I currently own an R2 lot in downtown SJ.

I spoke with the planning department about converting my property to a duplex, the contact that I spoke with said that in order to build a duplex, the process is much longer and more expensive. They said that there has to be a public hearings where neighbors can weigh in.

Given all the extra hurdles, I opted to build an ADU.

I just recently got my license and I joined KW in the Bay Area because I really enjoyed their entrepreneurial culture.  I also felt that they were cost effective -- meaning that don't overload you with fees.

Plus, David Greene is a KW guy.

Sounds risky to me.  I agree with @Greg Hamer; either follow the entire permit process or don't even bother.

@Jesse Aizenstat - I read that forum post too. I have had lots of conversations about this in the past few month because I am attempting to build an ADU in downtown SJ.

My general comments are that Appraisers have not adjusted to this fundamental change in the California Real Estate market yet. I think it is possible for a higher appraisal but you need to work your lender and appraiser. Chances are stories like the $75K for a $300K investment are due to the appraisers methodology of treating ADU properties as SFH. These properties should really be appraised like a duplex. Not sure when the appraisal industry will address this issue but it needs to happen soon if local jurisdictions expect ADUs to solve the California Housing Crisis.

@Rhyna Orillaneda - Personally I am going to self-manage my project since I have experience with construction management at work. I did look at some companies online when I was initially starting this project. If I were to hire someone, I would choose a company that specializes in ADU Building Projects.

Additionally, I would budget a minimum of $250 per SQFT but costs could range as high as $450.

@Rhyna Orillaneda - I am currently planning an ADU in San Jose. My designer/architect is on BP - @Adam Mayberry. I am sure he can help you. Feel free to send him a private message.

Have you heard about the new rules for ADUs (in-law units)? Jerry Brown relaxed the state laws to build these structures in early 2018 and San Jose, along with many other cities, have relaxed those rules further.

The Silicon Valley Housing Trust is a non-profit hosting an information day on Saturday, Feb 2 for those interested in building an ADU. I highly recommend attending this seminar. I attended the last seminar a few months ago. I found it very helpful. For your convenience, I am posting the invite below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adu-workshop-saturday-february-2-2019-tickets-54381086293