All Forum Posts by: Jacob Polin

Hi,

I have a permit to build a 720SF ADU in Oakland. Has anyone had a good experience building an ADU with a GC out here that they would recommend?

Detached ADU behind SFH, on flat ground with excellent access, in Adam's Point/near Lake Merritt.

Thank you,

Jacob

Hi,

I have a permit to build a 720SF ADU in Oakland. Has anyone had a good experience building an ADU with a GC out here that they would recommend?

Detached ADU behind SFH, on flat ground with excellent access, in Adam's Point/near Lake Merritt.

Thank you,

Jacob

Has anyone worked with someone that they would recommend?

1 story, flat parcel with amazing access targeting 600SF or so (and possible groundwork for future expansion).  

Quote from @Byron Valles:

I'm so glad I bumped into this post. 

I'm finishing up my Detached 400sqft garage to ADU conversion in the East Bay (Concord) After speaking with a few Design-build companies who all quoted $200K+ I decided to go the owner build route acting as the GC and just hire subs. It's worth mentioning that I have no experience in construction but figured the project was relatively small so i'd be prefect to learn.

All in cost will be $80K (including design, materials construction, permits, finishes etc.) and total time 11months. 

Now I've decided to add an additional 2bed ADU and really struggling to decide if the time/energy trade off is worth going with a prefab vs acting as GC again.

 Amazing! Did you have a good experience with your designer?

Quote from @Andrew Maxion:

Hi @JaNae Anderson,

I know it's been a year since you posted, but a lot has changed! The new bills that Gov. Newsom passed on January 1, 2020 definitely made building ADUs a lot easier and more affordable than ever before.

There are a few things to consider when starting and that is to decide on which method of building makes sense. If you are looking for a cost effective and quick turn around, I would recommend a prefab solution. This would allow to control a lot of the cost because the unit is being built off site in a factory rather than having a 12 month construction. This would help eliminate unnecessary labor cost and avoid a lot of weather delays that can prolong an ADU project.

Hope this helps and happy to discuss more!

Prefabs sounds great but I've heard folks have had a lot of trouble making them work in the bay area. Especially since a lot of the cost savings can be wiped out by renting a crane etc. Might you know of any specific successes in the bay area I could take a look at?

Quote from @Paul Dario Jr:

I hired an architect who has designed ADU's in the past. Working out good so far. However, next time I do this I'm going to go with one of the preapproved designs on my municipalities website. I heard that this makes the permit approval process so much faster and the plans can be purchased for so much cheaper.

Great point, thank you so much for highlighting that this is a thing, very clutch. 

Also anyone has thoughts on designers vs. architects in the Bay Area for a garage ADU conversion in Oakland I would very much appreciate them.

Thanks!

Jacob

Hi, I'm looking at a similar project in Oakland (18 x 24 garage conversion). Could you please pass along any suggestions for architects or designers? Looking for someone who can take a look and provide a recommendation in a few hours. 

Thanks,

Jacob

Hi,

I'm looking to covert an 18 x 24 garage into an ADU (without adding a story or extra rooms). I have some thoughts on a potential design but thought it might be helpful to get a recommendation from a professional as well (probably designer maybe architect). Probably only a few hours of work for them. I already have electrical and recommendations re sewer and water.

Does anyone know a professional who may be a good fit for something like this? 

Thanks,

Jacob

Hi,

I'm looking to covert an 18 x 24 garage into an ADU (without adding a story or extra rooms). I have some thoughts on a potential design but thought it might be helpful to get a recommendation from a professional as well (probably designer maybe architect). Probably only a few hours of work for them. I already have electrical and recommendations re sewer and water.

Does anyone know a professional who may be a good fit for something like this? 

Thanks,

Jacob

Good to know, is there a specific directory or page I should be looking at?