All Forum Posts by: Marco Cruzatt

There is a lot of insightful information on this thread.
I'm still not sure if I'm fully convinced an ADU/JADU is a bad investment.

I just finished building a Junior ADU at my house. I spent $40k out of pocket because I prepared the plans and also did the construction. I think the cheapest quote I was able to get without plans/permits was $75k. I plan on renting the unit out for $1800 fully furnished. I think long term if I decide to stay at the house for at least 4 years, it will pay off, however, I was also planning on building a detached ADU but I'm not really sure at this point because of everything that has been already commented here. I may even consider using that money elsewhere.

If you need help planning the ADU, I'll be more than happy to share my numbers, tips and I can even help you design it. I'm a Civil Engineer that works in land development but I think there is a big market with ADU's. If I was able to complete my ADU from beginning to end, I'm sure I can help others too.

1 Vote

San Diego, California

Quote from @Nik Moushon:

Quote from @Marco Cruzatt:

Quote from @Nik Moushon:

Quote from @Marco Cruzatt:

You can have 2 carbon copies of the same floor plan but if the site varies then the Civil Plans will be different.

uhhh.....what?! How are architectural plans not for construction purposes? This is an absurd statement.

Depending on the site, the jurisdiction, and complexity of the project you do not have to hire a civil engineer for a project. Most small projects only need a surveyor to get updated boundary lines and possibly topo for an architect to be able to do the site plan. It's not until larger projects where you have to start considering storm water retention and run off that the jurisdiction requires a civil engineer is need to be brought onto the team.

Hi Nik,
Perhaps I misspoke. I was referring to projects where the site had potential constraints.
Can you do provide structural calculations and structural plans?
It is my understanding that when it comes to smaller projects, as long as you stay within the agency's standard plans. You don't need an Structural Engineer. Is that what you were referring to?

Marco,

As an architect we can do all the site design and planning. This includes topo, grading, cut/fill calcs, slope calcs and sizing for sewer and water, etc. It's when we start getting into doing large projects where the scale and complexity of the project is cost and time prohibitive that it is better to hire a professional that specializes in those things...ie the civil engineer. Same goes for structural design as well. My stamp covers all the calculations that a structural engineer can do....up to a certain size. Same for civil stuff too.

I don't remember exactly what that threshold is for either but good rule of thumb we usually stick by is single family and small multi family (some really small commercial) for structural and for civil we usually stick to just the single family and small multi family. A lot of times the local jurisdictions (at least here in WA state) have a lot of storm water requirements that kick in after a certain amount of square feet of the site is disturbed with new impervious surface...so thats where civil gets involved regardless of the complexity of the site bc thats state law.

I stand corrected. Thank you for the clarification.
I was just talking to one of my colleagues, he's an Civil Engineer too but used to work for an Architectural firm for years. He was telling me all of the things a licenced architect can do which is what you are describing. However, in my experience, most of the items you were describing are done by the Civil (Grading and Drainage, Water Quality, etc...)
I wish architects here were more like you lol

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

Quote from @Nik Moushon:

Quote from @Marco Cruzatt:

You can have 2 carbon copies of the same floor plan but if the site varies then the Civil Plans will be different.

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

Quote from @Alex U.:

Typically if an architect is designing a duplex ADU, with the same floor plan on the top and bottom. They may charge $8-12k.

If this design was going to be replicated 8 times, ie 16 units total, what is a fair cost to pay for design, given it is a copy and paste of the first one?

You also have to understand that the architectural plans are not for construction purposes. You'll need to hire a Civil Engineer too.

You can have 2 carbon copies of the same floor plan but if the site varies then the Civil Plans will be different.

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

I just posted this on another thread for an ADU in Arizona but since we are both in SoCal, I think my experience would be more helpful to you.

"I'm currently building two ADUs at my property. A detached ADU (750 sq.ft) and a Junior ADU (200 sq.ft.)

I'm about to finish the JADU so here is the breakdown,

-$8k-$12k for Plans/Permits/Fees (I'm a Civil Engineer so I was able to save some money and time) The entire Plan Check Process with the City lasted almost 6 months.

I did the construction as owner builder because I have construction experience and hiring a GC was out of the question because I'm not rich.

1) Rough (Plumbing, Mechanical, Framing and Electrical): Around $25k

2) Finish: Another $25k\

Time to build: 2 months

Note: I was able to get quotes from different contractors and the cheapest I was able to get was $75k. I saved a lot of money but of course I DID NOT take into account my time. It was a great learning experience though and I'm sure the next one will be faster and cheaper.

Now, the detached ADU will be a much bigger project. The quotes I got from a GC were around $250k. I plan on making it for around $150k

Feel free to reach out. I can probably guide you into the right direction"

Ps: I can help you with plans and permitting if you like.

1 Vote

Orange County, California

Quote from @Jay Thomas:

For a cost-effective accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Tucson, Arizona, consider prefab ADUs, which are quick and affordable, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Building your own ADU is an option if you're handy but requires more time and effort. Utility hookups cost around $5,000 in Tucson. Opt for a small and simple design, use prefab materials, get multiple contractor quotes, and decide between short-term or long-term rentals. Prefab ADUs are often the most cost-effective choice, being less expensive and quicker to assemble on your property.

How are you getting your Utility hookups so cheap?
Also, with prefab ADU''s you still need a foundation and sewer. That can add a significant amount of money.

0 Votes

Tucson, Arizona

I'm currently building two ADUs at my property. A detached ADU (750 sq.ft) and a Junior ADU (200 sq.ft.)
I'm about to finish the JADU so here is the breakdown,

-$8k-$12k for Plans/Permits/Fees (I'm a Civil Engineer so I was able to save some money and time) The entire Plan Check Process with the City lasted almost 6 months.

I did the construction as owner builder because I have construction experience and hiring a GC was out of the question because I'm not rich.

1) Rough (Plumbing, Mechanical, Framing and Electrical): Around $25k

2) Finish: Another $25k\

Time to build: 2 months

Now, the detached ADU will be a much bigger project. The quotes I got from a GC were around $250k. I plan on making it for around $150k

Feel free to reach out. I can probably guide you into the right direction.

0 Votes

Tucson, Arizona

Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:

Quote from @Lilly Fang:

will it be cheaper to buy a manufactured little home to put on your land as an ADU? will it be cheaper than building from scratch?

container house , 400 sqft ready with bathroom for $45K.

Add an additional $60k-100$ for Utilities and Foundation.

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

Quote from @Andrew Postell:

@Marco Cruzatt please understand that I'm not asking about 1 ADU...I'm asking about two. If there's no other properties in your area with 2 ADU's...I would highly recommend against building a 2nd ADU.

In California you are only allowed to have one ADU and a Junior ADU as long as the main residence is owner occupied. It would be nice to find a house that has both but they're very rare.

Why would you recommend against building a second ADU? I can probably rent the ADU for $3200-$3600

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:

Quote from @Marco Cruzatt:

Hello,

I have a house in Thousand Oaks, CA (Currently my main residence) and I plan on building a Junior ADU and a detached ADU. I already got the permits for the JADU and I'm about to finish construction. If all goes well, it will be up for rent in December. Moreover, the construction of the detached ADU is going to cost me around $250k-$300k cash . My question is, do I get get a loan for the detached ADU or should I put the ADU on hold and purchase another property?

Thank you

just buy home with ADU bro , it's 93% cheaper

They're not that many homes with ADUs for sale. We have to make them :)

1 Vote

Los Angeles County, California

All Forum Posts by: Marco Cruzatt

Marco Cruzatt has started 12 posts and replied 42 times.

Post: ADUs in North County San Deigo

Post: ADU Design Fees

Post: ADU Design Fees

Post: ADU Design Fees

Post: How much is a SoCal ADU?

Post: Constructing ADU in Tucson AZ?

Post: Constructing ADU in Tucson AZ?

Post: ADU or another house

Post: ADU or another house

Post: ADU or another house