I recently completed one on a multifamily property and found it to be a cost-effective approach.That said, there are a couple of additional factors to consider beyond the code differences between a garage conversion and new construction:Coastal Overlay Zones – If your property is in a coastal overlay, building a ground-up ADU may require Coastal Commission review, which can add time and complexity to the process.

The marketing/advertising firm, aka RE broker, is not the expert in building codes, zoning, structural engineering, neighborhood safety, etc.As a prudent investor, always do your own due diligence or you'll end up being (unitentionally) misguided by a RE broker's information.  

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

A handy search bar in the upper right makes it easy to find previous discussions, blogs, podcasts, and other resources.

A handy search bar in the upper right makes it easy to find previous discussions, blogs, podcasts, and other resources.

Permitted or not, you want 100% assurance the property is within building code standards for the year it was built, and for any upgrades/ changes - the years those upgrades were made; ie GFICs in wet areas currently, but not required in original construction back in 1950 when they didn't exist.sorry for not replying earlier, I'm rarely on this platformbest of luck on the project

I'm showing the FMR on this is $2,000, which is listed by Zip Code here:Am I missing something? 

Code enforcement in Coronado is stricter than the rest of the city, and it does fall under the coastal commission jurisdiction.Depending on the parameters of the flip you can safely factor for an increase in your timeline for permitting of about 30 days. 

My coach suggested (and I implemented) a "must do tracker"....it's a color coded spreadsheet (I like to print multiple copies and keep them on a clipboard to stay in my sight/top of mind). 

The FEMA 50% rule does come into play, but we do a lot of ground-up construction, so some investors that do have some new build/heavy rehab experience are tearing down and building back to current codes.