I would however make sure to get a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.

Cloth diapers can save a lot of money, as well as be environmentally friendly.

I started my full time career with AE at 18 years old and was very budget conscious saving the strong majority of my money for the first few years of my career as I still lived at home and was financially linked to my parents.  

Have you considered environmental lobbyists and community activists taking you to court over almost anything

@Sean Wilt It would be best to get an environmental testing company out and take samples of any areas you plan to remove for the renovations. 

Permitting can take anywhere from 60 to 180 days depending on design of the ADU, the configuration of that lot, environmental conditions, and other related development issues and matters.

Well after their environmental "study" we had to keep 30' back from a bunch of good for nothing thorn trees to preserve some alleged rare species of bird (probably sparrows ,lol). 

I am an environmental engineer by day and water and sewer is my wheelhouse. 

I commend you for being conscious about it and thinking about your contractors.  

Also check to see if the property is in a flood zone and whether there are any environmental contaminants.