Phase 1
Get Started
- Clarify what you want
- Find inspiration
- Estimate project cost
Getting started is the fun part! Now’s the time to think about why you want to build an ADU, where it would fit on your property, and find layout and design inspiration.
Timeline
Getting started is part of the planning phase, which typically takes 1-3 months. Most ADU projects take 12-18 months to complete, but some extend to 24 months or more.
Get Started
Step-by-Step
Before you begin: Make sure you understand that there are many types, sizes, and construction methods to consider. Visit ADU 101 to learn more.
Step 1
Think About Your Why
Start thinking about your short- and long-term goals and concerns for your ADU project and what kind of ADU is best for your needs. Our ADU Worksheets have a checklist to get you started.
Good sources for inspiration:
- Floorplans inspiration gallery
- El Dorado County’s permit-ready plans (COMING SOON)
- Casita Coalition website
- Talk to friends and neighbors who have built ADUs – ask them what they like and what they wish they’d done differently.
Think about what it means to share space with tenants and if that impacts your design and layout. Keep in mind that your plans may change once you hrie a professional. Be flexible and open to the possibilities!
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Step 2
Make an Informal Sketch
Make a rough sketch of your property, including the existing home, trees, driveways, large slopes, any other structures, and where you’d like your ADU. Use our ADU Worksheets and Can I Build address lookup tool to help you with this step. (Note: You can update this sketch or make new versions as you continue to learn about your property and what’s possible.)
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Step 3
Estimate Project Cost
It’s never too early to plan your project budget. A rough placeholder to use is $260-300 per square foot, including construction and other costs (design, fees, etc.). The actual number can vary and depends on many factors.
See the Budget & Finance page for more information.
FAQs
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting started with your ADU.
Building an ADU is an investment of time as well as money. Most projects take one to two years to complete. Typically, it takes homeowners one to three months to get started and assemble their team, then one to six months to develop plans, meet with the city, and submit the application. Depending on what permits are required, how many rounds of review are required and how quickly a homeowner and their project team can respond to comments, it will take one to six months to get permits. Construction usually takes six to twelve months.
You’re not required to tell your neighbors about your ADU, but it’s always a good idea to communicate with them early in the process. Your project will run more smoothly if they are kept informed, and they may have great ideas for your project!
If you live in a Neighborhood or Homeowners Association, talk with your representative or board early in the process. They can’t prevent you from building or renting an ADU, but they may have guidelines you’ll need to know for design and construction.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) come in many shapes and sizes but are always a self-contained home that is usually smaller than the main house and legally part of the same property. They must have a kitchen, bathroom, and place to sleep, and typically range from studios under 500 square feet to large homes with multiple bedrooms.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are within the footprint of your home (or attached garage) and less than 500 square feet. They can share a bathroom with the main home and/or have an efficiency kitchen (sink, cooking appliance, fridge, and small counter). Construction costs for JADUs are typically much lower. In most cases, the property owner must live on site in either the main home or the JADU.
State law now allows homeowners to have both a JADU and a regular ADU on their property.
The best place is to think about what you want, understand your goals and concerns, and look at other ADUs for inspiration. Once you have some ideas in mind, consider your budget and move on to Learn the Rules.
