What Does an ADU Really Cost?
Most ADU Cities projects land between $52,000 and $200,000. Below is an honest breakdown of what moves a project up or down that range — and why the quote we give you is the price you actually pay.
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The Honest Price Range
Most contractors dodge the pricing question. We won’t. In our experience building 100+ ADUs across Southern California over the last four years, typical projects fall between $52,000 and $200,000. The range is wide because no two properties are the same — but the factors that move a project within it are predictable, and we’ll walk you through exactly where your project lands during a free on-site consultation.
What Moves Your Project Up or Down the Range
- ADU type. A garage conversion starts near the low end because the structure already exists. A detached new-build sits toward the top — it’s a complete home from the foundation up.
- Size and layout. A 400-square-foot studio costs less than a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom — and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms per square foot.
- Site conditions. A flat lot with easy equipment access keeps costs down. Slopes, tight access, poor soil, or drainage issues add engineering and labor.
- Utility connections. Neat tie-ins to existing water, sewer, and electrical keep costs low. Long trenching runs or a main panel upgrade move the number up.
- Finishes and fixtures. Builder-grade keeps you near the bottom; custom cabinetry and designer tile move you up — your choice, priced transparently either way.
- Structural requirements. Engineering needs vary by structure type, and we’ll explain exactly what yours requires.
What’s Included in Our Quote
Every ADU Cities quote is itemized and fixed-price: design, architectural plans, structural engineering, permit processing, and full construction. No allowances that balloon later, no “unforeseen conditions” surcharges mid-build. The price we quote is the price you pay, in writing, before work begins — possible because we handle everything in-house with one accountable team.
Financing: You Don’t Need It All in Savings
You don’t need the full project cost sitting in savings to build an ADU. We work with financing partners offering a range of options, including 0%-interest programs for qualified homeowners.
Here’s how it works: during your free consultation, we talk through your budget and goals, then walk you through the financing options that fit — what the monthly payment looks like, what you qualify for, how the timeline works. No pressure, no obligation. Many of our homeowners plan to rent their ADU and find the rental income covers a large share of the monthly payment — your consultation includes an honest conversation about whether that math works for your property.
- 0%-interest programs for qualified homeowners
- Monthly payments mapped out before you commit
- Rental income can offset a large share of the payment
Common Questions
Straight answers before you even call.
Why do ADU quotes vary so much between contractors?
Because most quotes aren’t quoting the same thing. Some leave out engineering, permits, or utility work — then those costs ‘appear’ later. Others pad the number because they subcontract everything. Our quote covers the whole project by our own in-house team, which is why we can stand behind a fixed price.
Are there hidden costs I should worry about?
Not with us. Your quote is itemized line by line. If something about your property is unusual — say, a sewer line that needs rerouting — we find it during the property evaluation and it’s in the quote upfront, not discovered mid-project.
How much do I have to put down to get started?
California law caps home-improvement deposits at 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less — and we follow it. You’ll never be asked for a large upfront deposit. Payments follow a written schedule tied to completed milestones.
Can I finance the entire project?
In many cases, yes. Between our financing partners’ options and the rental income an ADU can generate, most clients finance some or all of their project. We’ll map out what that looks like for you during the consultation.
Get Your Exact Number.
The range above is honest, but your property deserves a specific answer. We’ll evaluate your lot, talk through your goals, and give you an itemized fixed quote — free, no obligation, no pressure.