How
much will
it cost?
An ADU can range in cost from under $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the type of unit. It’s important to think about your budget and communicate it to design and construction professionals early-on, as it can affect your ADU options. Typically, a conversion of your existing residence or garage will be in the less expensive half of this range. New construction, such as a detached ADU, tends to be more costly. The size of your ADU will also affect the cost. You should work with the necessary design and construction professionals for guidance about your specific plans.
Architectural renderings
Construction labor and materials
Upgraded/upsized underground utilities
City and County fees
Plat of survey
General contractor costs
Increased property taxes & maintenance
In some cases, construction costs may also include the following:
- Fire sprinkler system (new dwelling structure)
- Relocation of overhead utility lines or utility poles (new construction)
- Removal and replacement of mature trees (new construction)
- Spot survey during construction (new construction)
- Structural engineering
- Design work and construction materials required on historic properties (any ADU in a Historic District or on a Landmark Property)
Flexibility
MULTIPLE OPTIONS
Paying For Your ADU
The best way to finance your ADU will depend on the cost of your project and your financial position.
01
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
If you have enough equity in your property, you may be able to use a HELOC to build your ADU. A HELOC is a revolving source of funds which you can access as you choose, and it is a second mortgage on your property.
02
Cash-Out Refinance Mortgage
With a cash-out refinance, you turn a portion of your equity into cash, and start a new first mortgage with a higher principal amount.
03
Renovation Mortgage
Similarly, you can use the loan proceeds from a Renovation Mortgage to finance your ADU. Different from a cash-out refinance, these loan products consider the “as-completed” value of your property, including the ADU, to determine how much you can borrow. The FannieMae Homestyle Renovation loan and the Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation loan are two common renovation mortgages that can finance ADUs.
