Do you want to add extra living space to your home? If so, you might want to consider building an ADU. This is a standalone structure with a separate bathroom and kitchen, and you can rent it out or use it as a granny flat for your aging parents or relatives.
Like any other construction project, building an ADU requires careful planning, research, time, and money. To give you an insight into the building process, here are four steps you should follow:
1. Secure your financing and budget
Building an ADU is expensive, and before planning anything, you need to create a budget that includes the cost of everything, from materials and labor to furnishings and county fees. Experts also recommend increasing your budget by 10 or 15% to account for unexpected expenses.
Once you have your budget in place, you can finance it out-of-pocket or get a personal loan or equity line of credit.
2. Design your ADU
During the design phase, you have the option of hiring a professional such as Levi Design Build or doing it yourself. While the latter can save you money, it’s not a good idea as you’re more likely to make costly mistakes that might delay your project.
Working with a professional not only saves time but also guarantees professional and quality services.
3. Get the design approved
Every state has zoning and legal requirements and restrictions that you must comply with to ensure your design is approved. These restrictions can be regarding location, size, and permitting. So, it’s wise to recognize the restrictions within your state and get your design approved by the local authorities before starting construction.
4. Construction
Once you have all your permits and finalized your budget and design, it’s time to begin construction. It’s wise to hire a professional contractor such as Levi Design Build as they have the experience and knowledge required to build ADUs.
Besides, with an expert, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your structure will meet your needs and fit your budget.
Ultimately, building an ADU isn’t a simple project, and you need to do your research before constructing one to ensure successful completion.
