Accessory Dwelling units can vary greatly in their cost depending on many factors. These factors can include your location, the complexity of the project, the size of the project, and many other details. However, on average in Long Beach the ADU investment offers a three-fold return.
Let’s get into the details of everything that adds to the grand total of an ADU.
How Much Does An ADU Permit Cost In Long Beach?
In order to be approved for a new ADU project, you need to submit architectural and engineering plans for construction to the municipality’s Building and Safety department which will also require a plan check fee. After review and eventual approval of these plans, the project will be cleared for permit issuance at which time a permit fee would be levied. Note that this is separate from the plan check fee. This oftentimes may also include school, development, and miscellaneous other fees.
Getting a permit submitted and approved can be one of the most tedious parts of any construction project, but it is a necessary and unavoidable step.
Different Costs Of Various Accessory Dwelling Units
One of the largest factors that impact the cost of your Accessory Dwelling Unit is exactly how you are planning on adding your new apartments to your current lot. Are you going to build them from the ground up? Convert an existing garage? Or do something else entirely. Each comes with its own costs, advantages, and disadvantages.
If you are interested in learning more about the different types of ADUs we recommend reading our article on different ADU types here which will discuss the differences in more depth
How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Garage To An ADU?
The first type of ADU that we will discuss in this guide is the cost of converting an existing garage space. Garage conversions are a great way to maximize rentable space while reducing the costs of extra construction. By converting what is already there we can save time and money in the construction process.
However, to make a garage into a liveable space we will need to make many changes and adjustments. These additional costs include:
Unique costs for this type of unit:
- Hot water supply
- New electrical service
- Sewer connection and sizing
- Gas line and meter
- New water lines
- Structural deficiencies
- Seismic retrofit requirement
- Vapor barrier for the floor
- Insulation and title 24 conformance
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Detached ADU?
Building a detached ADU is a wonderful option for creating more living spaces when you don’t have any more existing buildings to convert. If you have the room why not build more and use the space to its fullest extent? These types of ADU projects are also excellent because they allow the most room for creativity and flexibility as they are not required to work within the confines of any previous structures.
Detached AU’s do come with their own unique set of costs being that this is a new construction project it will be subject to the following costs to consider:
Unique costs for this type of unit:
- Additional development fees
- Fire separation between the existing building
- Full code compliance as new construction
- Site improvements such as drainage
- More expensive permitting
How Much Does It Cost To Build An Attached ADU?
Depending on your space available and zoning regulations an Attached ADU might be the best option for your property’s needs. Attached ADUs are a great choice because they can save you money and space by sharing one or more walls with your current structure. Additionally, it can be easier to connect utilities such as a gas line, plumbing, and electricity from the already existing structure.
Some of the unique costs of this unit type would include:
Unique costs for this type of unit:
- Potential structural modification of existing building
- Fire separations
- Building code required acoustic separations
How Much Do Other Misc ADU Conversions Cost?
For more specific options for ADU conversions, we would need to know more about your unique situation and needs in order to provide accurate information.
How Can I Save Money When Building Apartment ADUs?
Accessory Dwelling units can require a large upfront investment but there are many ways that you can reduce the costs of the initial construction.
The largest variable in pricing on these is primarily the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing and secondarily the structural requirements. Understanding these systems and how best to integrate (or NOT integrate) with existing systems is the largest cost in our experience.
Going all-electric for the units is one way to economize. Running a gas line to a new property can be very expensive so using electric water heaters and electric stoves is a great way to save money in this arena.
The last trick that we have to reduce the cost of construction is to only run plumbing on one wall in your ADU. This can simplify the plumbing process greatly and save you a pretty penny. However, this will be something that will need to be discussed with your designer. Keep it in mind as a great option if you are ok with restricting the design process slightly.
Lastly, we highly recommend hiring a team that is experienced with specific apartment ADUs. Accessory dwelling units are a new and emerging field in Long Beach, and apartment ADUs require a unique set of regulations, skills, and experience. As a construction team that specializes in Apartment ADUs, you can rest assured that we are the best suited to help you create the ADU of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Are Apartment ADUs Worth The Expense?
Accessory dwelling units can be expensive, but they are almost always worth it. Building more housing in an area that is growing and desperately craving new living spaces is a great investment. It is very common for ADUs to pay themselves off in three to four years and from there you can simply enjoy the increased dividends earned.
If you are interested in getting the most out of your property consider hiring our team of experts to complete your project and advocate for the best solutions. We believe in providing our customers with a simple but effective service. By hiring us you know that you are getting the best out there. If you are interested you can reach out to us at [email protected] or by phone number at (562) 286-6759. We wish you the best in your ADU journey.