Every project begins with our Free Offer, which includes a site visit and a professional LiDAR scan of your property and existing home. This allows us to gather accurate data before making any recommendations. We do not jump straight into design or pricing without understanding your property first. After reviewing the site data, we walk you through your options and explain possible next steps. This approach helps homeowners make informed decisions without pressure.
No, there is no obligation to build after the free site visit. The purpose of the Free Offer is to give you clarity, not to lock you into a project. Many homeowners use this step to understand feasibility before deciding how far they want to go. You can move forward with design, pause the project, or explore other options. We believe informed homeowners make better long-term decisions.
Our services are designed to build on each other in a logical order. Most clients start with the Free Offer, then move into the Landing Offer for design and permits. From there, clients choose one of the Core Offers depending on how much construction support they want. Each service can stand alone or be combined. This flexibility allows homeowners to stay in control of their project.
Yes, you are not required to use every service we offer. Some clients only need design and permits, while others want full construction management. We structure our services so you can engage at the level that makes sense for your goals and experience. During your consultation, we help you determine what services are appropriate. This prevents overcommitting to services you do not need.
Your level of involvement depends on the services you choose. Owner-builders using Core Offer A or B are more hands-on during construction. Clients using Core Offer C are involved in decisions but not daily coordination. Regardless of the path, we maintain clear communication and keep you informed. You always know what stage your project is in.
Yes, many of our clients are building an ADU for the first time. We take time to explain each phase in clear language without overwhelming you. Our goal is to remove confusion, not add to it. We answer questions as they come up and help you understand why certain steps are required. Education is a core part of how we work.
We focus heavily on planning and accuracy before construction begins. The free LiDAR scan allows us to start with reliable data instead of assumptions. We also offer flexible build options instead of pushing everyone into a full build. Our client portal and daily permit reporting create transparency many contractors do not provide. This structure helps reduce surprises later.
Yes, communication is centralized so you are not chasing multiple people. While different specialists may work on your project, updates are organized and shared clearly. Your client portal helps keep information in one place. This approach reduces confusion and missed messages. Clear communication is critical on projects like ADUs.
You can contact us at the very beginning, even if you are only exploring possibilities. Early conversations help identify feasibility and avoid wasted time or money later. There is no requirement to be “ready to build” before speaking with us. Many homeowners appreciate having clarity early. This is exactly what our Free Offer is designed for.
Projects can pause at various stages depending on your situation. We help you understand what can be paused safely and what steps should be completed first. Certain approvals have time limits, which we explain clearly. Our goal is to protect the work already completed. Planning ahead helps avoid rework later.
Each service serves a different purpose in the ADU process. Floor plans focus on layout and livability, while blueprints translate those layouts into construction documents. Structural engineering ensures the design is safe and code compliant. Separating these services allows flexibility and clarity. It also helps homeowners understand what they are paying for at each stage.
Yes, when plans are completed as part of our Landing Offer or blueprint services, they are prepared for permit submission. We coordinate drawings so they meet city and county requirements. Incomplete plans are one of the biggest causes of permit delays. Our process is designed to prevent that. Permit readiness is a key focus.
Yes, you can use our plans with another builder. Our drawings are complete, permit-ready, and designed to stand on their own for construction. That said, we strongly encourage homeowners to build with us whenever possible.
Our plans are created to align closely with our construction methods, sequencing, and quality standards. When we are involved in both planning and building, we can move more efficiently, reduce interpretation errors, and respond faster when questions arise. This often results in smoother inspections, fewer change orders, and a more predictable build experience.
If you choose to work with another builder, we recommend involving them early so they fully understand the intent behind the plans and how they are meant to be executed.
Our blueprint drawings are detailed enough for permitting, inspections, and construction. They include structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and layout information. Builders rely on these drawings to avoid guesswork. Inspectors use them as the standard for approval. Clarity at this stage prevents problems later.
Structural engineering verifies that the ADU can safely support loads and meet California codes. Cities require stamped engineering documents for approval. This protects homeowners and occupants. Skipping or minimizing this step often leads to permit rejection. Proper engineering is essential.
A stamped plan means a licensed California structural engineer has reviewed and approved the design. This stamp is required for permits and inspections. It provides accountability and legal compliance. For homeowners, it adds confidence that the structure is safe. It is a non-negotiable part of permitting.
They can, but revisions often trigger additional reviews. Changes after engineering may require updated calculations and drawings. This can affect timelines and costs. We encourage homeowners to finalize layout decisions early. Thoughtful planning reduces revisions.
Yes, coordination is a major part of our process. Floor plans, blueprints, engineering, and permits are aligned. This reduces conflicts during review and construction. Poor coordination often leads to delays. Our integrated approach helps avoid that.
Timelines vary based on project complexity and city requirements. Design typically takes several weeks. Engineering and blueprint coordination follow design approval. Permitting timelines vary by jurisdiction. We explain expected timelines during consultation.
City comments are common and expected. We manage revisions and coordinate updates as needed. This includes adjusting drawings and resubmitting documents. Clear communication helps keep the process moving. We do not leave homeowners to manage this alone.
Permit submission focuses on preparing and filing documents correctly. Permit expediting focuses on what happens after submission. Many delays occur during review, not submission. Expediting keeps the project moving daily. Separating these services allows more active management.
After submission, the city reviews your application and issues comments or approvals. Without follow-up, permits can sit idle. Our expediting service tracks progress and contacts the city daily. We keep you informed through your client portal. This reduces uncertainty.
With permit expediting, you receive daily updates. These updates explain what happened that day and what is expected next. You are never left guessing. Even if nothing changes, you know the status. Transparency is a key part of our service.
Red lines are correction comments issued by the city. They require revisions before approval. We track each comment and coordinate updates. We follow up after resubmission to confirm progress. This prevents unnecessary delays.
No contractor can guarantee permit timelines because cities control the review process. However, active management reduces idle time. Expediting helps keep permits visible and moving. We focus on progress, not promises. Clear communication helps manage expectations.
Ready to build means all permits are approved and issued. Construction can legally begin. All required documents are finalized. This milestone marks the transition to construction. It provides confidence and clarity.
Not every homeowner chooses expediting, but many do. Projects without expediting often move slower. If timelines matter, expediting adds value. Investors and multi-phase projects especially benefit. We explain this during consultation.
The portal centralizes updates, documents, and communication. You can see progress without searching emails. Daily reports are stored in one place. This creates accountability and transparency. Many clients find this reduces stress.
If a permit stalls, we identify why and take action. This may involve follow-ups, clarifications, or escalation within the city. Without active management, stalled permits can sit for weeks. Expediting helps prevent that. We keep you informed throughout.
Construction cannot legally begin without approved permits. Delays in permits delay construction. This is why planning and expediting matter. Clear permit timelines help schedule trades and financing. We help align these pieces early.
