Your ADU Is Too Important For Assumptions
The Neumans bought 1234 Main St. because it “had room for an ADU.” Their widowed mother would live in the ADU, the kids would grow up with their grandmother, and the Neumans would have an extra pair of eyes and an occasional babysitter.
It all came crashing after the close of escrow when The Neumans discovered that while an ADU is possible, several factors would push the price out of their budget.
The Neumans are disappointed and sad. In hindsight, they wondered, why isn’t there an ADU Inspection? They would have scheduled one in a heartbeat because an ADU Feasibility Inspection made as much sense as a home or termite inspection.
What Is An ADU Feasibility Inspection?
Let’s start with what this inspection is not. It isn’t a sales opportunity, although we hope to earn the trust that might lead to a sale in the future. It is also not a price estimate or a commitment for either party.
The ADU Feasibility Inspection is a list of observations and conditions that affect building a detached ADU in a specific backyard. It includes size and construction method recommendations.
Our contractor has over 27 years of experience building homes and we have analyzed hundreds of home sites for an ADU addition. Our real world experience can save you heartache and money.
Click Here To Schedule Your Inspection
How does the ADU Feasibility Inspection Work?
It starts with a simple questionnaire. We need to understand the buyer’s plans, even if they aren’t very detailed. We use this information to tailor observations and information for each client.
An experienced ADU professional meets the homebuyer and agent at the site. We will walk the lot, take pictures of anything that affects the ADU construction, and measure, measure, measure.
Along the way, we are educating, sharing, and helping the client understand the process and see what is possible.
What Is Included in The ADU Feasibility Report?
ADU Report – a summary of the neighborhood and local rules and regulations for site and how they impact any ADU building.
Site Conditions – we observe and photograph conditions that complicate an ADU build. Trees, hardscape, slope, utilities, and access problems can add up.
Neighborhood Conditions – neighborhood conditions can make it hard for workers to access equipment. We observe neighbor proximity, street access, parking, and overhead obstacles like trees and electrical lines.
SB 9 Qualification – SB 9 allows a single-family lot to add a second home, creating a duplex or 2 on a lot, or split a lot into two lots, each capable of having two housing units. We include a preliminary opinion on SB9 qualification and a link for further research.
Recommendations – whenever possible, we will make specific recommendations to help the client achieve the goals and aspirations noted in the questionnaire.
Ready To Schedule? Click Here.
But Wait, There’s More!
Remember the poor Neumans? Here is what they didn’t know. The backyard had a large, flat area that seemed perfect for an ADU. Unfortunately, that area was shaded by a large Oak tree, almost eliminating the entire area from construction.
We would have suggested the Neumans add an arborist to their inspection list. Because, while building under the branches of an Oak is against the rules in California, an arborist can help identify if there is a solution. And, there often is a solution. IYKYK, right?
We make observations and, when possible, suggest solutions and resources.
We also include resources to find financing and ADU grant money, recent information about pricing and ADU trends, and links to handbooks and ADU resources.
Schedule Your ADU Feasibility Inspection
You are on a TIGHT inspection schedule, and you need to know STAT if we are available. Start with my online calendar here: Reserve Your Inspection. If there is an open slot that works for you, grab it!
If not, email or text me (818-482-1885) with your scheduling needs. I have one trained inspection person and am in the process of training one more. I know the time pressure of the contract, and I’ll do what I can to help.
