An ADU feasibility study is an intelligent first step in unlocking the full potential of your property. But what exactly makes it so smart?
What is an ADU Feasibility Study?
At Edrington & Associates, we’re big believers in doing things right the first time, and an ADU feasibility study is how we evaluate the suitability of a property for an ADU project. There are a litany of considerations when building an ADU, including things like egress (entry and exit), minimum ceiling height, and many more.
A feasibility study will uncover many essential details, the property’s overall suitability for the project, and provide an unbiased look at the project. These are invaluable facts to have before investing significant time and capital into an ADU project.
The study will also help you anticipate potential roadblocks and challenges you may encounter during your ADU project. When it is completed, you’ll have a roadmap for a successful project.
Is an ADU Feasibility Study a Requirement?
If you’ve already made up your mind that an ADU is right for you, you may wonder why you would need a feasibility study.
While it’s true that a feasibility study is generally not required by the city to obtain an ADU building permit, it is still an important investment in the long term success of a project.
A feasibility study can help you avoid a litany of mistakes that would prove far more costly down the line.
What Does a Feasibility Study Entail?
At Edrington & Associates, our feasibility studies include a comprehensive examination of your property to determine the best possible plan for your ADU. Our feasibility studies include:
Benefits of an ADU Feasibility Study
Obtaining an ADU feasibility study gives the owner invaluable insight into the project before ground is ever broken. A feasibility study can help you:
Make Informed Decisions
ADU feasibility study will also give you the knowledge to make informed decisions about the project, such as what size and type of ADU your property can accommodate. A feasibility study will also determine the ideal location to physically place an ADU, and how to connect it to existing utility lines.
Maximize Your ADU Potential
An ADU feasibility study will also ensure that your project makes the best possible use of the available space. ADU’s come in many shapes and sizes, from garage or attic conversions within the primary dwelling, to fully detached multi-unit ADUs. If you are looking to generate additional income via renting your ADU, a feasibility study is a must to ensure your project makes the best usage of the available space.
Legalizing an Illegal Unit
Lastly, an ADU feasibility study can provide information about legalizing existing unpermitted units. The feasibility study will take note of the significant code violations found in the unit, and provide a road map for compliance. In some cases, the code violations may be so substantial that the best course of action would be to relocate the unit to another area of the property.
Here are some reasons why you should have a feasibility study conducted before beginning an ADU project.
- A feasibility study will help you anticipate challenges before beginning a project, helping you avoid costly delays.
- A feasibility study will help you get the most out of your property by identifying the optimal size and placement for the ADU to create the best living space possible.
These are just a few reasons why a feasibility study is beneficial to your ADU, but the bottom line is that it will help you understand the viability of the project before ground is ever broken.
Afterall, wouldn’t you want to understand all your options and make the most informed decision possible before fully committing to an ADU project?
How Much Does A Feasibility Study Cost?
ADU projects are already a significant investment, so it’s fair to wonder how much is a feasibility study on top of that?
Because ADUs are such diverse structures, Edrington & Associates offers a range of residential feasibility study costs based on the intended size of the ADU you wish to build. We offer three options:
- New, Ground Up or Prefab Units: TBD
- Conversion Units (Single Family): $2,495
- Existing Multi-family Properties: $2,995
Once completed and approved, we can begin your ADU design. However, there is no obligation to continue with us and the feasibility study is yours to keep.