Step-by-Step Process
Building a guest house with Snap ADU
This roadmap is designed to provide you with a clear overview of our tried-and-tested process, from initial consultation to the final construction details. Each step is clickable for deeper insights if you’d like to keep reading. Or reach out any time to jumpstart the process.
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1: Free Discovery Call
We want to learn about your site location & requirements, building size & specifications, as well as your vision for the design of the unit. We’ll want to know which ADU plan is closest to what you’re looking for as a starting place for the design. From there, we can provide high-level feedback on feasibility & cost, plus answer all your questions about the process.
Timing: 2-3 days
1: Free Discovery Call
We want to learn about your site location & requirements, building size & specifications, as well as your vision for the design of the unit. We’ll want to know which ADU plan is closest to what you’re looking for as a starting place for the design. From there, we can provide high-level feedback on feasibility & cost, plus answer all your questions about the process.
Timing: 2-3 days
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2: Financing
Already have funding in line? Skip this step. But if you are pursing financing options, you’ll want to start on that right away to know what’s possible. At the end of our free consultation, you will have an estimated all-in cost for your complete ADU project (design, permit, sitework, build). We can make recommendations for lenders who work with loans for ADUs.
Timing: 6-12 weeks (concurrent with other phases)
2: Financing
Already have funding in line? Skip this step. But if you are pursing financing options, you’ll want to start on that right away to know what’s possible. At the end of our free consultation, you will have an estimated all-in cost for your complete ADU project (design, permit, sitework, build). We can make recommendations for lenders who work with loans for ADUs.
Timing: 6-12 weeks (concurrent with other phases)
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3: Sign Proposal
We will deliver a proposal laying out our process & fee schedule with budgetary pricing for the entire project. This gives you a comprehensive view of anticipated all-inclusive ADU costs from the outset of the project. Signing the proposal authorizes us to begin the Feasibility Study (and we always bill after the work is done).
Timing: 1-2 days
3: Sign Proposal
We will deliver a proposal laying out our process & fee schedule with budgetary pricing for the entire project. This gives you a comprehensive view of anticipated all-inclusive ADU costs from the outset of the project. Signing the proposal authorizes us to begin the Feasibility Study (and we always bill after the work is done).
Timing: 1-2 days
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4: Feasibility Study, Design & Price Lock
The Feasibility Study confirms what the budget will be for your ADU given the local requirements and your site conditions. During this phase we make a site visit to map & assess your existing utilities, plus refine our assumptions about sitework. If you’re going with a semi-custom plan, we modify your desired floor plan along with exterior elevations. We present all of this in a Feasibility Study along with a Construction Estimate with locked pricing for the build.
Timing: 3-4 weeks (standard plan), 4-8 weeks (modified plan)
4: Feasibility Study, Design & Price Lock
The Feasibility Study confirms what the budget will be for your ADU given the local requirements and your site conditions. During this phase we make a site visit to map & assess your existing utilities, plus refine our assumptions about sitework. If you’re going with a semi-custom plan, we modify your desired floor plan along with exterior elevations. We present all of this in a Feasibility Study along with a Construction Estimate with locked pricing for the build.
Timing: 3-4 weeks (standard plan), 4-8 weeks (modified plan)
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5: Construction Documents & Application
Once the floor plan, elevations & budget are approved, we will produce a full set of architectural drawings along with required calculations & reports for submission to the city for permits. If you have an HOA or Construction Loan, we will also make sure documentation is ready for submission to those entities.
Timing: 3-4 weeks
5: Construction Documents & Application
Once the floor plan, elevations & budget are approved, we will produce a full set of architectural drawings along with required calculations & reports for submission to the city for permits. If you have an HOA or Construction Loan, we will also make sure documentation is ready for submission to those entities.
Timing: 3-4 weeks
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6: Finish Material Selections
We like to have our clients make interior & exterior design selections early in the process to ensure we can keep your project on time and on budget. While the city is reviewing your plans, you’ll make your design choices. You can choose an included standard design from our LookBook or select finishes a la carte. Ultimately, our goal is to specify upfront which materials will be used so we can keep the project rolling smoothly.
Timing: 2-4 weeks (concurrent with other phases)
6: Finish Material Selections
We like to have our clients make interior & exterior design selections early in the process to ensure we can keep your project on time and on budget. While the city is reviewing your plans, you’ll make your design choices. You can choose an included standard design from our LookBook or select finishes a la carte. Ultimately, our goal is to specify upfront which materials will be used so we can keep the project rolling smoothly.
Timing: 2-4 weeks (concurrent with other phases)
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7: Permitting & Revisions
We submit plans to the city & pull required permits. We work closely with the building department to ensure submitted construction plans move as swiftly as possible through plan review & permitting processes. Our in-house permitting team will also let you know what plan check & permit fees must be paid.
Timing: 3-8 months (highly dependent on local jurisdiction)
7: Permitting & Revisions
We submit plans to the city & pull required permits. We work closely with the building department to ensure submitted construction plans move as swiftly as possible through plan review & permitting processes. Our in-house permitting team will also let you know what plan check & permit fees must be paid.
Timing: 3-8 months (highly dependent on local jurisdiction)
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8: Build Out
Once we have permits, construction can typically start moving within 2-3 weeks. We handle the entire process, all the way to the final punch list with you to make sure your ADU meets or exceeds your expectations. Timing on this phase will depend heavily on the responsiveness of the city inspectors and also the size of the unit (with two story units taking about 3-4 weeks longer).
Timing: 4-6 months
8: Build Out
Once we have permits, construction can typically start moving within 2-3 weeks. We handle the entire process, all the way to the final punch list with you to make sure your ADU meets or exceeds your expectations. Timing on this phase will depend heavily on the responsiveness of the city inspectors and also the size of the unit (with two story units taking about 3-4 weeks longer).
Timing: 4-6 months