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How Much Does it Cost to Build an ADU in Sacramento?

If you’re a Sacramento area homeowner looking to add more living space to your existing property, you may have been thinking about building an ADU. The overall price of an ADU will vary, depending on the size of the building, the type of ADU, the quality of building materials, and the finishes and amenities included. We’ve compiled a quick guide to help explain what an ADU is, why you might decide to build one, and how much it might cost.

What is an ADU?


Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are living spaces that are separate from your main house that can be used for a variety of purposes. An ADU can be detached (most common) or attached (like a garage conversion). To be considered an ADU, the structure must be insulated, have plumbing and electrical wiring and have a bedroom, and a half or full bathroom. These dwelling units can be used to house family members, utilized as office space or an entertainment room, or even rented out to tenants. California homeowners often choose to build ADUs because they don’t require the purchase of additional land and the extra bedrooms and bathrooms are added to the overall appraised value of their property.

How Much Does an ADU Cost in Sacramento?

ADUs in Sacramento can cost between $150,000 to $450,000 with an average of $300,000. The total cost depends on the size of the ADU and the quality of building materials and finishes. The prices for ADUs in the Sacramento area are the following:

  • Basic / Small ADUs (400 to 600 sq ft):  $150,000 to $250,000
  • Mid-Sized ADUs (600 to 800 sq ft):  $175,000 to  $350,000
  • High-End / Large ADUs (800+ sq ft): $225,000 to $450,000

The price ranges can be affected by a variety of factors, including the following.

Planning & Design

Architecture and design can cost between $6,000 to $14,000 depending on the complexity of the design. Custom designed ADUs may cost more than a basic ADU.

City Fees and Permits

Land survey fees can cost between $500 and $1,500 to mark property boundaries and avoid disputes with neighbors. 

ADUs between 300 and 749 square feet have a building permit and plan review fee that is up to $1,780. An ADU in Sacramento 749 sq ft and below will cost up to $4,800 in permits and fees.

For Sacramento ADUs 750 to 1200 square feet, the building permit and plan review fees are up to $2,500. ADUs 750 square feet and above are also assessed Park, Flood, Transportation, and School Impact fees between $4,800 and $6,000. The total estimated fees for ADUs this size will be somewhere between $10,000 and $14,200.

Sacramento ADUs Cost Ranges

Permit / Fees 300 to 749 sq ft 750 to 1,200 sq ft
Building Permit + Plan Review Up to $1,780 Up to $2,500
Fire & Planning Inspections Included Included
Public Works, Tech, Recycling Included Included
Park, Flood & Transportation Fees $0 $4,800 to $6,000
Estimated Total Fees Up to $4,800 $10,000 to $14,200

Size and Layout

The overall size of the ADU will be a factor in the final cost. Larger floor plans generally cost more than smaller ADUs. An ADU that is smaller than 500 sq ft may cost less but offer less functionality. Larger ADUs offer more flexibility and living space but cost more.

Attached vs Detached

A detached ADU is a separate building on your property which requires plumbing and electrical.  Detached ADUs must have the required setback to be compliant with local zoning regulations.

An attached ADU, which is an addition to your home, is typically cheaper than a detached ADU. A finished basement is a type of attached ADU. Garage conversions are generally the least expensive type of ADU.

Site Preparation

Ensuring the site has proper drainage, level ground, and foundational support may add to the cost of the ADU.

Utilities

Adding electrical, plumbing, sewer, and HVAC systems can add thousands to the overall cost of the ADU project. Depending on the city, electrical panel upgrades may be required for construction.

Materials and Finishing

Basic materials like pre-fabricated countertops and cabinets can keep ADU costs to about $200 per square foot, while luxury materials like hardwood flooring and natural stone countertops can bring the price point to $400-500 per sq. ft.

Financing

If you’re looking for financing for your ADU project, get in touch with our team. We work with several lenders and we offer financing for qualified homeowners.

If you’re looking for financing for your ADU project, get in touch with our team. We work with several lenders and we offer financing for qualified homeowners.

Reasons for Building an ADU

There are multiple, sometimes overlapping reasons why Sacramento homeowners choose to invest in building an ADU.

Financial Return on Investment

The extra square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms in an ADU are added to the overall appraisal value of your home and property. This can raise the resale value of your home. Some homeowners also build an ADU to rent it out to tenants. This can help produce extra monthly income.

Practical Functionality

Many families build an ADU to house other family members and give them a place to live where they have autonomy. An ADU can also be used as a home office, an entertainment room, or a guest room for visitors or out-of-town family.

Comparing to Other California Cities

Building an ADU in Sacramento is less expensive than in larger cities. Price ranges in San Diego are about 10% higher than in Sacramento, Los Angeles ADUs are about 20% more expensive, and it costs up to 40% more to build an ADU in the San Francisco Bay Area than Sacramento.

Are You Looking for a Free Estimate on an ADU for Your Sacramento Property?

If you’re a Sacramento area homeowner looking to build an ADU on your property, JC Construction & Remodeling is an expert contractor specializing in ADU construction. Whether you need a large or small ADU, JC Construction & Remodeling is the leading ADU builder in Sacramento, bringing over 26 years of combined experience and hundreds of completed projects. Our team transforms your visions into reality with unmatched workmanship, dedication and expertise. To schedule an appointment with our contracting team, use our scheduling calendar to get started. We look forward to helping you achieve your remodeling and construction goals.

Your Trusted Home Improvement Partner

JC Construction & Remodeling is more than just a construction company; we are your dedicated partners in transforming your vision into reality. With over a decade of industry experience, our locally owned and operated business has honed its craft, delivering exceptional home improvement solutions to our valued clients. Integrity and honesty are the cornerstones of our approach, guiding every interaction and decision we make. We understand that each project is unique.

Why we offer a diverse range of customizable home improvement services

Whether you’re looking to renovate your entire home or simply need a few repairs, our team is equipped with the expertise and resources to exceed your expectations. At JC Construction & Remodeling, quality is not just a goal; it’s a standard we uphold in every aspect of our work. Specializing in general home improvement and remodeling, we take immense pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines our projects.

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    We can set the price for you for our kitchen remodeling service for 45 days
    *Offer expires 11/29/24

      Fill out the form and get professional advice from an expert without any obligation!
      What services are you interested in?
      *Free estimates for residential homeowners only. By submitting this form, you agree to receive a call from JC Construction about your project.
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        *Free estimates for residential homeowners only. By submitting this form, you agree to receive a call from JC Construction about your project.