What should be in an ADU builder quote?

A good ADU quote should list site work, utilities, foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, siding, roofing, windows, doors, finishes, labor, profit, and exclusions.

Should permit fees be in the quote?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Ask the builder if permit fees, plan check fees, design, engineering, and Title 24 are included.

Why do ADU quotes look so different?

Builders do not always include the same items. One quote may include utility work. Another may leave it out. Compare the line items, not just the total price.

ADU Quotes

What should be included in an ADU builder quote?

An ADU quote can look simple. But many costs hide in the details. Use this checklist before you sign.

A good ADU quote should tell you what is included. It should also tell you what is not included.

Do not only look at the total price. A low quote can still cost more later if key items are missing.

If you are still early, start with the San Jose ADU project timeline. It shows what to prepare before you ask for a quote.

A good ADU quote should include these items

Site work, like grading and drainage.
Utility trenches for water, sewer, gas, and power.
Foundation work.
Framing and the building shell.
Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and water heater work.
Insulation, drywall, paint, siding, and roofing.
Window, door, cabinet, tile, and fixture budgets.
Labor, contractor profit, and clear exclusions.

Start with site work

Site work gets the yard ready. This can include grading, drainage, trenching, and hauling. It can change the price a lot.

Ask the builder what site work is included. Ask what happens if they find a problem after digging starts.

Look for utility work

ADUs need water, sewer, power, and sometimes gas. The quote should say who pays for this work.

Also ask about the electrical panel. Some homes need a panel upgrade. That can be a big extra cost.

Check the building shell

The shell is the outside of the ADU. It includes the foundation, frame, roof, windows, doors, siding, and insulation.

These items shape how the ADU looks. They also affect comfort and long-term quality.

Read the finish budgets

Some quotes use budgets for windows, doors, tile, cabinets, counters, and fixtures. These are often called allowances.

An allowance is not a final price. If you pick items that cost more, you pay the difference.

Read more here: ADU allowances explained.

Study the exclusions

Exclusions are items not included in the quote. This section matters.

Common exclusions include design, engineering, permits, city fees, utility fees, landscaping, appliances, and finish materials.

If a quote has a lot of exclusions, the final cost may be higher than the first number.

Compare quotes the right way

Put two quotes side by side. Match each line item. Then look for missing parts.

A quote with more line items may look higher. But it may be more honest.

Use this next: how to compare two ADU quotes.

Frequently asked questions

What should be in an ADU builder quote?: A good ADU quote should list site work, utilities, foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, siding, roofing, windows, doors, finishes, labor, profit, and exclusions.
Should permit fees be in the quote?: Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Ask the builder if permit fees, plan check fees, design, engineering, and Title 24 are included.
Why do ADU quotes look so different?: Builders do not always include the same items. One quote may include utility work. Another may leave it out. Compare the line items, not just the total price.

Got an ADU quote?

Send the main line items. I can help you spot what may be missing before you sign.

Send your ADU details