Frequently Asked Question

Question 1: How much does it cost to build a small home or an ADU?  

Just how are square foot homebuilding costs determined? They are nothing more than the total cost of a home project divided by the total number of square feet in that home. So, an average 2,200 square foot home with total construction costs of $242,000 would cost $110 per square foot to build. Spend another $40,000 on an upgraded kitchen, a beautiful master bath, 10 foot ceilings, or any other combination of “high-end” features or finishes and the price jumps to $282,000 but the homes square footage stayed the same. Now that same 2,200 square foot home would cost $128 per square foot to build; an increase of 16 percent. Add in porches, decks, garages, bonus rooms, etc. 

Therefore giving an accurate estimate without knowing more specifics about your project would be difficult. But we can at least give you some insight into the general construction cost of a brand new home or detached ADU.

• $5,000 to $10,000 - Design & Engineering fees

• $5,000 - Permits Development Charges

• $15-$25 per square foot - Site Work & Foundation

• $110-$175 per foot - Construction costs

• $67,500 to $325,000 | ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST

Question 2: How long does it take to design and build a small home or ADU?

Every project and client is different. In our experience it can take about 3-4 weeks to design a custom home or ADU, about 4-6 weeks to get permit approval from municipalities, and another 1 to 3months to build & set depending on weather, unexpected delays and other unforeseen setbacks. 

Question 3: What services does Carriage Home Builders provide?

Our role as the general contractor is to see the big picture when it comes to your project, and bring that concept through to the intimate details. We will help you explore what is allowed on your property, what appeals to you aesthetically, and what you require functionally. We will coordinate the team of designers, engineers, city permitting staff, and construction professionals. 

We will also guide your project through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements. Our job is to work with you and all of the other people involved, so that your project is built the way it was intended, and that the final project meets your needs. We can help you with everything from creating a site plan, developing the architectural concept and floor plans, all the way to selecting tiles, counters, and other finish materials. In short, we follow your project from early concept design through completed construction working with your best interests at heart.

Question 4: What’s the client’s role in the design process?

We will depend on you to communicate your design preferences, functional requirements, and budget. Your timely response to questions and design submissions will help keep the project on schedule. It is also important for you to raise any concerns you have as the project proceeds, so they can be addressed in the earliest stages. Working in partnership with us will help ensure the best possible outcome for your project. 

Question 5: Are owner occupants required in an ADU?

Not necessarily, however, a local government can require an applicant to be an owner occupant or family member. The owner may reside in the primary or accessory structure. Local governments can also require the ADU to not be used for short term rentals (terms lesser than 30 days). 

Question 6: What is the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?

While both manufactured homes and modular homes are built in a factory environment, there are some differences between the two. The main source of difference between modular and manufactured homes is the code to which they are built. Manufactured homes are built to a federal HUD code that meet state or local residential building codes. Manufactured homes are built to RV industry codes which do not meet the standard for most municipalities.