What is an ADU Feasibility Study?

At Adapt Dwellings, 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 Adapt Dwellings, our feasibility studies include a comprehensive examination of your property to determine the best possible plan for your ADU. Our feasibility studies include:

Onsite Inspection

Our ADU feasibility study begins with a thorough onsite evaluation of your property. We examine the topography of your land, the usable space, and determine the ideal size and location for an ADU.

Utility Evaluation

Our feasibility study will evaluate your electrical service equipment to determine what upgrades are needed to connect the ADU to your existing lines. We’ll also review your water and sewage connections.

Rent Feasibility Analysis

Our feasibility studies include a market rental market estimate, so you can get an idea of the long term potential rental income your ADU can generate. This data can help guide your decision making and ensure your ADU is a sound investment.

Architectural Proposal

Adapt Dwelling’s team of state-licensed architects will provide a design proposal for a beautiful ADU space that seamlessly integrates with your existing home and structures, complete with design renderings.

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?