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FLOW_03 / METHOD

The engineering
path.

We treat construction like engineering. Each phase has a clear deliverable, a fixed timeline, and a single accountable lead — so schedule slip is the exception, not the norm.

CHART_01 / Typical DADU Schedule · 48 weeks total

What the calendar actually looks like.

01 Analysis
2w
02 Design
8w
03 Permits
14w
04 Build
22w
05 Handover
2w

Permits and build run partially in parallel — site work begins the day the permit is issued. Garage conversions compress to ~16 weeks.

  1. 01

    ANALYSIS

    Site assessment, zoning review, and a written feasibility report so you know what's possible before you spend a dollar on design.

    Deliverables
    • +Site survey notes
    • +Zoning + setback memo
    • +Buildable area sketch
    • +Order-of-magnitude budget
  2. 02

    DESIGN

    Architectural drafting and material specifications. You see real plans, real elevations, and real renderings — not back-of-napkin sketches.

    Deliverables
    • +Schematic floor plans
    • +Exterior elevations
    • +Material + finish boards
    • +3D renderings
  3. 03

    PERMITS

    Full management of city council, utility, and inspection approvals. We deal with the bureaucracy so you don't have to.

    Deliverables
    • +Permit-ready drawing set
    • +Utility & sewer applications
    • +City correction responses
    • +Issued building permit
  4. 04

    BUILD

    Precision construction led by veteran site supervisors. Weekly progress reports, photo logs, and a single point of accountability.

    Deliverables
    • +Weekly photo log
    • +Schedule + cost tracker
    • +Pass-through inspections
    • +Trade coordination
  5. 05

    HANDOVER

    Final inspection, punch-list, warranty documentation, and key delivery. We don't disappear after the last invoice.

    Deliverables
    • +Punch-list completion
    • +Operations binder
    • +1-year workmanship warranty
    • +Final walkthrough
FIELD_07 / Bid Diligence

Four red flags to spot in any contractor bid.

Allowance-heavy bids

A bid full of $X,000 allowances isn't a price — it's a placeholder. Real bids spec the actual fixture, tile, and slab.

No structural engineer named

ADUs require stamped structural drawings. If no engineer is on the team day one, expect re-design loops and permit corrections.

Verbal change orders

Every scope change should be a signed, priced PCO before work begins. Verbal changes are how budgets explode 30% mid-build.

Single bid, no shopping

Trade pricing varies 15–25% between vendors. We bid mechanical, electrical, and plumbing competitively on every project.

FIELD_08 / Step One

Ready for step 01?

Two weeks. Written report. Real numbers — credited back if you build.

REQUEST FEASIBILITY STUDY