The homeowner planning sequence

1. Screen your property: lot, access, utilities, hazards, easements, and existing structures.
2. Verify local rules: zoning, size, setbacks, height, parking, owner-occupancy, and permit requirements.
3. Build the budget: design, permits, site work, utilities, construction, financing, contingency, and carrying costs.
4. Choose the ADU type: detached, attached, garage conversion, interior conversion, or other locally permitted option.
5. Prepare for design and permits: organize property documents, surveys, utility information, and jurisdiction requirements.
6. Compare bids carefully: scope, exclusions, allowances, schedule, payment terms, warranty, and change-order rules.

Use this site as a planning framework and verify jurisdiction-specific requirements with official local sources before making project commitments.