Fair ADU quote checklist
What should a fair ADU quote in San Diego include?
A fair ADU quote is itemized: design and engineering, permits and City fees, utility connections, construction, and finishes, with a written schedule. Compare it to the 2026 City of San Diego median single-ADU permit value of $120,900 (750 permits) and ask what is missing if a bid is far below.
A fair quote lists
- Contractor name, address and CSLB license number
- Design, engineering, Title 24 and permit handling, each priced or clearly excluded
- City fees: which are included and an estimate of the rest
- Foundation, framing, roofing, windows, MEP (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and finishes, with allowances in dollars
- Utility work: sewer lateral, water meter, electrical panel, gas
- Solar if required; site work, grading and haul-away
- Start date, milestones and a realistic finish date
- Payment schedule tied to completed work, and the written change-order process
- Warranty terms in writing
Red flags
- More than 10% or $1,000 down (the legal cap on most home improvement contracts)
- License missing, expired, or in a different name
- “We'll build first and permit later,” or no permit
- Allowances so low you'll pay much more later
- A lump sum with no line items far below the City medians: $89,600 for conversions, $154,300 for detached units
- No 3-day cancel notice (5 days if you're 65+)