This is how i built an ADU in LA for only $45,000

This is my story on how I build my ADU for $45,000 as an owner builder and saved money.
✅ Need a designer to help you draw plans for your ADU. Natalie can help
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✅ ADU subcontractors for Owner Builder's
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✅ For any Real Estate inquiry's please text or call me 818-564-5835
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✅ For ADU questions please book an appointment. Please do not call without an appointment. Thank you
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ADU cost
$5,000 Plans/design
$300 City plan review
$1,000 Plans approved by the city and initial permits to begin construction
$0 Footings
$2,800 Sewer installation, gas line, pex pipes for water
$227 Plumbing permit
$6,500 Framing labor
$1,800 Wood, nails, epoxy, screws, nuts bolts, hangers, from my favorite store Home Depot
$349 Epoxy city inspection
$1600 Electrical work
$98 Electrical permit
$539 Wall insulation from the most evil place Lowe's
$351 Attic insulation, from my favorite store Home Depot
$63 Home depot tools for insulation
$0 Insulation labor.
$600 Shear wall's installation labor
$574 Plywood for shear walls, nails & accessories from my favorite store Home Depot
$96 Resilient Channel
-$300 Resilient Channel labor installation
$2,500 Cover up garage door, cover up windows & entry door with stucco
$1,500 Santa Barbara finish (Smooth stucco)
$159 Outdoor lamps tinyurl.com/yy...
$846 Cost for all windows with free delivery
$237 Accessories to install windows from my favorite store Home Depot.
$3,500 Labor for Drywall
$1,200 The cost of the drywall & accessories from my happy place Home Depot
$1,300 Vinyl floors www.lestercarp...
$470 Doors www.urbandoors...
$598 Mini split www.airconditi...
$250 Cert test www.heekk.com/
$197 Line set www.airconditi...
$40 Line set outdoor cover Amazon tinyurl.com/yx...
$200 Labor
$29 Base www.airconditi...
$14 Disconnect box tinyurl.com/y3...
$159 Hood vent tinyurl.com/yy...
$285 Stove tinyurl.com/y6...
$119 Faucet tinyurl.com/yx...
$29 Soap dispenser
$109 Garbage disposal tinyurl.com/y8...
$189 Sink tinyurl.com/y6...
$380 Quartz cabinetstonesu...
$26 Plywood cabinetstonesu...
$29 Handles tinyurl.com/y6...
$1,189 Kitchen cabinets cabinetstonesu...
$900 Labor
$31 vent tinyurl.com/y5...
$1,189 Kitchen installation Labor
$25 Roof Vent Cap tinyurl.com/y3...
$0 Labor to install vent
$32 Gas Connector tinyurl.com/y5...
$13 Vent 90-Degree Adjustable Elbow tinyurl.com/y6...
$1,200 Tile superiortile.com/
$250 vanity tinyurl.com/h9...
$209 Shower fixture tinyurl.com/fx...
$109 Toilet
$49 Faucet for the sink
$600 Hardy back/materials
$300 Hot mop
$3,600 Labor
$44,969 Total
Hektor
Los Angeles Realtor
818-564-5835
DRE LIC #01881677
Nationwide Real Estate Executives
4401 Atlantic Ave #100, Long Beach, CA 90807

[@cloudburstdrones]

The fact that you’re passing along free valuable information from your first hand experience speaks volumes to your character. Thank you, sir!

[@AngelGarcia-hc2rb]

What does ADU short for?

[@lgmisfit10]

@@AngelGarcia-hc2rb Additional Unit

[@dearlightbeings]

@@AngelGarcia-hc2rbIt’s ‘Accessory Dwelling Unit’.

[@fijimichelle]

@@AngelGarcia-hc2rb accessory dwelling unit

[@rociomunoz7384]

srsly. subscribed

[@MsKumbi]

Thank you for this informative video. We need more honest people like him in this world. We are living in an era where everyone is trying to drain your pockets and make a quick buck.

[@bibikhan5325]

Very good job hector. Right now I am building a 400sq ft garage conversion. An ADU. One bedroom, a small kitchen, a small bathroom and a living space with a small dining room for 42,500. I hire first class construction

[@tracylieu3211]

Can I have your contractor info I want to build same sf as you in canoga park LA

[@fredrivers5746]

Hello,Yes also looking for a contractor ! Can you pass the info of the one you use?

[@luistaca4882]

Hello Bibi I’m on the process to build a garage to an ADU any recommendation for a construction company, thanks God bless you

[@bibikhan5325]

@@luistaca4882 Firstclass construction did my project.

[@jpartidamtb]

@@tracylieu3211 www.jaycobuilderspm.com

[@JM-kn9dh]

Congrats, your ADU looks great. Also, since you were directly involved, the pride and quality in your work shows!

[@stcroixlover1]

I can't say thank you enough for sharing this information. We have had such a hard time finding a good contractor. We have lost money due to the contractor scams and unwillingness to show up to work as they agreed.

[@roveriia6334]

Great Video. The stove hood vent on the roof should be moved away from a outside wall. The small gap will be an area where leaves can build up causing water to stand and flow under the shingles. If it has to be this way for things such as structural constraints flash above the vent to direct the water from the wall to the opposite side of the vent.

[@sonialopez8172]

Very impressive! Amazing job on learning everything necessary to make it extremely cost effective! I initially wanted to purchase a single family home to do this but talked myself out of it thinking I couldn’t do it so I bought a condo instead. I want to purchase a second property to do this so I’m just watching your videos to learn for now. Thanks!!

[@HektorCastillo]

Sonia thank you for the comment. Watch my previous video. I made a video with all the details you need to know when buying a house to convert the garage into an ADU. 👍

[@tracylieu3211]

@@HektorCastillo I want to buy a house to build ADU too, can you send me your video to view

[@Michael_Thomas134]

I did a 20 x 20 garage conversion in San Diego with a general contractor for $45,000.00. I made it a studio ADU that was designed as handicap accessible. I did have several very expensive estimates and contractors who never even gave me an estimate or returned my plans. The contractor I used did most everything himself with one assistant.

[@Shibatastic2]

Your video is a breath of fresh air. I was being quoted 125k to 200k to turn an existing structure with plumbing and electrical in it which I felt was ridiculous. Thank you so much for this video, gives me hope to help house my aging mom in an affordable way

[@Silvertestrun]

Immensely important to be grateful for your accomplishments!

[@linuxone73]

I believe it. We were charge 110 for remodel but after documenting everything I think we would had paid have..but we would do all the hiring and coordinating. The most important task is the architect that can draw up the plans.

[@acobb8136]

This is amazing and this isn’t the first time I’ve heard that it’s best to do it yourself and hire your own specialist ❤️

[@MrCoolProjects]

I see too many holes in this story. Why didnt we get a detailed break down of cost? Why did the framer get replaced..? How come it took 9 months to get the certificate of occupancy? How much time did he personally invest in this project..? What was included in that 45k cost? And he has a background in real estate and flipping houses… Calling it easy to build an ADU as a homeowner is a far stretch IMO.. This is completely doable, but not as easy as he stating. He’s marketing with a catch hook (45k ADU in LA)

[@calebbracken1719]

Dude this is awesome. I am researching into converting my own garage into an adu right now!

[@HektorCastillo]

You can do it!

[@miloinda]

Hektor, this is what i have been preaching for years. Good on you mate.

[@SpainishRain212_7]

That’s how o fixed up both of my homes!! Boom 💥

[@banx1]

Thank you for sharing. I will be checking out your website and you've inspired me to build this ADU myself. Greatly. Greatly. Appreciated

[@M.11-u4k]

You're are very generous giving out all this info. LA county is challenging to build.

[@darrellgarmon4126]

My mom and I have been looking to convert and you vid and design idea definitely helped shape some stress we were concerned with!

[@germanenciso5269]

Congrats Hektor for your work - I also took it upon myself to build without general contractor, and it worked well but keep in mind it takes a lot longer. In my case about two years, which when you take into account lost rent does not save quite as much money

[@dannydee9919]

were you buiding a duplex?. in no way should an acu of 750 sqft take 2 years to build, absolutely no way.

[@leslierose8504]

Wow! You are an angel for creating this channel! My husband and I are in the middle of doing our ADU and your advice is GOLDEN! Continue the great work!

[@jaygreenwhittier]

Hektor great job building your ADU! Great video and good information. I am a private lender, flipper and builder and I am going to build an ADU in Whittier at one of my rental properties. I am getting bids to build a ground-up 760 sq ft ADU from about $96k to $120k. You were very smart and your patience paid off by going owner-builder and subbing everything out. Great job! Jay Green

[@laprepper]

Did you flip property or just refi and rent?

[@SmokinKlocks]

@@laprepper I hope he’s reno and holding

[@cwr8618]

Flippers! Taking affordable homes families could buy and making them completely unaffordable! Yay!!

[@nayomeer4736]

This was super valuable and super helpful. Ty for posting as well as the companies you used for the services you utilized.

[@albertnevarez895]

If you have time as an owner builder then it’s worth it. Time is money so lost will just Pay a contractor which is not a bad thing to do. Don’t focus on the cost of you will lose more by missing work. Reminder city inspection are Monday-Friday (Friday maybe some won’t work) and 9-4pm. So if you can afford missing work then go for it this will help save a ton of money. Great video

[@jayangel2139]

Not true I had my final inspection done on a Saturday. You can do your work on the weekends and have guys still come in Monday-Friday while you’re at work. I’d rather do work on my own contractors are a bunch of dirty crooks they’ll lie and never keep their promise

[@htsyami]

Honestly, it’s great that you built it and learned from the city inspector. But the general contractor isn’t only being paid for the work performed but also for their knowledge and skills in navigating the building process. So it’s not really shady for them to not give that knowledge away for free. That being said, some contractors do overcharge for their services.

[@k8glass]

Hey, this is really helpful thank you! Glad it's not just look how glamorous this is...that you actually go into details that are very useful! 🙂 thanks!

[@Manohman-fx2jq]

I’m building an ADU right now and I’m cutting corners like you , by being directly involved in the construction. It can be done , you might need one or two people to help with some of the heavy lifting , but it is do able. This video feels different once going through the process myself.

[@WillJohnsonSD_Inspector]

The ADU ordinances have been powerful enablers to homeowners. It has been exciting to help homeowners create affordable housing for loved ones and attractive passive income. Useful information. Saved lots of money. We're all money-saving consumers. You save lots of money doing your own labor. You are very thorough in your research. You learned a lot as a realtor in homes and construction. You stated easy. I really struggle with that. I'm in construction management and financing specializing in ADUs. I rebut that building an ADU is an easy DIY project. It's anything but. Most homeowners do not have your discipline & experience and the time....lots of time. I assure you many homeowners don't have the time and experience to do their own labor. Your focus solely on the cost of construction is unfortunately limited. I'm surprised you didn't put on your realtor hat and look at the value in appreciation, and cash flow. Even using a design-build firm where your costs are higher still shows good property valuation and attractive cash flow. DIY ADUs are beyond most homeowners. I have every confidence that the marketplace is better served by working with quality contractors.

[@cwr8618]

@h2s142good points. I think about this a lot. We’ve done an ADU a few years ago and are doing drawings right now for a couple more. I’ve also worked in a city engineering department and the mgmt on resources is scary out here in SoCal

[@Eric-pw4ip]

Thank you for making this video. I’ve had some crazy estimates myself. Someone quoted me $350k-400k for an ADU and moving master bathroom on a raised home.

[@FamilyFlippers]

You are so organized with your prices. I build these all the time, starting price is still 80K. I do it for others and a lot for myself. Great video!

[@cwr8618]

Where are you located?

[@FamilyFlippers]

Los Angeles@@cwr8618

[@Kelly-n2z7q]

Good job! You must be proud of yourself for taking on such a project. Thank you for graciously sharing your knowledge. I look forward to watching your other videos.

[@HAGA7793]

I'm in a very similar situation. I'm almost done pulling permits and I got a few quotes that I'm not happy with. Many of these contractors are overselling themselves, especially now, more than ever. In fact I'm going a step further and actually doing the labor myself.

[@Leo-mf6ct]

Maybe you’re too cheap my friend👍🏽

[@711exile]

@@Leo-mf6ct Maybe you're a contractor my friend

[@vroor32]

​@@Leo-mf6ctnothing wrong with being cheap. It's his money, and his time.

[@cwr8618]

⁠@@711exilewhy would him being a contractor make him inherently bad?

[@marinaromanova149]

Fantastic job! Can’t believe you did all of that by yourself 👍👍👍

[@8tuvang]

This video deserves my sub. Thanks Hektor

[@HektorCastillo]

Thank you!

[@jarrodporter361]

Hektor, thank you for sharing your process. This was helpful. I'm interested in pursuing some vacate land and have been looking at different options that could be built there. This may be a way to drastically reduce cost and get the ball rolling sooner. Thank you.

[@billger5710]

and would the efficiency of a contractor allow for getting the unit rented and generating income, all trade offs of course and whether or not funds are available.

[@cristanoisthebest]

Appreicate your honesty.

[@MichaelGilmoreTV]

In Los Angeles, according to Building, Planning & Safety Department, you can act as an owner-builder and build 1-to-4 units as long as you hire qualified subcontractors. I’m introducing a 599 sf Modern Home to the Los Angeles market, which will sell for $100,000. I expect 10,000 pre-orders around the state yielding $1 Billion gross🏠💯💰. Remember, general contractors markups are high and all they do is hire subcontractors 👀👍🏿.

[@dcat33]

Excellent program to ensure cars continue to stack on the streets. How this program isn't a second story add on only, so cars can still be garaged is mind-boggling

[@md-wg4bz]

I’m glad my next door neighbor is only doing a single story ADU. If he had done a two story, it would have taken away the privacy of my backyard.

[@dcat33]

​@@md-wg4bzyour back yard is not private no matter how private you think it is. Anyone can raise a pole in their yard with a 360 camera on the tip and you couldn't do a thing

[@halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

@1:11 when I saw the giant Halloween statue behind you... I knew you were filming on my street. I'm 1/2 block down the street from there. Came looking for info for my garage and was like, "heyyyyy he's across the street from that crazy guy, Dennis."

[@smokeyfreshhh]

Bravo mate you did a splendid job. Excellent video, love the detail. Cheers and thanks for sharing.

[@josea.morataya8405]

Woww Hektor that was very nice of you of sharing all this information . will reach out to you and the girl you mention for plans.Thanks

[@joemaycen8556]

I really like your videos on how to make extra income, good job Hektor!..

[@HektorCastillo]

Joe thank you for the kind comment

[@dn1969]

Great job Hektor! thank you for your time and efforts.

[@jorgepulidovaladez9418]

One thing I will add is don’t be cheap when it comes to the plumbing , I hired a guy just because he was the cheapest option and it ended up costing me thousands , layout was off , gas lines leaking… horrible experience.

[@sns1804]

Thank you. You did great!! you're a gem for doing this.

[@iceWaterProductions1]

Great channel. I live in Texas and plan on building a detached building to house my music collection and live in while renting out my house. I want to keep costs under $50,000.

[@ecarbajal1982]

Thanks for all the great info! Keep up the good work my friend!!!!

[@anthonyvega4350]

Wow!, Thanks Hektor, my plans already pre-approved, I plan on using your contacts, feel free tp shoot you next youtube video at my place, can't wait to get started. 400 sq ft is already built, just adding plumbing, restroom, kitchen and laundry room.

[@Kelleynolimit]

OMG you’re exactly what I need to help me with my ADU in Placentia!!! I’m doing it as my own GC 👩🏻‍🔧

[@Hakdfyd]

If you need a good handyman I am local to La county

[@jennifera9897]

Omg!! I’m looking to buy in Placentia and build an ADU. Maybe we can bounce off ideas

[@teraxiel]

FYI, it is possible to skip the HERS rater step altogether if you check certain boxes. You would likely have to make some design changes, but it's possible. However, I don't think a HERS rater is very expensive for them to certify a small ADU, so it may not be worth it.

[@HektorCastillo]

No you cannot skip the HERS test. The city inspector won't sign off on the final.

[@teraxiel]

@@HektorCastillo Let me clarify. I'm saying you can satisfy HERS requirements without using a HERS rater. HERS compliance offers a "Prescriptive" approach whereby if you hit every spec necessary for a prescriptive approach you are then HERS compliant. I did it on my addition. However, this method does not apply to every build. I was able to design my build so that the prescriptive method could be used.

[@maritzadiaz8249]

Thank you, but I don't think I can do that. I wish I was healthy enough to complete a grandma home. You are so talented. Blessings.

[@southengirl1]

I really appreciate you for sharing this information with all of us in the format. It’s so difficult to get information and the contractors are just ripoffs ( many of them)? I appreciate their knowledge but they play so many games with us? Your place is beautiful, really amazing. You did a great job o course! Here in the Bay Area it’s crazy expensive…Great Job Hector! …and thank you again and again!!!

[@HektorCastillo]

Thank you for the kind comment. It's nice to know you appreciate the content. I agree there are some excellent contractors however for the most part, specifically ADU contractors are out to get as much as they can in profits from homeowners. Good luck in your project, I'll be making a few more videos soon. Thank you once again!!!

[@elizabethjames5928]

Great job! Thanks for giving me the inspiration to do this for myself!!

[@Khanh.Nguyen369]

Man. I’m just starting and this is incredible information. Thank you.

[@cuzuvmcvoy]

You're amazing, Hector! Glad to have found your channel.

[@HektorCastillo]

Thank you glad you enjoy it!

[@carlosvillalta9974]

Unpermitted ADU's still get half the credit as if it did have one as long as its built good. Great video bro!

[@brianamartinez30]

You should post approved ADU floor plans in your guide. That would be very helpful

[@arbim558]

In the previous video he talks about how a general contractor wouldn’t give him any info, therefore he found the General Contractor to be shady.., but then somebody’s simply asking for floorplants he ignores and doesn’t even like your comment 😂 while liking everyone else’s🙃 sorry but don’t like Hypocrites

[@cwr8618]

@@arbim558the difference is, he’s probably not in business to provide all this stuff. I’m guessing he’s got a life outside of YT

[@md-wg4bz]

A few months ago, the City of LA posted a free ADU blueprint plan. I think that alone is worth $3000.

[@griseldaluna6698]

​@@md-wg4bz on what website? Where pl

[@RocRaiden]

Thank you Hector! Your video is encouraging me to build my own Adu as well. I have just submit my plan to the city a few weeks ago and waiting for approval. How long did it take you to build your adu?

[@anthonyacevedo6672]

Another excellent video. I will definitely be reaching to you in a month or two once I get my lender pre approval letter. I will need an agent that’s knowledgeable about ADUs for my next purchase.

[@HektorCastillo]

Anthony it will an honor to help you find a house 🏡. Getting your offer accepted will be the hard part. Building the ADU will be easy 😄👍

[@ebggullette]

Thank you!! From Spring Valley, CA

[@salvationinvestors4097]

What website did you look into in order to HIRE the SUBCONTRACTORS

[@Phantom_Adventurer]

This guy is the realest! Thanks for this true info. I’ll subscribe 👌🏼

[@lindanolasco3918]

Thank you so much for this valuable information! You are an incredible person for sharing and helping others!

[@BigDadOfSteel]

Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate all your help.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Brilliant, Hektor! Thank you for all this wonderful information! Liked and subscribed. ¡Échale ganas! 🤜🤛

[@stevelopez372]

Dig up for Footings, what? Check the City Records, they will tell you everything you need to know. The entire house was originally permitted and inspected. This is a Garage Conversion not a new structure. Turned out nice.

[@cr3126]

Great job brother. Inspiring work. Keep it up!

[@HektorCastillo]

Thanks! Will do!

[@jm3martinez]

Everyone commenting on their $1,000 iPhone that cost Apple $500. If you can only afford a lesser phone that’s ok. It’ll get the job done. But let’s not sit around and blame apple. They have operating costs, marketing, they have to warranty, and make a profit like any business.

[@TimeRep03982]

Converted a 590sq ft garage into an ADU for $75k (2019)- CA 2bdr/1 bath Open concept kitchen and living room Washer/dryer 2 bedrooms w/closets (queen beds fit well/side night stand and small side dresser) Used a general contractor as I live out of state Had to earthquake retrofit Seperate electrical panel

[@cwr8618]

4years less inflation and mostly before COVID. Completely different landscape now.

[@imejandiskate]

Contact Natalie, ABC, XYZ. Do the same rule of three for earth work/site prep sub, landscape, MEPs, Finishes, etc. Always ask subs to break out their scope of work. Compare and capture missed scope from quotes of all subs. This will avoid change order costs which end up being more on the spot. You are also at the hands of the inspector's schedule in the middle of a work day. Most of them have 30 stops a day and are cranky. When all said and done, factor in the countless hours of your own time being invested. If you are a typical 9-5 worker and know little about the process, this is a little more work than it may look like. It also has a lot of risk when not knowing ANY of the subs you are hiring for the first time. Just being honest! ***Final tip, try not to rush the design process. Most architects will spit plans out and call something compete when, in reality, it probably is not. The closer you get towards capturing an accurate completed set of plans, the more money and time you will save throughout the build.

[@JosephPeretz]

The reason why Certification of Occupancy takes so long is because of clearances. You need to take care of them on day one. Public works takes a long time in City of LA. Looks like you worked very hard, do you think it would have been better to hire a contractor to save time? Great work looks amazing.

[@HektorCastillo]

I met all the clearances before my final inspection. After the final inspection I waited for the city to issue my Certificate of occupancy. At the end it was a human error the reason I waited so long. The construction process only took 4 months and that's because I didn't know anything about ADU's. Joseph thank you for the kind comment.

[@richardjacques1731]

Exactly what are these clearances of which you speak?

[@JosephPeretz]

@@richardjacques1731 Green Building Final, Housing, t24 paper work, Herz testing. There's a lot of things you need to come to final inspection with BUT a lot of times the inspector doesn't do any paper work until a week after they approve your final. I had an inspector in Resseda that gave me Certification of occupancy next day after final. I also had an inspector in mar vista that gave me CFO 4 months after final. IDK what ever

[@cwr8618]

And now solar is required

[@AnneReyes-r7l]

Thank you for sharing vital information that would have costed so much money, you sir, are making a huge positive impact on peoples lives! Thank you! Im the type of person that likes to not only save money, but it angers me to pay other people (who takes advantage) to do something i could just do on my own

[@franciscoolvera6871]

This video was very helpful Thank you Sir!

[@HektorCastillo]

Most welcome!

[@MONTANA-bg8qh]

Do you have a video of the walk around of ADU? Looks amazing

[@vazrikab]

Dear Hektor, That is an impressive job! Thank you vey much for the information. I myself as a contractor would appreciate the hard work that you do to explain all the steps and involved licensed sub-contractors necessary to complete your garage CONVERSION project. I will refer my clients to your videos, as it will help them to understand all the phases / steps involved in similar projects. Of course NOT ALL ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) Projects are the same. I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with one contractor, but he is not representing all of honest and hard working people in this field. In the meantime I would like to ask you a few questions regarding to the total cost. Did you include "YOUR" hourly labor cost for the works that you personally did on your project, to the total numbers? Did you add the amount of money that you lost during the time you were away from your own business, thus you didn't make any money? However, provided information were great, but I would suggest you to include those details to the information so anyone interested to convert their garage doesn't get wrong impression. Not everyone is as knowledgeable about the matter as you are. (You mentioned you have/are working in real estate business, right?) Again, I would like to thank you for provided details as it definitely helped me.

[@cwr8618]

Your comment is excellent.

[@TaylorGolonka]

Hi! I live in Torrance and I’m Alamo’s to ready to submit my finished plans. I have structural engineering plans and architectural plans. I’m looking forward to see what $159 item might save me $10000. Would love your advice through the process.

[@TaylorGolonka]

Typo-“almost” not Alamos. 😂

[@cwr8618]

@@TaylorGolonkaFYI, you can edit comments on here

[@SaeChizzel]

Fantastic work Hektor! Thank you for the guidance and being super informative!

[@jrizk93]

Thats what a general contractor does. Hires subs to do all the work and manages the project. Or the GC has his/her own crew and does it all in house. (very rare) This is a great way to save money but if you dont know how to check the work from the people that you hired, it can cost you a lot more than it would to just pay for a GC to do the work.

[@HektorCastillo]

As an owner builder did not have to check the work. The city inspector verified all the work was done properly and up to code. If it was not done correctly he would issue corrections and the corrections were fix by the trade contractor. 👍

[@jollyrigger1560]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@theone4042]

Your a smart guy!! Great job Hektor

[@HektorCastillo]

Thank you!

[@peteryost3049]

Why do you say, “gotten worse” ? Economically driven markets are unfair for society?

[@HektorCastillo]

FYI Japan has no inflation and it's an economically driven market. Japans society is pretty well off. For the most part mention ADU to any contractor in California and automatically it's $120,000 I build the same product for half the cost and with zero experience in ADU's.

[@Youtube_ban_me]

This was awesome! You are the man! Do you have any content or information on how to build a 2nd story to a house?

[@dianamsw245]

Awesome! Great prices. How did the assessor office assess this? Your actual cost or market?

[@shirleysunshine3319]

You mean your 145 thousand if you built it today (2024) you just barely got in before things went sky-high. Beautiful build.

[@HektorCastillo]

In today's market I would build it some where In between $65k - $75k plus pans and city fees. Labor and materials are through the roof

[@hectormorales6175]

Nonsense We build from the bottom up ADU 850sq ft for $150k Less than 2 months turn around

[@joseayala9062]

Thank you Hector, planning to build an ADU with separate water /electric meter and 1000 ft sq , two bath, two bedrooms. Would you know the approximate cost? Jose

[@redryder210]

Some cities do have amazing inspectors

[@shamarcamargo1108]

It’s called self contracting your own project. This means for that tremendous savings you take on all the headaches and mistakes onto your shoulders. It’s not suggested to do this though if you are not knowledgeable about building materials, cost vs skill level and the general rules of building. Especially if you are not very good at understanding how to take on new skills. It can be tricky and if you get a bad tradesman who bilks you and does shoddy work that can get your building condemned. Moral is do your research and ask someone you trust to be devil’s advocate and question your decisions. I’ve fortunately had my mother who trained me from young until now

[@good2greatness]

Great job. Thank you for sharing this.

[@saundrasaumay9767]

This is so smart Hektor, thank you, I just suscribed.

[@JB-jy6fw]

what about the New property taxes ?

[@joecontreras5444]

Your honestly a real team player 👍👌, pray for blessings your way.

[@HektorCastillo]

Joe thank you for the kind comment 👍

[@justinbradshaw1410]

Now thats what I call a description box!!

[@acedomingo8005]

Thank you for sharing this.... this is so helpful.

[@boxingfan1l950]

As a GC and as a person that like to do things myself on my personal projects, you don’t save money, you basically work overtime and it’s almost like comparing going to a restaurant vs cooking a meal at home and obviously cooking your own meal will require to buy the food, cook the food and clean afterwards. Most GCs will charge 20 percent on top of the cost of materials and labor, 10% is overhead and 10% is income, not profit because he has to invest his time, money, sweat and knowledge into the projects he is working on. When you want something and you can’t afford to pay someone to do it, you can do it yourself, but it will require efforts. If you are handy, you have tools and time to work on your projects go ahead and do them yourself and if you don’t, then don’t expect others to do it for free, specially because the expectations are higher when you hire a professional.

[@maxbarajas4590]

Exactly. Well said. They also forget mostly all GCs, have workers Comp, liability insurance, trucks insurance, maybe tool insurance, warehouse bills, etc and the list goes on, plus needing to pay their own personal bills and at the end pay taxes.

[@JMSG77]

Thanks for the summary in the beginning 👍

[@samlyons3552]

Thank You for reminding me why I left ca. over a decade ago......Good Luck too You Sir

[@tracylieu3211]

I am doing same ADU owner builder plan and just submitted to the city in LA. Can you share with kind of material for framing, plumbing, subcontractor info that you hire each one to do on your project. I want to know which part need to get ready to pass inspection. As I heard city allow you to build one adu Mac 1200sf, since I still have a big corner lot detach with main house but I shop for construction cost is 180k-280k that we can’t afford. So we decide to do 400sf detach garage to learn more experience and looking for the cost now. Can you share me where did you buy the door look very nice, kitchen too

[@ernestomoreno465]

Could you please refere me with somebody affordable for the blueprint or design. Architects are charging too much money. Also if you can refere me a contruccion company not to greedy please. Thank you

[@MsTesoro89]

Congratulations Dear . You did a Great job Congratulations 🎉 Love it We can use you

[@HektorCastillo]

Thank you! 😃

[@carlosz9553]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I’m been planning to start a project like that, thanks again for tips and ideas 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 great information

[@denwaxr]

Nice job, is the wait for the occupancy approval still months or has that improved?

[@HektorCastillo]

I had a delay because of a human error. Now the time to receive your certificate is faster.