Adding an accessory dwelling unit can turn a property into an income source, but plans, permits, contractors, and inspections take real coordination. Through Utmost, I manage the whole project for you, from the first floor plan to handing the keys to your property manager.
Seven stages from the first floor plan to handing over the keys. Most projects take 8 to 12 months, and you get a written update every week and a video walkthrough after site visits.
We work out the floor plan together, then bring in an interior designer for the look and feel.
I coordinate the draftsman for permit plans and an architect for any structural changes.
Plans go to the city, and I handle the corrections until they're approved.
I gather contractor bids and negotiate pricing so you choose with real numbers.
Materials ordered, budget and change orders tracked, and every city inspection scheduled and attended.
Cosmetic finishes with the designer and exterior work with the landscaper, so it's ready to rent.
At completion, keys go to you or your property management company.
“I can honestly say we would not have attempted this project without Zach as a tremendous resource.”
The prices below are my consulting fees only. They do not include the cost of building the ADU: construction, materials, permits, and architect or drafting fees are paid directly by you to those providers. Fees are lower when you buy the property through Utmost.
I run the project for you: design, plans, permits, bids, construction oversight, inspections, finishes, and handoff.
You manage the project and lean on me for advice, my contractor and design contacts, and help when decisions come up.
Access to my vendor list and resources when you purchase your property with Utmost.
Consulting fees only. Paid packages are billed half at signing and half at completion. For typical construction costs, see ADU questions below.
“If I had done this myself, it easily would have taken 6 months longer and cost 50% more. Zach was a lifesaver.”
“What stood out most to us was that Zach wasn't simply trying to steer us toward whatever option benefited him the most. He genuinely wanted to help us identify the best opportunity for our family and our property.”
“There are so many moving parts with plans, permits, contractors, inspections, and all the little decisions along the way, and he made the entire process much easier to navigate.”
“Our cost to work with Zach and the contractors he identified was significantly less than comparable quotes we received, the quality of work was excellent, and he took care to involve us through the process.”
“He skillfully navigated through the complexities of permits, design selection, and contractor liaison, all while keeping us informed and engaged at every crucial step.”
“From helping us find the right property to the best contractors, Zach was with us every step of the way.”
Conversions of existing space and new detached units, managed from permits through final inspection.
An ADU is a self-contained second home on the property, either detached, attached, or converted from a garage. A JADU (junior ADU) is a smaller unit of up to 500 square feet created inside the existing house. Many properties can have both, and I've managed projects that added each.
Most projects I manage take 8 to 12 months from start to finish. City permitting, contractor availability, and materials are the biggest factors.
From the projects I manage in San Diego County: converting existing space, like a garage, runs about $275 per square foot, or roughly $90,000 to $125,000. A new-construction ADU runs about $350 per square foot, and they're typically around 1,200 square feet, or roughly $420,000. Construction is paid directly to the contractor; my consulting fee is separate.
Yes. I help investors find homes with an existing ADU, a garage to convert, or room to build, and look at permitting and rent potential before you make an offer. Buying through Utmost also lowers your ADU consulting fee.
No. Homeowners who bought elsewhere can hire me for full-service or advisory consulting; the fee is just higher than for purchase clients.
No. I coordinate licensed contractors, architects, and drafters and manage the project on your behalf. You contract and pay them directly.
You'll get a written update by email every week, a video walkthrough after site visits, and you can reach me anytime in between.
Tell me about the property and what you have in mind, and I'll let you know what's possible and which package fits.