Bring the property, not just a square-foot number.

Bring the address, current property photos, and any survey, floor plan, permit record, or concept drawing you already have. Label the drawing date so the contractor knows which version is being priced.

A short phone description cannot show a pool, alley, panel location, or tight side yard. Wide photographs give the first pricing conversation some needed context.

Photograph the route crews will actually use.

Photograph the route from the curb to the proposed work area, including gates, paving, trees, walls, equipment, and overhead obstructions. For a conversion, photograph every wall, the ceiling, slab edges, utility equipment, and the connection to the main house.

Include the area where materials could be stored and any part of the driveway or yard that the family uses every day.

Tell us how the new space needs to live.

Write down who will use the ADU, the rooms that matter, desired privacy, accessibility concerns, and the parts of the existing yard or home you want to protect. Those priorities help the team make practical tradeoffs.

If the owner will supply appliances, cabinets, or fixtures, list them now and identify who receives, checks, stores, and installs each item.

Leave unknown conditions on the list.

List open questions instead of guessing. Electrical capacity, sewer route, drainage, property lines, prior alterations, and association responsibilities may need records or professional review.

Call after you have the basics together.

Call (949) 503-8004 when the basics are ready. A phone conversation can establish the next investigation; it is not a fixed price, permit decision, or construction agreement.

Call (949) 503-8004 when you have the address, photos, and current drawing. You can also review the Costa Mesa cost guide or return to the contractor homepage.

Where to confirm information about preparing an ADU estimate.

Preparing an ADU estimate should be checked against current City and state pages; record the address, drawing, and date covered by the answer. For preparing an ADU estimate, check the City of Costa Mesa ADU page, California HCD, and CSLB hiring guidance. For preparing an ADU estimate, our Costa Mesa ADU Contractor homepage shows how it connects with the rest of the project.