Planning an ADU · Manatee & Sarasota
What goes into
an ADU budget?
A backyard home for a parent. An addition for an adult child. A new use for space you already have. The right budget starts with your property and the way your family wants to live.
Square footage is part of the picture. Before comparing prices, make sure you’re looking at the whole project.
What should
the budget include?
Ask what is included in the construction price and what you will need to arrange separately. Use these six categories to guide the conversation.
- Plans and preparation. Discuss the survey, design, engineering, and other information needed to plan the work.
- Site work. Ask about access for construction, clearing, drainage, and preparing the building area.
- Utility connections. Review water, sewer or septic, electricity, and the route between the home and its connections.
- The home itself. Include the foundation, structure, roof, windows, heating and cooling, kitchen, bathroom, and interior finishes.
- Approvals and fees. Ask which permits and fees apply to your project and who is responsible for them.
- The finishing touches. Account for the paths, parking, outdoor space, appliances, and landscaping you want included.
Two similar homes.
Different starting points.
Picture one cottage close to existing utilities with easy construction access. Now picture the same cottage farther back on a property, with a new driveway and a longer route for connections. The floor plan alone would not tell the whole story.
For an addition or conversion, start by reviewing the existing structure and the work needed to turn it into the space you want. Reusing a building does not remove the need to understand its condition.
We’ll identify what we know, what needs investigation, and which decisions could change the scope.
Spend thought
before spending money.
Choose the features that matter most to daily life: a separate bedroom, comfortable bathroom, practical kitchen, useful storage, or a sheltered entrance. Then discuss where a simpler design or different finish could help the plan fit your budget.
Keep a separate allowance for unexpected work and discuss an appropriate amount for your project. Agree on how changes will be priced and approved before work begins.
Ask what’s included.
When reviewing proposals, compare the same drawings, materials, site work, and finish choices. A shorter list of included work can make one price look lower.
Ask about allowances—amounts set aside for items you haven’t selected yet—and exclusions, which are items the quoted price does not cover. Get those details in writing.
For local application information, use Manatee County’s permitting resources or Sarasota County’s building resources. The office responsible for your property can explain the required documents and applicable fees.
Let’s talk through
your starting point.
Your address, who the home is for, a rough budget, and your main priorities are enough to start a conversation. Planning for a parent? Our aging-parent ADU guide can help you talk through everyday needs. A survey or existing plans help if you have them.
Tell Eric and David what you have in mind. We’ll discuss the next steps and explain any planning fees before that work begins.
Let’s make room for what matters.
Tell Eric and David who the home is for, where you’d like to build, and what matters most. Early ideas are welcome—you don’t need finished plans.
941-241-7660
Text us your project idea
eric@deforestcustomhomes.com
What happens after you send this?
We’ll review your ideas and follow up using the contact details you provide. Our first conversation is about your family, your property, and whether the project is a good fit.
Before any paid planning or design work begins, we’ll discuss its scope and fee with you.
See the steps from idea to construction ↗Prefer to talk? Call or text. Please do not send sensitive financial or identity documents.