ADUs & casitas

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

• Are you familiar with my city's ADU program?+

  For Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, and most California ADU-friendly cities, yes — we file in those jurisdictions regularly and know which "standard plan" programs apply. For new-to-us cities, we research the specific ADU ordinance during the first week and flag any oddities upfront.

• Can you do the ADU plus a related main-house remodel?+

  Yes — common pattern. We package both into a single set so the AHJ can review them together and you don't pay for two permit cycles when one will do.

• What about utility easements and setback variances?+

  We map setbacks and easements during schematic phase. If a variance is needed, we either redesign to avoid it (usually cheaper) or document the variance package — the variance hearing itself goes through a local land-use attorney.

• Do you stamp drawings?+

  We are a drafting studio, not a licensed architecture or engineering firm. For projects that need a stamp, we partner with licensed architects and engineers in your state and route the drawings through them. The cost of the stamp is itemized separately on your quote so there are no surprises.

• Do you submit permits on my behalf?+

  Yes — for an itemized fee, we file the permit package directly with the AHJ, handle correction cycles, and shepherd the set through to issuance. Or you can take the stamped set and submit it yourself. Your call; either way, the drawing scope is the same.

• What is your revision policy?+

  Every fixed-fee quote includes two rounds of revisions before construction documents are finalized. AHJ corrections (changes the city asks for after submittal) are bundled in — we don't charge extra for plan-check responses. Substantive scope changes after CD freeze are quoted separately at the hourly rate.

• Can you work with my existing GC, engineer, or interior designer?+

  Yes — most of our projects come in this way. We routinely coordinate with general contractors, structural / MEP engineers, kitchen designers, and interior designers your team has already retained. We work in their CAD format, attend their coordination meetings, and produce drawings that bid cleanly against their scope.

• How fast can you turn around a set?+

  Typical permit-set turnaround is 2–5 weeks from a complete brief; complex commercial TI or multifamily can stretch to 8–12 weeks. We commit to dates in writing on the quote and hold them — late-delivery credits are part of the contract.

• What languages do you work in?+

  English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Drafters in all three on staff. We can issue drawing sets bilingually if your trade contractors prefer Spanish — useful in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Texas markets.