The Elbow Room Process
Learn about our process.
Understand The Timeline
Pre-Construction Details
There are several steps in building that occur before construction ensues. Learn more about the specifics to better understand the process.
HOA Approval
If your home is governed by a Homeowners' Association (HOA), securing permission to construct your Elbow Room is crucial. Following your initial deposit, we will help you apply for HOA approval, which includes submitting the plans and, if needed, personally interacting with your HOA board.
We are able to accommodate most customizations required by your HOA. Should your requests fall outside our standard offerings, we will provide a detailed quote before proceeding, ensuring you know what to expect.
Permitting
Important Note
Elbow Room includes both the permitting service AND the permitting fees as a part of our sales price.
These are the steps we take to get a permit for your ADU before construction can begin:
Submissions
First, we will submit the ADU plans to your local building department. These plans include detailed drawings and specifications of the construction.
Review
The local building department will review the plans to ensure they meet all zoning and building codes. This process checks that your ADU will be safe and compliant with local regulations.
Feedback & Corrections
If there are any issues with the plans, the building department will provide feedback, and we will make the necessary changes to move forward. This can go back and forth until everything is in order.
Approval
Once the plans meet all the requirements, the building department will approve the permit. This approval means we can legally start construction.
Inspections
During construction, inspectors from the building department will visit your site to ensure the actual building matches the approved plans and adheres to code.
Important
Please remember, the time it takes to get a permit can vary greatly depending on your local area's workload and the complexity of your project. We will proceed with the permitting process when we receive your initial deposit.
Design Consultation and Selections
The selections process for your Elbow Room ADU is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable, helping you choose the design components that best suit your style and needs.
In-person Design Consulation
You'll have the opportunity to meet with us for a one-time in-person consultation. This session is your chance to explore various design components firsthand. During this meeting, you can touch and see the materials and finishes that could be part of your ADU.
Tailored Design Packages
To simplify your decisions and ensure a cohesive aesthetic, we offer three specially curated design packages. Each package has been thoughtfully assembled to provide a harmonious look and feel, making it easier for you to envision the final setup of your Elbow Room.
Flexible Choices
While our design packages offer a streamlined approach, we understand the importance of personalization. You are welcome to mix and match elements from different packages according to your preferences, ensuring your ADU feels uniquely yours.
This process is designed to make the selection of your ADU’s design components as seamless and stress-free as possible, with options to satisfy both those who prefer a guided approach and those who wish to customize more freely.
Site Preparation
Before the installation of your Elbow Room begins, it’s important to prepare the site to ensure a smooth construction process:
Clear the Site
Start by clearing the area where your Elbow Room will be set up. Home Rooms don't need level ground as they are built on pier-and-beam foundations, which are suitable for sloped sites and help minimize future settling issues. Wiggle Rooms may require leveling, because they are built with a 4" slab on grade base.
Remove Obstructions
Clear any trees, branches, roots, and vegetation that might interfere with the build.
- Relocate or remove any existing structures like swing sets or sheds.
- Adjust any sprinkler heads and pipes in the build area. Ensure no sprinkler heads are directly underneath or aimed at the Elbow Room.
Underground Systems
- During the initial site visit, you’ll work with your Project Manager to outline the path for electrical and Ethernet cable trenching from your Elbow Room to your house.
- Purchase inexpensive construction flags from a hardware store to mark any underground cables, plumbing, or sprinkler lines along the proposed trench path.
- Clear these marked areas by mowing, removing plants, or digging out soil to make the systems easily visible.
Prevent Damage
- Elbow Room will contact 811 to identify and mark underground utilities before any digging starts. However, we also rely on your preparation to prevent damage.
- While all precautions are taken, any damage to underground systems during trenching is the homeowner's responsibility, and repair costs will be charged accordingly.
Pre-Installation Preparations
- If you have a sprinkler system, inform your service provider about the upcoming work to prepare for potential repairs.
- We will need access to your driveway 1-2 days before the installation to deliver the materials via a third party.
By following these guidelines, you can facilitate a smooth installation of your Elbow Room, reducing the likelihood of delays and additional expenses. While the construction of your Elbow Room includes all necessary building aspects, preparing the site is your responsibility as the homeowner.
If you are unable to manage the site preparation, let us know, and we will provide a quote to handle it for you so that construction can start without delay.
Pre-Construction Details
There are several steps in building that occur before construction ensues. Learn more about the specifics to better understand the process.
Active Construction
Active construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) involves several distinct phases, each critical to the successful completion of the project. Here is a concise breakdown of these steps:
Phase 1: Foundation and Site Work
- Preparation: We'll work with you to ensure the site is clear and ready for construction.
- Foundation: Depending on the design, lay a slab, crawl space, or pier-and-beam foundation. This phase includes installing underground utilities.
Phase 2: Framing
- Structural Framing: Erect the walls, floors, and roof structure. This defines the shape and size of the ADU.
- Roofing: Install the roofing material, whether shingles or metal, to ensure the structure is watertight.
Phase 3: Exterior Finishes
- Siding: Apply exterior siding materials, such as wood, vinyl, or fiber cement, to protect and define the look of the ADU.
- Windows and Doors: Install all exterior windows and doors, securing the building envelope.
Phase 4: Interior Systems
- Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC: Install all internal systems, including pipes, wiring, and heating/cooling units.
- Insulation: Properly insulate walls, floors, and ceilings to ensure energy efficiency.
Phase 5: Interior Finishes
- Drywall: Hang and finish drywall to form the walls and ceilings.
- Painting: Apply paint or other finishes to interior surfaces.
- Flooring: Install flooring options such as tile, hardwood, or carpet.
- Fixtures and Cabinetry: Complete the interior with the installation of cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, and appliances.
Phase 6: Finalization and Inspection
- Final Touches: Perform final installations like trim work, hardware, and any additional detailing.
- Inspection: Conduct thorough inspections to ensure compliance with local building codes and standards.
- Final Approval: Obtain the final approval or certificate of occupancy from the local authorities.
By carefully managing each of these phases, the construction of your ADU will be streamlined and efficient, leading to a high-quality finished product.
Financial Information
Initial Financial Commitment
- Feasibility Study Deposit To begin the feasibility study, a $1,000 deposit is required. This deposit will be credited toward your first major payment.
Structured Payment Plan
- Material Mobilization The initial major payment, accounting for 30% of the total cost, is due when construction materials are mobilized.
- Foundation Completion Another 30% payment is required upon the completion of the foundation.
- Post Rough-In Stage An additional 30% is due following the rough-in phase.
- Completion and Occupancy The final 10% is due at project completion, before occupancy, to activate the warranty.
Permitting and Architectural Plans
All necessary plans, permits, and associated fees are covered by Elbow Room, streamlining the process and reducing administrative burdens for you.
Managing Additional Costs
The total cost of most Elbow Rooms is unchanged from the initial price quote. Customers must select materials and elements that are provided during the design consultation. Keep in mind that we use elevated materials and name brands that are considered upgrades with other builders.
- Quotes for Out of Scope Work Any work that falls outside the original project scope will be quoted, approved, and signed off with payment before commencement.
- Quotes for Complex Conditions Adjustments for complex site conditions, such as navigating obstructions or dealing with tough terrain, will incur additional expenses that will be quoted upon discovery. A detailed inspection of your site will help us determine these conditions prior to construction, however we can't predict every mitigating circumstance.
- Change Orders Changes to the project scope must also be approved and signed off, ensuring transparency and agreement before any additional work begins.
Construction Specifics
- Trenching and Electrical Hook-Up Trenching for electrical services and electrical hook-up are included in the price of your Elbow Room.
- Plumbing Interior plumbing is part of Home Rooms with bathroom, kitchen, or laundry upgrades. Water and sewage services and hook-up will be quoted after a preliminary site visit by our Project Manager. Distance and difficulty are determining factors. We'll use existing trenching whenever possible to prevent further costs.
Slope Adjustments
- Foundation Adjustments for Slope Wiggle Room sites with significant slope variations may require additional foundational work, which will be assessed and quoted based on individual site requirements. Home Rooms use an in-ground pier and beam foundation, which doesn't require leveling.
This structured approach ensures that every financial and procedural detail is clear from the outset, allowing for a smooth construction process of your ADU with Elbow Room.