Sample · made-up builders and numbers
What your comparison sheet looks like
An example layout. The builders and prices below are invented to show the format. They're not real quotes and not real companies.
Example: 400 sq ft garage conversion, ZIP 92117
| Builder | Ballpark | Includes | Leaves out | Timeline | CSLB license | 2026 City ADU permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Builder A | $92,000 | Design, permits, construction | City fees, sewer lateral if needed | 5–6 months | Active | 6 |
| Builder B | $118,500 | Turnkey: design, engineering, City fees, construction | Appliances | 6–7 months | Active | 14 |
| Builder C | $79,000 | Construction only, your plans | Design, permits, fees, utility upgrades | 4 months | Active | 2 |
| Builder D | No reply | — | — | — | Active | 4 |
| Builder E | $104,000 | Design, permits, construction, panel upgrade | City fees | 6 months | Active | 9 |
Scroll sideways on a phone. If a builder on your sheet is our featured pro, the sheet says so in that row, for example "Builder B (Featured)". Featured doesn't mean recommended.
How to read it
The cheapest line isn't always the cheapest job. Builder C leaves out design, permits and City fees, which a turnkey price like Builder B's includes. Compare what's included before you compare the number. For reference, the 2026 City median declared value for a garage conversion was $81,800, and that figure excludes design and fees.
Questions to ask on the site visit
- What exactly is in the price, and what would make it go up?
- Who pulls the permit, and whose name goes on it?
- Do I need a new sewer lateral, water meter or panel upgrade on this lot?
- What's the payment schedule? (California limits the down payment on home improvement jobs to $1,000 or 10%, whichever is less.)
- Can I see 2 finished ADUs you built in San Diego in the last year?
Want this sheet for your project?
Free for the first 10 San Diego homeowners.