Short answer
Bay Area projects usually need a higher planning range than national calculators show. Use city, scope, drawings, utilities, finish level, and contingency before trusting a number.
Bay Area variables
What changes the budget here.
Labor and schedule pressure
Good trades stay busy, and schedule compression costs money. If a bid looks magically cheap, inspect the exclusions.
City review varies
Plan check, fire, utility, school, and impact fee details vary by city and project type.
Property condition matters
Older homes, tight lots, slope, access, utilities, and seismic work can dominate the budget.
Cost table
Directional planning ranges.
| Project | Planning range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADU | $250-$600+/sq ft | Detached, attached, garage conversion, utilities, and permit path matter. |
| Home addition | $400-$850+/sq ft | Structural tie-ins and second-story scope raise risk. |
| Whole-home remodel | $180-$500+/sq ft | Cosmetic versus systems scope is the dividing line. |
| Custom home | $500-$900+/sq ft | Site, architecture, engineering, and finishes drive the spread. |
Local estimate
Run the calculator with Bay Area pressure included.
Live calculator
Bay Area planning range
Value first. No email wall, no fake exact quote.
Want a human to sanity-check the range?
Optional. The estimate already did its job. Send it only if you want a Bay Area planning review.
FAQ
Bay Area answers.
Is this a contractor bid?
No. It is a planning estimate that helps you understand the likely budget range before drawings, engineering, city review, and contractor pricing.
Why is the range wide?
Early construction budgets should be ranges because site conditions, structural scope, utility work, finishes, permits, and contractor availability can move the number fast.
Do I need to enter contact information?
No. The estimate appears first. Contact information is only for saving the estimate or asking for a local review.