Short answer
Design cost is not separate from construction cost; it controls it. Bad drawings make bad bids. Vague drawings make expensive surprises.
Guide
What to check before the expensive part.
Design defines scope
Contractors cannot price what the drawings do not say. That is not their flaw; it is physics with a clipboard.
Engineering reduces guessing
Structure, foundations, lateral systems, and details need engineering before bids become meaningful.
Permits affect both timing and cost
Plan check comments, energy requirements, and city-specific review can change scope.
Budget notes
Numbers worth separating.
| Item | Range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Concept design | $2k-$15k+ | Useful for direction, not enough for construction bids. |
| Permit drawings | $8k-$80k+ | Varies by project type, engineering, and city. |
| Construction | Project-specific | Should be priced from a defined scope. |
Calculator
Put numbers against the idea.
Live calculator
Check a 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
Quick 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.