Chapter 03 · The Process
Most ADU companies make you assemble your own team: architect, engineer, contractor, permit consultant, lender. We don't. One contract, one family, one finished home. Here's exactly what happens between your first call and the day you turn the key.
100+
hours of permit work we handle
0
subcontractors you manage
1
contract you sign
1 day
factory to foundation
The Sequence at a Glance
STEP · 01
What We Do
We pull up your property on Google Earth, county records, and the California HCD database. We confirm setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, and any easements that would block an ADU.
What You Do
Hop on a 30-minute call with one of our Account Managers. Have your address handy.
Outcome
A clear yes or no on whether your property can host an ADU, and which model footprints will fit.
STEP · 02
What We Do
We walk you through completed homes in our Salinas factory. Touch the framing, open the cabinets, see the 2x6 exterior walls and the foundation system.
What You Do
Drive to Salinas. Bring your spouse, your parents, anyone who needs to feel the home before signing.
Outcome
You'll know whether Framework First is the right builder for you. Most clients say the tour was the moment they decided.
STEP · 03
What We Do
A member of our team visits your property in person. We measure crane and trailer access, mark the proposed ADU location, identify utility hookup points, and photograph existing conditions.
What You Do
Be home. Walk the property with us.
Outcome
A confirmed crane-access and utility plan, plus a proposed footprint. Required before the feasibility study.
STEP · 04
What We Do
We run soils analysis, pull historical permits, calculate impact fees, draft a preliminary site plan, identify any HOA or city-specific blockers, and estimate utility upgrade costs.
What You Do
Pay the study fee ($497 standard, $997 for an empty lot) and send your most recent property tax bill and any HOA documents.
Outcome
A detailed report covering everything you need before signing a build contract. If your property cannot host an ADU, you get a full refund. We don't want your money if we can't be of service to you. Otherwise the fee credits toward your build.
STEP · 05
What We Do
We walk you through the study page by page, answer every question, and recommend the optimal model based on what we found.
What You Do
Read the study beforehand. Bring your questions and your decision-makers.
Outcome
A clear go / no-go decision. If go: a confirmed model, style, and estimated final price.
STEP · 06
What We Do
We open the ADU Designer for your project. Lock in floor plan, exterior style, cabinet finish, flooring, paint colors, and fixture packages.
What You Do
Play with options at design.frameworkfirst.com. A member of our team reviews your selections.
Outcome
A signed customization addendum. Your final contract price is locked in, all-inclusive of the permitting budget and site costs confirmed during your feasibility study, so no surprise change orders from here.
STEP · 07
What We Do
We submit permits, pour the foundation on your property, and build 97% of your home in the factory in parallel. We crane-deliver in one day, hook up utilities, pass final inspection, and hand you the keys. Timelines are estimates and can shift with city permitting.
What You Do
Watch progress through your client portal. Show up on delivery day to watch the crane lift.
Outcome
A finished, inspected, move-in-ready home in your yard. The $1,000 signup deposit is refundable if financing falls through.
Ready for Step 01?
Thirty minutes with one of our Account Managers. We'll pull your property records and tell you straight whether an ADU makes sense.
See If My Property Qualifies →
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