Frequently asked questions.

What is New Avenue?

New Avenue is a design–build company offering full-service design, permitting, and construction. We use proprietary software to facilitate transparency, organization, and clear communication that every project deserves. We also use historic cost data to help you set a budget and allow us to give accurate cost feedback. Most importantly, we are dedicated to creating beautiful and sustainable homes that empower everyone to live a more enriching life.

Are you a design–build company or a tech company?

Both! We serve clients by providing design and construction services, and our unique software makes the process as easy as possible. Our technology and expertise combined keep your project on budget and make every phase as stress-free as possible.

How long has New Avenue been in business?

Recognizing the opportunity to make housing more accessible and more beneficial for both homeowners and renters, New Avenue began designing and building accessory dwelling units, custom homes, remodels, and additions in 2011.

What services does New Avenue provide?

New Avenue creates custom homes, additions, remodels, and accessory dwelling units. We provide everything you need to transform your home. This includes design, permitting, construction, and project management. We work with you to design the best solution to your needs, our team applies for your permits and work with the city offices to get your project approved, and then our experienced crews construct your project. From the initial meeting through the day you move in, your design–build team works to make sure every detail is right.

Why should I choose to work with New Avenue for my project?

Our clients choose New Avenue for four main reasons:

1. Transparency. Our design proposals and construction quotes are based on real data from hundreds of actual projects. If unforeseen circumstances arise (as can happen in any construction project), we work to make sure you understand what changes are needed and why before moving forward.

2. Communication. Your design professional and contractor will work together from the beginning to the end of your project. This team approach allows them to communicate with you and with each other so there are no misunderstandings or slowdowns.

3. Professionalism. From preventing unforeseen costs to maintaining a clean and safe job site, our designers and contractors keep your project running smoothly.

4. Design Excellence. Every successful project has to meet your goals and needs, be a highly functional and durable building, and also be beautiful and inspirational. It is our mission to design an inspiring space that is beautiful to look at, complements its environment, and makes you feel at home.

Does New Avenue guarantee its cost estimates?

A common complaint people have with construction is that projects may cost tens of thousands of dollars over the initial estimate. At New Avenue, we aim to prevent this by creating thorough, well-researched proposals. At the initial consultation, your designer and contractor both visit your site and listen carefully to your ideas. This allows them to give you an accurate proposal for the design fees for your project and an estimate of the permitting, and construction costs.

Occasionally, unforeseen site conditions, market fluctuations, or client direction may cause the budget to increase. If this happens, your designer will work with you to steer your costs up or down to meet your goals. We never make changes to your budget without discussing them with you and getting your approval.

It is also super important that you share your budget with us as part of the initial call with our team and confirm it when meeting with your designer and builder at the consultation meeting. It is better to know if we can deliver a project that meets both your goals and ideas as well as your budget from those early meetings before we get too far along.

What does Design-Build mean?

New Avenue’s design–build process means you get everything you need all from one company: design services, permitting, construction, and construction administration are all part of the project and are all included in your initial cost proposal. We also coordinate all sub-consultants needed to complete your project. The goal is to be a one-stop-shop for your project and deliver services that minimize stress while creating a high-quality project.

What is an ADU?

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be added to your property and used as a guest house, a home office, a home for family or friends, or a rental unit. You can convert an existing structure (such as a garage or shed), add an ADU to your main home, or build a completely new unit.

The beauty of the ADU is that it can serve many purposes over the course of its long life. It may be a rental unit one year, a guest house the next, and a home for your extended family the year after that. It’s an asset that will enhance your property for generations.

How much does an ADU cost to build?

The cost to construct an ADU varies a lot by location and depending on the size and complexity of the design and the site conditions. However, with today’s construction costs in most cities, you can expect that a small detached ADU (300-600 sf) will start at $200,000 for a basic design and $250,000 or more if you want higher quality materials or some architectural embellishments. If it is a larger project, say 600sf or more, or a two story ADU, it will probably be closer to $300,000 for the base price and go up depending on the materials, finishes, equipment and design decisions you make. For a very high-end luxury ADU you could spend $500,000 or even more. It really depends on what you are looking for and the hundreds of decisions you and your designer will make together.

Internal ADUs and Garage conversion ADUs don’t tend to save all that much money. It is typically harder to work within existing structures and usually older buildings need to be brought up to current codes. Recent garage conversions have also been in the $200,000 to $250,000 range and basement conversions typically around the same. There may be opportunities to get it below $200,000 but that is only if the existing structure is in great condition and there is minimal structural upgrades, roofing repairs, or siding replacement needed. It would be safer to estimate that these ADU projects will still be in the cost range described above.

How much are design fees for an ADU?

Construction fees are the biggest aspect of your project budget, while design fees and permitting fees make up a smaller fraction of the total cost. Design fees can vary depending on the scope of work and complexity of the project, but as a rough guide you can use 10% of the construction cost when you are building your project budget.

What cities does New Avenue serve?

New Avenue provides design and construction services in the cities and towns around the San Francisco Bay Area and in Portland, Oregon. We are actively growing our teams in cities all over the US. 

How do I get started?

It starts with a free call. We’ll answer your questions and ask you about your goals and ideas for your home. From there, we’ll introduce the design–build team that’s perfect for your project.