This site does not publish prices, because a price without a scope is misleading. What it can do honestly is name the cost drivers: the factors that move a project price up or down, so you can compare quotes on the same terms.
The drivers below apply to both paths, but they weigh differently. Site work dominates detached units. Existing-structure work dominates conversions. Finishes and utilities matter to both.
Cost drivers
- Size: larger units cost more in materials and labour, but the relationship is not linear — small units carry fixed costs too.
- Site work: grading, access, and utility runs, which weigh most heavily on detached units.
- Existing structure: slab, electrical, and insulation work, which weigh most heavily on conversions.
- Finishes: cabinets, countertops, tile, and fixtures, where the widest price range lives.
- Utilities: water, sewer or septic, and electrical capacity, which can change a project if upgrades are needed.
- Design and permitting: drawings, submittal, and review, which vary with scope and county process.
Questions people ask
Why no prices?
Because a price for an undescribed project is a guess, and a guess that looks precise is worse than no number. Compare itemized scopes from real quotes for your lot and your scope.
What is the biggest cost surprise?
Usually the item that was not in the scope: site work for detached units, slab and electrical for conversions. Itemized scopes exist to catch exactly that.
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