ROOM ADDITION PLANS
Expand Your Space
A room addition is a smart way to make your home work better for you—more room to live, work, and relax, without the hassle of moving. But figuring out design, engineering, and permitting on your own can be a lot to take on.
That’s where QuickenPlans makes it easy. With hundreds of room addition projects completed across California, we know how to simplify the process and get your plans approved—quickly and hassle-free.
Whether you’re adding a bedroom, expanding your kitchen, or creating a dedicated home office, our custom room addition plans are designed to fit your home, your needs, and your lifestyle—seamlessly.
Custom Design
Your plans shouldn’t come from a template.
We design around you — your goals, your vision, your space.
Property Fit
We don’t force designs to fit.
We tailor every layout to work seamlessly with your lot and home.
Expert Craftsmanship
Our experienced team brings accuracy and care to every detail.
Quality is at the core of everything we do.
Turn-key Service
From first sketch to final plan set, we’ve got your back.
Clear guidance, every step of the way.
Build Smart. Live Better.
Custom ADU Plans Designed for Real Life
HOW IT WORKS
Process, Price and Timeframe
HOW IT WORKS
Process, Pricing and Timeline
Design and Permitting Process
Designing a Room Addition can feel like a big undertaking—but it doesn’t have to be. At QuickenPlans, we’ve streamlined the process to keep it smooth, collaborative, and on track from day one. Here’s how it works:
1. Site Analysis & Due Diligence
We begin with a full site analysis and perform a 3D scan of your home to create a digital twin of the existing space. This eliminates the need for repeated site visits, streamlines team collaboration, and gives us a reliable foundation to design from. We then turn the 3D data into accurate As-Built Plans to give us a solid starting point for your addition.
2. Design Kick-Off
Next, we schedule a design kick-off meeting to discuss your goals, layout needs, and vision. It’s the ideal moment to align on direction and identify the best approach for expanding your space.
3. Concept Design Development
Following the kick-off, our design team gets to work on your Concept Design. This phase is collaborative and iterative—we’ll share progress with you along the way, and your feedback on each version helps us fine-tune the design until it’s just right.
4. Permitting Set of Plans
Once the Concept Design is approved, our team of building designers and structural engineers develops the full Permitting Set. This includes detailed building plans, structural drawings, and engineering calculations—everything needed to get your project cleared for construction.
5. Plan Review & Permitting
With the Construction Documents ready, we submit your plans for city review. Permitting can involve a lot of back-and-forth between reviewers, engineers, and contractors—but our experienced project managers and permit expediters are here to keep things moving and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
6. Construction
Getting a permit isn’t the finish line—it’s just the beginning. As your designer and engineer of record, we stay involved throughout construction, supporting your contractor and site crew with any questions they may have regarding design and engineering. Our goal is to ensure that your plans are turning into reality just as you envisioned.
How Much Does It Cost?
Cost is always a big question—and the honest answer is, it varies. The size, complexity, and site conditions all play a role. But we keep pricing simple and transparent.
While many architects charge 4–7% of the total construction budget, we offer flat-fee pricing based on project scope. That means no surprises and no inflated fees.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence the overall design and engineering cost of your Room Addition:
• Location: Local regulations, permitting requirements, and jurisdictional nuances can all affect design scope and cost.
• Size: Bigger additions mean more detail and coordination.
• Project Type:
- Single-Story Additions are typically more straightforward
- Two-Story or Over-Garage Additions require more structural work.
- Special Rooms like kitchens or offices often involve more utility planning.
• Construction Methods: Unconventional or high-efficiency construction techniques can add to the design effort.
• Site Conditions: Sloped or uneven lots may require more engineering and site planning.
What’s the Price Range?
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
• Smaller, simpler additions – $7,000–$15,000
• Larger or complex additions – $15,000–$25,000+
These ranges reflect full-service building design and structural engineering, including what’s needed to get your plans permit-ready (except site studies like survey, etc., civil and MEP engineering).
Getting an Accurate Estimate
Every property and project is different. That’s why the best way to get a clear cost estimate is to book a consultation. We’ll review your goals, site details, and timeline—and provide a tailored proposal that reflects the real scope of your project.
Timeline & What You’ll Get
When planning your Room Addition, it helps to know what to expect—both in terms of how long it’ll take and what’s included. At QuickenPlans, we strike the right balance between speed and quality, delivering thoughtful, permit-ready plans without unnecessary delays.
How Long Does It Take?
The design process is a collaborative effort. While we keep things moving on our end, timely feedback and decisions on yours play a big role in staying on schedule. Here’s a general idea of the timeline:
• First Concept Design:
After your design kick-off meeting, we’ll deliver your first concept iteration within 10–15 business days. This is the first time you’ll see your vision start to take shape.
• Full Design & Engineering:
From initial consultation to final deliverables, most projects are completed in 2–4 months—as long as there’s steady communication and prompt feedback throughout. Delays in approvals or decision-making can naturally extend the timeline.
What’s Included?
Deliverables may vary slightly based on your local regulations, but here’s what’s typically included in a full custom Room Addition plan set:
• Site Plan – A layout showing the addition’s placement in relation to property lines and existing structures.
• Floor Plan – Interior layout with room dimensions, doors, windows, and fixtures.
• Elevations – Exterior views from all sides, showing windows, rooflines, and finish details.
• Sections – Cross-sectional views that show how different levels and spaces relate.
• Roof Plan – Roof design with slopes, materials, and any skylights or special features.
• Basic MEP Layout – Placement of visible Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing fixtures.
• Construction Details – Key details like wall assemblies, connections, etc.
• Structural Drawings & Calculations – Foundation, framing, and structural specs, prepared and stamped by one of our in-house licensed engineers, ready for review by building officials.
• Energy Compliance Report – Required in many areas, this ensures your Room Addition meets current energy efficiency standards.
Let’s Make It Happen
We make expanding your space simple. With thoughtful design, clear timelines, and expert support, we’ll help bring your room addition plans to life.
Ready to take the next step?
WHY CHOOSE US
QuickenPlans: Real Expertise. Real Accountability. No Guesswork.
Licensed Staff
Our in-house Structural Engineers are fully licensed and in good standing with the State of California.
Don’t leave safety to chance — work with a team that knows the codes inside and out.
Fully Insured
We carry General Liability, Professional Liability and Errors & Omissions insurance, so your project is protected from day one.
It’s coverage you can count on.
Revisions Covered
We cover all revisions requested by the plan reviewer—as long as they relate to the original design scope.
No surprise fees, no runaround. We’ll get it right while keeping your budget intact.
CLIENTS REVIEW
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
We don’t just talk the talk — our clients say it better than we ever could.
For many years I have been working with the architectural & structural engineers at QuickenPlans. Because I have been in this business for more than 40 years I can honestly let you know that you will not find a different construction document business with as much integrity, transparency, communication, and efficiency as QuickenPlans.
Donna K. | San Diego
As someone who’s very picky (and honestly a little skeptical) when it comes to architects and designers, I have to say QuickenPlans genuinely surprised me. The transparency, competence, and patience they showed throughout designing our custom home were impressive. They coordinated seamlessly with our builder, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Great job, thoroughly impressed.
Nathaniel K. | Riverside, CA
Choosing QuickenPlans for our project was the smartest move we’ve made. I’m not the most patient guy, but they were always one step ahead, taking care of the annoying paperwork and city requirements. They even recommended ways we could build smarter to save some cash on materials. Can’t thank ’em enough, these guys rock!
Mike P. | Huntington Beach, CA
Can’t say enough about how awesome the QuickenPlans crew is. Their engineers and project managers genuinely cared about my project -always patient, always clear, and they made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. It’s rare to see a group of pros who also feel like they’re personally invested in your home’s success. Big thumbs up.
Matt R. | Ventura, CA
I had a consultation for my room addition project with Quickenplans recently- they were recommended by my neighbor who did his addition with them. Those guys really know their stuff, very detailed and have a lot of experience with design and permitting. We're still deciding on the project but if we move forward we would go with them.
Max S. | San Jose, CA
We had experience of working with QuickenPlans to get our plans done. Fast, very convenient and accurate. Highly recommend!
Dmitry K. | Santa Clara, CA
Amazing service. Great Value for the price. The team is knowledgable, helpful, and communicative. Use them for multiple projects, big and small.
Dee C. | Carlsbad, CA
Very helpful in providing professional feedback. I would definitely recommend them.
Mina K. | Fremont, CA
Our client received a violation notice from the city for an unpermitted structure. The guys from QuickenPlans helped us put together a set of plans for legalization and advised on how to address the city’s comments.
Xavier S. | Los Angeles, CA
My contractor recommended hiring QuickenPlans for our remodeling project as his designer was unavailable. It was hard for us to quickly get up to speed with all the details about the plans and permits (it is so cumbersome!), but the team did a great job guiding us through all the steps. They even coordinated the design with our contractor so we could stay on budget. They also recommended making some changes to our initial design to save on framing. While I wouldn’t want to go through the permitting process again, if I had to, I’d prefer to do it with QuickenPlans.
Joanne S. | Santa Monica, CA
We are working on a custom home design with Quickenplans. All is good so far; we hope to get through to the finish line soon.
Sathya I. | Los Altos Hills, CA
We just kicked off a big renovation and chose QuickenPlans for the design work. Honestly, I was really impressed right from our first chat. They made sense of all the zoning stuff and helped us figure out what we could do with the space. They were super patient and quick to answer our endless questions. We’re pretty excited to see everything come together with the final plans they whipped up for us!
Nathan S. | Los Angeles, CA
We use them regularly for as-built plans and construction docs for our projects in the South Bay and Peninsula—they always deliver big time.
Dennis A. | Oakland, CA
HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need plans for my Room Addition project?
Plans aren’t just a formality—they’re a requirement. You’ll need a full set of plans to get your permit and legally build your Room Addition. Permits protect your investment and your property value. Unpermitted work can lead to fines, failed inspections, or even issues with refinancing or selling. Our plan sets include everything you need for smooth approvals and construction—framing, foundation, structural calculations, and more.
How long does the design process take?
Most Room Addition design projects take about 2–4 months from the initial consultation to the final plan set. Your timeline will depend on the complexity of the project and how quickly we receive your feedback. After the design kick-off, we typically deliver your first concept within 10–15 business days.
What factors influence the cost of an Room Addition design?
A few key things affect the total cost: the size of Room Addition, number of stories, and site complexity. Local requirements also play a role. Pricing for a full Room Addition design usually ranges from $7,000 to $25,000+, depending on scope and complexity.
What’s included in the Room Addition plans?
We provide a full set of construction-ready documents, including:
- Site Plan
- Floor Plan
- Elevations
- Cross Sections
- Roof Plan
- Basic MEP Layout
- Construction Details and Schedules
- Structural Drawings & Calculations
- Energy Report (when required)
These are the documents typically needed to get your permit and start building. Your local permitting authorities may require additional studies and engineering, please check with them first.
Will I need anything else for a permit?
In most cases, our plans cover all core requirements. That said, some properties may require additional site studies like boundary surveys, geotechnical reports, or arborist evaluations. Your local jurisdiction will determine what’s needed. Also, note that our pricing does not include city permitting fees or third-party study costs. Please consult with local permitting authorities first.
Can I request design changes after the first concept?
Yes, absolutely! Your input is a key part of the process. We’ll review your feedback after the first concept and refine the design until it aligns with your vision and meets code requirements.
Can you help me find a contractor?
Yes, we’re happy to connect you with reputable contractors who serve your area. Many of our clients are professional builders, and we’re always glad to make introductions. While we don’t provide construction services ourselves, we can help you review contractor quotes to make sure the scope is complete.
Will you work with my contractor during the project?
Definitely! In fact, we encourage involving your contractor early—especially during the Concept Design phase. Their feedback helps ensure the design is buildable, efficient, and budget-conscious. We’re always available to support them with questions about the plans.
My previous designer dropped the ball—can you take over?
Unfortunately, we hear this a lot. Many homeowners come to us after a vendor abandoned the project mid-way. While every situation is different, we’ll do our best to step in and get things back on track. Send us what you have so far, and we’ll take it from there. Signed release form is required.
Do you offer special terms for contractors or design pros?
We sure do. If you’re a contractor looking to offer design-build services—or you’re just tired of unreliable design vendors—we can help. We offer special rates and white-label services to Pro clients. We also support design professionals with CAD production, As-Builts, 3D modeling, and engineering. Let’s talk—we’re here to make your workflow smoother.
What if the city requires changes after plan submittal?
If your city plan reviewer requests revisions that are within the original design scope, we’ll make the changes—no extra cost. We’ve got you covered.
If the revisions go beyond the original scope or require additional design or engineering work, we’ll still handle it—at a discounted rate.
Can you help with Room Addition ideas or layout options before I commit?
Absolutely. If you’re still figuring out what would work best for your space, we’re happy to provide layout suggestions or talk through design options during your free consultation.