I looked at Yelp before working with this company and questioned the bad reviews I saw. Zach, who was my original contact, admitted they had some growing pains in earlier years and had addressed problems. I wish I had continued vetting this company before hiring them and can't blame anyone else, but I completely agree with the more recent one-star reviews (which came after I was already working with them). The experience has been a disaster. They do a very nice feasibility study at a low cost (loss leader, obviously), then sign you up with a sloppy contract (I pointed out a number of issues with it to them). Soon Zach was no longer with the company and the person who claimed to be my new contact was never heard from again. I went forward with my project, had the original architect replaced shortly after the design phase began, then lost my only reliable contact within the company, who made sure that meetings were set up and questions were addressed. I was eventually able to speak with her to find out she had been laid off, happening right after the replacement architect notified me that he had voluntarily left the company. At that point there was nobody I could speak with until I managed to get hold of the CEO's number. Multiple calls, texts and emails were either ignored or I was promised quick responses which never came. My permit application was returned with comments from the city and I spent the next 5 weeks hounding them to respond. They assured me that their responses professionally addressed all of the issues, which was a complete lie. I ended up having to apply to the city to replace them as the project applicant. They were notified of that and given 5 business days to respond. Not surprisingly, they never bothered. Having taken over the control of my project, I had to hire someone else and pay for work to be duplicated in order to keep my project moving along. I'm still awaiting the permit, but have made progress and am relieved to be rid of these scammers. As they were referred to me by a real estate broker who heard their pitch at a professional meeting, I gave him a heads up not to refer anyone else. They obviously get clients via these pitches to real estate professionals, so I hope those organizations do a better job of vetting them before putting them in front of their members. I wouldn't wish my experience to be repeated to anyone else. read more

Very disappointed of the feedback from this company. I was waiting for more than month information regarding my project. Do not recommend

These guys are awesome- I sent them a property that my client was about to purchase, thinking we could fit an ADU, and they got back to me instantly with a report showing what we could/couldn't do to the property- Saved us time and ultimately a ton of money! read more

Poor communication, poor customer service, very slow work, expensive and not open to customer feedback. I started on this project with ADU Geeks on July 2023 where I paid for a project analysis/feasibility study and talked about what I wanted for the project. 2 members of ADU Geeks were there and I told them I wanted the entrance on the right side of the building. This was very important to me. They said it can be done. Everything seemed great and I decided to move forward with them. I get the first design back and the entrance is on the left side (through my neighbor's front yard) and now they tell me the entrance can't be on the right side. They didn't even communicate this with me prior to completing the design. Xavier was able to assist with this and move the entrance to the backyard which now required a topographical survey. The quote for the survey was 3x the amount stated on the feasibility study. Xavier explained that the estimates are based on other projects. This made me question ALL the numbers on the feasibility study and just assumed they're all inaccurate. Why did I pay for a feasibility study in the first place? The first submission to the city took about a year and 7 months. Along the way, every change small or big took at least 3 weeks. I even asked Xavier if I could sit with the designer for 30 minutes to finalize it and save potentially at least a month of back and forth. He brushed me off and said that's not how they do things. There were so many times changes were made to the design without communicating it with me. I've been passed along 3-4 project coordinators and 2 different designers. They don't have the knowledge of an architect so it was difficult getting hard questions answered. I had to repeat my questions word by word because it is obviously getting ignored because they don't know the answer. I finally spoke to their architect at the very end where he voiced his concerns about design. This company is more marketing than action, sadly. Frustrating and disappointing experience... read more

After contacting several contractors and companies i decided to give ADU geeks a call and boy was i happy i did. Professional and very attentive team that has alot of experience. I feel very confident that i made the right choice and hope to continue using them for my other properties . Dont sleep on these guys, i cant recommend them enough. read more

Run away from these scam artists! Poor communication, sloppy work, lies and more lies. They designed our ADU without any design specs for the roofing. We asked for the missing design element repeatedly. No replies. So our building contractor guessed three times, failing city inspections, costing us thousands extra in labor. Finally ADU Geeks gave us - I'm not joking - a hand-drawn sketch of the design. It was like a second grader's art project. The contractor couldn't understand it. The city inspector laughed at it. Finally, CEO Xavier responded to us. He said they would give us the missing roofing design for $675 more. Classic fraud move. Trap the customer in a corner, ask for more $. Hoping to leave ADU Geeks in the rearview mirror, I paid the ransom. The same day the city inspector took pity on us. He designed the roofing correctly for us. I asked Xavier for the $675 back. He agreed. I have two emails from him promising to send a check. That was four months ago. Run away!! read more

i hope this review helps you avoid the headaches and anguish that I had to endure due to this company. I am an actual customer who paid ADU Geeks to design and build an ADU. DO NOT hire them. Plan and designs were amateur at best when I showed them to other architects after I started running into problems with them. They drew plans that violated several building codes and fire egress codes. The loft bedroom in my design had head height issues (too low). and two small fixed windows were built into the bedroom on a second floor. (fire/egress code violatio) Xavier said "you told Kalani that you wanted a storage space above the kitchen" Which was a blatant defensive lie. Not in any part of my process did I want a "storage" space where I requested a bedroom. I sent them all of my pictures for design inspiration and they drew designs based on what I sent. I do not trust Xavier or Kalani what so ever. They lack integrity and accountability for their actions. They rely on most of their customers being ignorant and not asking too many questions. When I asked questions and pointed out that their actions were costing me money and time. They failed to show any responsibility of ownership. I financed this project through their recommendation and carried the extra mortgage the entire time the delay caused. I'm still working a bunch to pay off all of the extra expenses that were a direct impact from their actions. I have two small children that I have missed out on priceless time of their lives that I can't get back from this whole process. Wasted time 6+months Wasted materials $5k+ of lumber Lack of accountability No sense of obligation to make right their own wrongs If I had time, I'd picket in front of their office to warn people. I have everything well documented. My ADU has been built despite this company. Look elsewhere or consider owner builder permits. It will save you money and time. read more

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I signed my agreement on Nov 30 for a relatively simple garage conversion. The plans did not get to the city until June and I only made 2 minor edits to the plan. It's August and I still have no idea when I will receive my permit. Also, as a rule they don't even visit your site. Someone is sent out to measure and take photos and that is it. The communication is awful. One of my electronic payments was "lost". Constant excuses. I would not recommend using ADU Geeks. read more

I appreciate your response. I also understand how the foundation has been a sticky situation. But there has been a lacking of updates during long periods of time. I would ask Greg for status and be told " let me send an email ". My health is poor and wish to stand in this building before it's too late. I apologize for this sounding harsh but all I'm asking is for someone to weekly let us know with a quick note what's going on. read more

Great company, The built an ADU for us on a property in Normal height area. Kalani is very professional, punctual, has the answers to all my question. They build the granny flat on time an under budget. They also got the place rented with a tenant just before the project was completed. Could not be happier, veteran company, attention to detail, contractor where phenomenal. I already recommended them to a neighbor, and the will be using them as well. I highly recommend them!! read more

ADU Geeks - General Contractors Near Me - San Diego, California

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I was in tears after our feasibility report discussion...good tears! After a whole year plus of frustrating discussions and lost time trying to find any builders and pre-fab contractors who would talk to me about my project, in two weeks, Kalani was able to put together all of the information my family needs to move forward with really big decisions! I work in the design and construction industry myself, but I knew I needed the counsel of people specifically experienced with ADU's in order to stick to a reasonable budget and schedule - especially in a market still plagued by supply chain challenges and permitting delays due to COVID. Additionally, my busy personal and professional commitments weren't allowing me to make much headway on my own even with my experience in the industry. We've only just begun the process, but in the two meetings we've had, I have been impressed with how organized ADU Geeks is. As soon as I made the initial contact, meetings were scheduled, a site visit was made, a feasibility study was performed and presented via web conference as scheduled, and the meeting was ended with next steps for follow up. The feasibility report was thorough, well-informed, easy to follow, and it paved the way for questions which Kalani easily answered due to his expertise. I am regretting not knowing about ADU Geeks earlier, but Kalani is definitely helping us make up for lost time. In addition to all of the great information we've already gleaned from him, Kalani is very personable and presents himself as someone who genuinely cares about the people and projects that come his way. read more

Appreciate the feedback from Kalani and accept apology. Look forward to meeting with ADU GEEK Kalani and crew next week after Memorial Day Weekend to discuss ADU-Tiny Home options in South Park and property management. Will upgrade YELP as we move forward. Thank you for your service to our country. read more

Truly ADU "Geeks"! The knowledge base of these guys is amazing. No question went unanswered and expectations were clearly set. Absolutely recommend. read more

My wife and I started looking at building an ADU for her parents in November. Since then, we've met a number contractors and consultants with knowledge and experience in the industry. As we started to get bids we began thinking, maybe we can't afford this. Then, magically, a couple of months later, we found Kalani and ADU Geeks. Kalani gave it to us straight at our first meeting. He told us we were being bid more than what it should cost to build a small, attached ADU. I should say, we haven't broken ground yet as we are waiting for our plans to be finalized/approved, but I know this: Kalani is a community builder, industry disruptor and innovator, skilled in communication, organization, and logistics. Most importantly, and simply put, he cares. He was on our team before we hired him. He didn't disappear or drop off like some others. He wanted to help and said, "I'm with you." That's a team player. Of the many contractors we've met over the years, Kalani is our favorite. He knows that when you put people first, stay in communication, do what you say you're going to do, and work hard, success will follow. I've already connected Kalani and ADU Geeks to my next door neighbor and another sub-contractor, talked about him and his company with family and friends, and will probably invite him to my daughter's wedding (she's 3 and a half). ;) read more

Nancy, Melanie, France, and the whole crew at ADU Geeks are amazing!! They are efficient, and effective. They were able to get my project approved within just a few months. Keep up the great work, I'll be sure to refer anyone that need such services that you provide!! read more

LOOK ELSEWHERE! Expensive, Slow, Inexperienced, and terrible customer service! 15 months from start to finish on a garage conversion to get plans approved. Staff totally inexperienced. Seemed like college interns passing me around from project manager to project manager. Asking me questions about the wrong power company and county when discussing plans. From the beginning I told them the most important part of this conversion will be doing separate meters as it will increase value and make it easier splitting utilities if I am going to be spending a lot of money on this project. Told it was not an issue and when plans were submitted without showing me, they did not split meters. I brought this up to them and the Chief Operating Officer told me it was not a big deal and I could read the meter every month to bill tenants individually. Maybe I should have suggested he do that for me but instead I spoke to the city myself and it wasn't an issue so I had them redo the electrical plan and of course on top of being nearly double the price of other architectural firms they wanted to charge me $160 for changes they knew I wanted from the beginning. STAY AWAY! read more

ADU Geeks - Email from the COO threatening a lien over $160 for a change they had to make that should have been there in the plans from the beginning. - General Contractors Near Me - San Diego, California

ADU Geeks helped me with every step of the process to build my ADUs! We did a cost segregation study, a rental rate study, and site survey, and a feasibility report where we went over all the options I had and what the costs related to those options were. It was all very informative and helpful. Their architect helped me through the entire process, letting me know when the city gave feedback on the plans, when they were complete, what was due in order to get my plans back, and even gave me some construction bids as well! read more

I had an amazing experience with the team at ADU Geeks. Zach was a gentleman. Tanya and Nancy where helpful and responsive. Xavier is knowledgeable. I was timid going into such a big decision. They truly made it a simple and memorable experience. Thank you ADU Geeks! read more

Definitely WOULD NOT recommend this company!!! No communication, but they definitely want to take your money, with no hesitation. given lots of excuses, nothing but a run around. Don't waste your time or money with this company. Don't walk, Run!!!, you will be glad you did. read more

These guys want to do cookie cutter designs that churn out quick cash for them and don't involve too much work. If you want something more specialized and unique go elsewhere and don't waste you time with these clowns. read more

Kalani was very helpful in answering any questions I had about my ADU project. He was very knowledgeable about the process. I would recommend anyone considering the idea of an ADU to start with ADU Geeks. I'm so appreciate of the time and expertise. Thanks again Kalani! read more

I had a similar experience as J L. (other 1 star review). I met with Kalani, followed up with someone named Zack, and then got no response after several weeks. There are so many "experts" and consulting firms (DesignApruv, Building Buddy, ADU Geeks) trying to prey on homeowners during the boom to build ADUs, and I have no reason to believe this firm is any better. What they do exactly is often veiled in vague but slick looking websites & propped up with a few billboards in the neighborhood, and a seemingly vacant office front (their's is on my work commute & I've never seen any action in it). I have a feeling they make most of their funds by way of inflated design costs that can be avoided via hiring a good draftsman vs. using their in house architect + interior design + landscape architect + assistants to check in permitting process, & whatever else unnecessary add-ons they convince you are smart moves. I am also curious what their design to build ratio is. I imagine it is not very high, because when I asked for examples of completed builds/references, I got none. How they expect someone to drop 10k+ without verifiable completed work is beyond me, but in this market there are definitely desperate folks wanting to build fast. If any reputable builders read this, reach out. I'm interested. read more

Zach and ADU Geeks are awesome. Zach is so thorough and informative and is such a great resource if you are looking to build an adu or simply have questions about the process. read more

Brian Koons did such a great job explaining the current ADU & JADU guidelines to us today. We did a session to better understand ADU types, financing options, and to learn what's included in a feasibility study. I'm super excited to learn more about how we can add additional value to our home. read more

I needed help determining the way forward when it came to developing my property in Alpine, CA. I had several ideas that included adding a trailer/tiny and/or an ADU. My primary motivation is being to leverage my property to create additional revenue streams. The problem is that my property is a bit larger (1.75 acres), runs a septic, has a hilly topography which impacts the steepness of the driveway (challenging for larger vehicles, and needs soft infrastructure on the side furthest from the primary residence. I thought I needed to talk to somebody who knew enough about all these disciplines and could help me determine the critical path to getting a trailer comfortably parked on my property including the supporting soft infrastructure (power, water, septic, Wi-Fi, Trailer parking & connections, and proper access (aka 2nd driveway). My goal was to keep development costs down since I was working with a limited budget and still needed to purchase the trailer. I did exhaustive internet searches to find a company that might understand my situation and then I stumbled upon the ADU Geeks site. Right away I realized that they did not just build cookie-cutter ADUs, they were an end-to-end ADU solution provider. I gave them a call thinking they might blow me off since my problem was small potatoes compared to their target clients. I had several calls with CJ and another rep who were both extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to, they understood my issues right away and proceeded to educate me and answer questions I had been trying to answer for months (For example, they introduced the term "soft infrastructure" and explained the concept to me- which made my life much easier). They also understood I wasn't interested in an ADU, but still helped me patiently and organized the requisite call with Kalani, the founder of ADU Geeks. After that call, I understood why Kalani's team had been so helpful and patient. The culture sprouts straight from the top and Kalani is just as knowledgeful, helpful, and patient as his team. Kalani picked up on the fact that I was a veteran, and shared with me that he and many on his team served in the Marine Corp. He immediately got down to business and started helping me talk through my vision. Now by that I mean he started helping ME personally, he didn't try to sell me a service or try to upgrade me to an ADU build. He listened to my issues as a homeowner and tried to help me solve them on my own without having to pay for his services. He even volunteered to conduct a free site assessment, discuss some of the more complex issues, and quarterback any project decided upon. If that wasn't enough, he helped me talk through various options I, as a homeowner, had available to me to create passive revenue streams with my property. Kalani was direct, efficient, cut through the fog quickly. He helped me talk through my own ideas and boil them down to the true goals and eliminate the rest - that alone saved me thousands of dollars. I'm sure glad he's on my team. read more

Can hardly get a hold of them. My buddy told me to check them out and it's just been bad. Plenty of more reliable people to go with, save yourself the headache. You're better off getting Best buy Geek Squad to do your construction. Probably more responsive! read more

These guys were a pleasure to work with. Kalani and his team were knowledgeable on all aspects of the build out. They were very professional and helpful. These guys are honest and I would recommend them to anyone looking to build an adu. read more

ADU geeks has been incredible. They've grown so much over the time that I've known them, and they have incredible people who know so much about building ADUs! I would highly recommend to anyone looking to build in California read more

The quality of communication is EXTREMELY lacking coming from this company. Was referred to them by a neighbor of mine in hopes to build an ADU for a rental of mine, and boy was this the most frustrating and time consuming problem I've experienced in a LONG time. Each time I reach out for answers or with questions, I always get a list of excuses for why they aren't performing to the standards the told me they would. That is, if I can even get someone on the phone, or speak to someone. VERY unprofessional business ethics and mannerisms. Do not recommend. read more

My wife and I hired ADU Geeks to design and get permits for a garage conversion ADU in North Park. Kalani and his team have been communicative, flexible, easy to work with and the most affordable option we found for this service. We have our finalized permits now and are super happy with their work on this project! read more

The best in San Diego. Customer service, knowledge, and reliability is on point with ADU geeks. Anytime I've had questions they were always there ready to help and my clients have all be a impressed as well. Thank you France and the ADU geeks team for always providing such a great experience. read more

Finding an ADU consultant that you can trust is pretty challenging. You think about how little you know, will they take advantage, or if you are going to be happy with them overall. ADU Geeks definitely lives up to their name. They are definitely the geeks that know everything and will do everything in there power to help you with your goals. In my experience with all of the contractors/real estate consultants I have worked with, they rank #1. The culture they have there is all about family. In the end they will fight for you because working with the city isn't always so easy. They have done things for me that is remarkable and I thank them so much for it! If you are still on the hunt for an amazing ADU consultant, look no further they got you covered! read more

Wow completely unprofessional. I had an initial consult with CJ which went well but that's basically about all that went right. I had a second phone call with Kalani which he was an hour and a half late for, which initially I was fine with because things happen. He came to my house to take a look at the property and sounded interested in collaborating. He came on a Saturday and said to expect an invoice by Monday. Monday passed by and nothing. Two days later I emailed him for an update and still nothing. It's been nearly a month now and still no explanation. Why am I emailing you to ask you to invoice me? Any reply would have been more professional than no reply. Their treatment of a potential client makes me very uncomfortable with trusting them with bigger decisions such as a design and construct of a home. Find a company with more experience. read more

ADU Geeks were extremely professional and really took the time to listen to our needs and provide best cost and value solutions to add additional dwelling units to our multi-family property in Vista. During the consult we never felt rushed and Kalani was extremely thorough in his follow up. Highly recommend! read more

Great experience with ADU Geeks. Our property was vacant for several months and ADU Geeks stepped in and was able to get a lease signed in less than 10 days from our first encounter. I was amazed with the approach and the amount of interest ADU Geeks generated in our property in such a short period of time. It was a pleasure to work with a military veteran group since my wife has served in the military for 20 years now. The level of professionalism, attention to detail, took the stress out of the equation. ADU Geek is a team I would definitely recommend to anyone. read more

We had a really great experience working with ADU Geeks and Kalani specifically. He provided us with all the necessary and informative options to decide on what would be best for our property. The ADU Geeks were incredibly timely and professional in all responses and were so detailed in their work. Highly recommend! read more