Frequently Asked Questions
How does the $0-upfront financing work?
We have an in-house lending arm that specializes in ADU and residential construction loans.
You pay nothing at the start — loan proceeds are disbursed in stages (permit, foundation, framing,
completion).
The monthly financing payment is often covered by your rental income once the ADU is leased.
Who qualifies for the Zero-Cash program?
Most Bay Area homeowners who:
- Own a single-family property with enough yard space
- Plan to use the new unit for rental income or family housing
Can I still use my own cash or financing?
Yes. Homeowners can fund the project with personal savings, a HELOC, or any preferred loan.
You’ll still benefit from our end-to-end service for design, permits, and construction
management.
What areas do you serve?
We currently serve the San Francisco Bay Area.
Additional regions will be added soon.
What types of projects do you handle?
- Detached ADUs (backyard cottages)
- Large-scale home additions or multi-unit expansions (for owners with approved plans)
Do you handle design and permits?
Yes. Our in-house and partner architects handle:
- Site analysis & zoning review
- Architectural drawings & structural plans
- City permit submissions
We manage every step until final approval.
Who handles construction?
We partner with licensed Bay Area general contractors.
In addition to providing financing, Zero-Cash Build oversees scheduling, inspections, and quality control
while you work with a single point of contact from start to finish.
How much does an ADU cost to build?
Costs vary by size, design, and finishes, but typical Bay Area ADUs range $250K – $400K
all-in.
With financing, this often translates to $1,500 – $2,400 per month, usually offset by
$2,000 – $3,500 monthly rent.
What if costs change or there’s an overrun?
We budget a contingency. Any change orders are homeowner-approved and re-validated before
additional draws.
No surprises - scope changes are documented in writing.
Are permits and inspections included?
Yes. All required permits, utility coordination, and inspections are managed by Zero-Cash Build and our
licensed GC partners.
You’ll receive regular progress updates.
What’s not included?
Exclusions depend on site: major utility upgrades, unusual grading, or discretionary city fees may be budgeted
as pass-throughs.
Eligibility – what do you look at?
Location/zoning for ADUs, property equity and setbacks, and rental comps, etc.
Do you offer warranties?
Yes — every project includes:
- 1-year workmanship warranty
- Manufacturer warranties on appliances, roofing, and materials
Who owns the ADU?
You do. You stay on title. We’re the financing and delivery partner, not the owner.
How do I get started?
- Schedule a free preliminary call
- Schedule a free property consult → we analyze your lot, zoning, and rental potential.
- Review your options → financing and ROI estimates.
- Sign & build → we handle design, permits, and construction while keeping you updated on progress.