Free Adu Calculator - Run Your Numbers in 30 Seconds
Enter the quantities you know. The Adu calculator updates instantly and shows the number you should pressure-test before signing.
How the Calculator Works
Formula: sqft * cost_per_sqft + permits + architecture_engineering. Defaults are planning ranges, not bids. The point is to expose order of magnitude and missing soft costs before a contractor or owner commits.
5 Things This Calculator Catches That Spreadsheets Miss
- Percent costs that were entered as flat dollars.
- Missing permits or design fees.
- Totals that ignore contingency.
- Unit prices that are too low for the market.
- Scope that changed while the old budget stayed in place.
Is the Adu Calculator a Bid?
No. It is a planning check.
Can I Change the Assumptions?
Yes. Edit the inputs to match your project size and rate.
What Should I Do with the Result?
Compare it to contractor bids and ask why large gaps exist.
Does It Include Labor?
For unit-cost calculators, the rate should include labor and materials unless noted.
Does It Include Permits?
Only the ADU calculator has explicit permit and A&E fields.
Can CostCheckGPT Review the Full Estimate?
Yes. Use this calculator for speed, then paste the full estimate into CostCheckGPT.