Flexible Financing for ADU in San Bernardino
Most homeowners in San Bernardino don’t have the full cost of an ADU sitting in a checking account, and they shouldn’t need to. Call (909) 359-6463 and we’ll walk you through payment approaches that keep your project moving without the stress of figuring it out alone. At Ellery ADU Studio San Bernardino, we’ve structured every option around the same principle that governs our builds: know what you’re paying before anything starts, and never get surprised by a number you didn’t see coming.
Payment Options We Offer
Financing Plans
We work with lenders who understand ADU construction specifically, not just general home improvement. That matters in San Bernardino because an ADU loan is different from a kitchen remodel loan: it’s tied to permit milestones, inspection schedules, and a build timeline that can run 6 to 14 months depending on your site and the city’s current plan-check queue. The lenders we introduce you to have seen this before. You’ll get a straightforward pre-qualification conversation, typically 10 to 15 minutes, and a clear picture of what monthly payment ranges look like for your project size. We don’t invent APRs or promise approval amounts because those depend on your credit profile and the lender’s current programs. What we do promise is that you’ll see every number in writing before you decide, same as every other part of our process under Haven Standard Clause 1.
Major Credit Cards
For deposits, milestone payments, or smaller-scope work like a standalone ADU design and permitting package, we accept all major credit cards. Some San Bernardino clients use this for the initial design phase while they finalize longer-term financing for construction. There’s no penalty for splitting payment methods across phases, and we document which payment type applies to which line item in your written scope so your records stay clean.
Cash or Check
Paying by cash or check is straightforward and carries no processing fees. Several clients in the San Bernardino area prefer this for the full project, particularly those drawing on a HELOC disbursement or a family gift structured for home improvement. We provide a written receipt for every payment, tied to the specific milestone it covers, and we never ask for final payment until the work is complete and you’ve received your documented photo record.
Up-Front Written Pricing
This isn’t technically a payment method, but it’s the foundation every payment method rests on. Under Haven Standard Clause 1, you receive a written price before any work starts. That price is broken into line items: design and permitting, site prep, utilities, construction, final inspection coordination. Each line item maps to a payment milestone. You’ll know exactly what triggers each payment, and you’ll never face a request for money tied to work you haven’t seen or approved. In San Bernardino’s ADU market, where some competitors quote low to get a signature and then “discover” costs mid-project, this written structure protects your budget and your timeline.
Simple Application Process
Step 1: Talk to us about your project. Call (909) 359-6463 or meet us at your property in San Bernardino. We’ll look at your site, discuss whether a garage conversion, detached ADU, or junior ADU fits your goals, and explain what the build timeline looks like in current market conditions.
Step 2: Quick pre-qualify conversation. If financing makes sense for your situation, we’ll connect you with a lending specialist for a brief phone call. No lengthy paperwork upfront, no hard credit pull without your permission. You’ll hear realistic payment ranges based on your project scope and credit profile, not generic numbers from a website calculator.
Step 3: Choose your plan and lock your scope. Once you select a payment approach, we finalize your written quote, sign the contract, and move into design and permitting. Your price is fixed. Your payment schedule is fixed. The only surprise we allow is how smoothly it can go when everything’s documented from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we connect clients with lenders who specialize in ADU construction loans and understand San Bernardino’s permit and inspection timelines. These aren’t generic personal loans repackaged; they’re structured around construction milestones so you’re not paying full interest on money you haven’t drawn yet. Call (909) 359-6463 to discuss whether financing fits your project, and we’ll arrange the introduction. Estimates are always free.
You’ll typically need proof of income, a current credit report you’re willing to share, and a written project estimate, which we provide free. The lender may also request your property deed or mortgage statement to confirm equity position. We don’t handle the lending decision ourselves, but we make sure your project documentation is complete and accurate so the lender has what they need. Call (909) 359-6463 and we’ll explain what’s required for your specific situation.
No. Every estimate from Ellery ADU Studio San Bernardino is free, written, and itemized. You’ll see line-item pricing for design, permitting, site prep, utilities, and construction. There’s no obligation to move forward, and if you already have another estimate in hand, we’ll give you a Free Second Opinion to compare scope and pricing. Call (909) 359-6463 to schedule yours.
Yes, in most cases. San Bernardino clients sometimes stack California ADU grant programs, utility rebates, or city incentive funds with private financing. We don’t administer those programs, but we document your project to meet their requirements and coordinate timing so your financing disbursement aligns with grant milestones. The key is getting the paperwork right before construction starts, which is why we handle permit documentation and photo records as standard practice. Call (909) 359-6463 and we’ll review what programs might apply to your build.
Written by Nadia Ellery, Owner at Ellery ADU Studio San Bernardino, serving San Bernardino since 2015.