Finding the right contractor for your accessory dwelling units project can make or break your investment. With ADU construction booming nationwide, you’ll find dozens of contractors claiming they can handle your project. But not all contractors are created equal, and the wrong choice could cost you thousands in delays, code violations, and subpar work.
Key Takeaways
- Ask about specific ADU experience and completed projects in your area
- Verify proper licensing, insurance, and bonding before signing any contracts
- Get detailed timelines and understand how delays will be handled
- Request references from recent ADU clients, not just general construction work
- Understand exactly what’s included in the quoted price and what costs extra
Why These Questions Matter
ADU construction isn’t just regular home building. These projects involve unique zoning requirements, specialized permits, and specific design considerations that many general contractors don’t fully understand. The right questions help you separate the pros from the pretenders and avoid costly mistakes down the road.
Question 1: How Many ADUs Have You Actually Built?
This isn’t about general construction experience. You want someone who’s navigated the specific challenges of ADU projects. A contractor might have 20 years building houses but zero experience with ADU permitting, setback requirements, or utility connections.
Ask for specific numbers and locations. A good ADU contractor should easily rattle off recent projects in your city or county. They should understand local ADU laws and have relationships with local inspectors.
Question 2: Can You Show Me Three Recent ADU Projects?
Photos tell the real story. You want to see completed ADUs, not just foundation work or framing. Look for clean finishes, thoughtful design choices, and attention to detail. If they can’t show you finished ADUs from the past year, that’s a red flag.
Better yet, ask if you can visit a completed project or speak with recent clients. Most homeowners are happy to share their experience if the work was done well.
Question 3: What’s Your Timeline and How Do You Handle Delays?
ADU projects typically take 6-12 months from permit to completion, depending on size and complexity. But delays happen. Weather, permit issues, and material shortages can push timelines back. You need to know how your contractor handles these situations.
Ask about their current workload and when they can realistically start your project. A contractor who promises to start next week when they’re booked solid for months isn’t being honest about timelines.
Question 4: What Permits Will You Handle?
Permitting is one of the most complex parts of building ADU projects. Your contractor should handle all required permits, from building permits to electrical and plumbing inspections. They should also understand local requirements for things like parking, setbacks, and height restrictions.
If they expect you to handle permits yourself, you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t understand ADU construction. Permit management should be part of their service.
Question 5: How Do You Price Your Work?
Pricing models vary widely among contractors. Some charge a flat fee, others work on cost-plus contracts, and some use hybrid approaches. Understanding their pricing structure helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid surprise costs.
Ask what’s included in the base price and what costs extra. Site preparation, utility connections, and permit fees can add significant costs if they’re not included upfront. A mother-in-law unit might seem affordable until you discover the electrical upgrade costs extra.
Question 6: What’s Your Approach to Foundation Work?
Foundation requirements vary dramatically based on soil conditions, local codes, and ADU size. Some projects need full basements, others work with slab foundations, and some require specialized solutions for challenging sites.
Your contractor should evaluate your specific site conditions and explain their approach to setting foundation for ADU construction. They should also understand how foundation choices affect overall project costs and timelines.
Question 7: How Will This Project Affect My Property Value?
A well-built ADU should increase your property value significantly. Most experts agree that an ADU can increase property value by 20-30% when done right. Your contractor should understand local market conditions and design choices that maximize your return on investment.
Ask about design features that add value versus those that just add cost. Smart contractors know which upgrades pay off and which ones are just expensive bells and whistles.
Question 8: What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Problems happen on construction projects. Materials get damaged, weather causes delays, and sometimes work doesn’t meet standards. You want a contractor who takes responsibility and has clear processes for handling issues.
Ask about their warranty coverage, insurance limits, and how they handle callbacks. A contractor who gets defensive about this question probably isn’t someone you want to work with for months on a major project.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some warning signs should end the conversation immediately. Contractors who demand large upfront payments, can’t provide local references, or seem unfamiliar with ADU-specific requirements aren’t worth your time. Trust your gut if something feels off.
Also be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Quality ADU construction costs real money, and contractors who underbid often cut corners or add surprise charges later.
Making Your Final Decision
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Consider the contractor’s experience, communication style, and overall professionalism. You’ll be working closely with this person for months, so personality fit matters too.
Get everything in writing before work begins. A detailed contract protects both you and the contractor and prevents misunderstandings down the road.
Ready to start your ADU project? TrueBuilt Home specializes in custom ADU construction with transparent pricing and proven results. Our team handles everything from initial design to final inspection, making your ADU dream a reality.
Conclusion
The right questions help you find a contractor who understands ADU construction and can deliver the results you want. Take time to interview multiple contractors, check references, and compare detailed proposals. Your ADU investment is too important to rush the contractor selection process.
Remember that the cheapest option rarely delivers the best value. Focus on finding a contractor with proven ADU experience, clear communication, and a track record of satisfied clients. The extra time spent on contractor selection pays dividends throughout your project.
