Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand projects for property owners in California, and for good reason.
However, like with most construction projects, building an ADU comes with a unique set of challenges, many of which must be addressed by a professional contractor.
Some of the most common pitfalls during the ADU construction process include:
A seasoned contractor doesn’t just build your ADU; they navigate these hurdles with a finesse that turns challenges into milestones.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get the job done quickly and professionally, from vetting potential contractors to negotiating contracts and every step in between.
Now, most websites and advisors will tell you that the cornerstone of a reputable contractor lies in their credentials, but the truth goes much deeper than that. Of course, non-negotiables should always be the first thing you look for when it comes to vetting professionals:
However, what if I told you that these credentials are only a legal requirement, not a reflection of the contractor’s professionalism?
In other words, credentials are only the first chapter of a potential contractor’s story. To choose the right person for your project, you need to make sure you’ve read the whole book.
Here are the basic steps to verify a contractor’s credentials in CSLB:
Simply put, there are many critical factors that will impact whether or not you’ve got the right person for the job—for example, personality match.
Imagine spending half a year or more with someone whose personality grates on your nerves. That’s a potential reality if your contractor’s personality is a misfit with yours.
This is why it is essential to recognize if this is somebody you actually want to work with.
Another essential factor to consider is cleanliness.
After all, no one wants to hire someone who is going to leave your yard looking like it just got hit by a tornado. So, a quick stroll through their ongoing projects could be a window into your future ADU space or backyard.
Ask yourself, does their approach to cleanliness align with my standards? The devil, as they say, is in the details.
When it comes to getting someone with the right experience, staying local is key. Local experience is so much more than just a marketing buzzword. It’s the lens through which a contractor views the regulatory and cultural landscape of your city.
When it comes to ADUs, this lens sharpens the focus on city-specific rules that could impact design decisions and, ultimately, passing inspections.
One of the easiest ways to vet this is by taking a peek into a contractor’s past projects.
This step isn’t about admiring their portfolio but understanding their journey through the unique challenges posed by each project. Most importantly, it’s about envisioning how they would morph your ADU dream into a concrete reality amidst the unique tapestry of local regulations and site constraints.
For example, platforms like ADU Journey allow new clients the rare chance to take a glimpse into the past projects of contractors in their area, as well as give contractors the ability to showcase their work all in one convenient place.
As a general rule, look for contractors who offer references and portfolios of their past ADU projects, and don’t be afraid to call around to ensure everything checks out. This can help you evaluate any challenges they faced during future projects and give you confidence in their approach to your ADU.
Building a shortlist starts with the most daunting part of the selection odyssey: research.
Fortunately, there are some convenient resources you can use to streamline this process:
For building your shortlist, the two most important factors to consider are ADU experience and reputation since more extensive vetting will be done later.
For example, if you’re looking at online reviews, make sure they specifically include ADU projects in their descriptions.
Finally, check the CSLB website to verify their license and insurance bonds and expiration date. If the Better Business Bureau accredits them, this is typically a good sign as well.
Alternatively, ADU Journey includes comprehensive verification for contractors in your area, making it easier than ever to find the answers you need.
Interviews are your window into a contractor’s competence, communication habits, and reliability. This is the part where contractors will try to sell you their well-crafted story, which, by the way, there is nothing wrong with that.
Contractors are salesmen, too, and they work to put a pitch together and sell it like any other business owner.
However, the difference between a reputable contractor and one who is just selling you a story can often be found in the way they answer specific questions. For instance, an experienced ADU contractor will have no problem getting into the nitty gritty details of past projects.
At the same time, a less seasoned professional may struggle to develop in-depth answers.
From their experience with ADUs to their approach to budgeting, how they handle unforeseen challenges or existing conditions, and their timeline management, asking the right questions is essential.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered:
Sadly, this is often where many homeowners get taken advantage of simply because they don’t understand the importance of conducting thorough research on a potential contractor.
One way to avoid this is talking to their prior customers, regardless of how many glowing reviews you’ve seen online.
Remember, contractors are trying to sell you services by telling you their version of a story. So, how can you be sure that you’re hearing the whole truth?
Talk to their previous clients and ask them about their overall experience with them and how they are actually perceived. If a contractor is being transparent with you, the stories and general feelings will align.
If not, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Often, homeowners ignore their instincts about potential contracting red flags until it’s too late, which can completely derail the success of their project.
To avoid this, always be on the lookout for these tell-tale signs of trouble:
A contractor who is elusive doesn’t answer your questions directly, or is consistently challenging to reach is a red flag. Clear communication is crucial to ensure that your project runs smoothly.
If a contractor avoids answering how they handle unexpected costs or delays, it could indicate a lack of transparency.
Reputable contractors should have a list of satisfied clients whom you can contact to verify their work quality, professionalism, and reliability.
Most importantly, they should be proud to share examples of their previous work with a potential client, a.k.a you.
If a contractor is hesitant to provide past client references or shows signs of annoyance when asked, it’s a cause for concern.
Legitimate contractors should be able to provide proof of their licensing, insurance, and any certifications relevant to the job. If you aren’t able to find this information quickly and easily, this could be a very bad sign.
If you’re conducting research on ADU Journey, you’ll find direct links to the necessary verification sites, along with in-depth insight into each contractor’s history.
If a contractor claims to be licensed but is unable or unwilling to provide a license number that you can verify, that’s a red flag.
While everyone loves saving money, bids that are significantly lower than others can be a red flag, indicating that the contractor might be cutting corners.
If most bids cluster in a particular range but one bid is significantly lower, it’s essential to find out why before moving forward.
A professional contractor should provide a clear, written contract detailing the scope of the work, the cost, and the expected timeline.
If a contractor tries to start work without a written agreement or insists that a handshake is good enough, consider it a red flag.
It’s typical for contractors to require a deposit, but asking for complete payment upfront is a red flag. In fact, states like California have made it illegal for contractors to demand more than 10% of the total project estimate as a deposit, or $1,000 USD, depending on which is more.
Not only is asking for a hefty deposit a sign of bad business practices, but it’s also a complete disregard for consumer protection laws.
If a contractor demands full payment before any work has begun, it’s advisable to find a different contractor.
Now, red flags aren’t always an immediate sign that a particular contractor is a bad match. If you want to ensure you’re making the right decision, follow these steps:
If something feels off, ask direct questions. For instance, if a contractor is reluctant to provide references, ask why and gauge their response. In some cases, there might just be a simple misunderstanding.
However, if they’re reluctant to answer your questions, it might be a good idea to move on to other options.
Ensure that all aspects of the project are detailed in a written contract. This includes the scope of work, the cost, the payment schedule, and the estimated start and completion dates.
Not only does this protect you and your property, it benefits the contractor as well, and there’s no good reason why they should be unwilling to oblige.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore your feelings. It’s better to take your time in selecting the right contractor than to rush into a potentially problematic situation.
Trust your gut and allow it to guide you.
If the red flags continue to pile up and the contractor can’t or won’t address your concerns satisfactorily, it might be in your best interest to walk away and find a more suitable contractor.
While this can seem frustrating, it’s much better to ensure you’re working with the right person before you spend a single dime.
Ultimately, adding an ADU to your property should be an exciting experience from start to finish. Once you understand the process of finding the right contractor for the job, you can navigate this journey with confidence, and ADU Journey is here to support you every step of the way. From searching for vetted and verified contractors to discovering insightful tips for your ADU project, we proudly serve property owners in Northern California and beyond. Visit www.adujourney.com today to get stared.
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