- Sat Feb 21, 2026 7:20 am
#12907
If you’re hiring for an ADU, treat it like hiring for a full home build—because it is, just smaller. Begin with a tight project brief: unit type, target size, must-have rooms, and a realistic budget range. Builders price faster and more accurately when the brief is clear. Weekly check-ins, written selections, and a disciplined change-order process keep momentum without constant surprises. When you compare proposals, watch for hidden allowances and missing site work (trenching, drainage, restoration). A detailed scope beats a low number that’s full of blanks. For a straightforward starting point before you request bids, see: best adu builders near me. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. A realistic schedule includes ordering lead times and inspection windows, not just a hopeful start date. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results.
