Home Improvement 

The fastest way to derail an ADU is to start with finishes before you’ve solved the fundamentals. Before sketches get serious, map constraints: access for crews, utility tie-ins, drainage, and how the unit will sit for sunlight and privacy. These factors often drive cost more than square footage. If resale is a goal, prioritize timeless layouts and cohesive details over trend-driven finishes that date quickly. If you’re comparing approaches, weigh detached vs. garage conversion vs. basement unit based on site access, utility distance, and how much disruption you can tolerate. If you want a practical place to start, use DADU: as your reference point. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply.