Fast Ball Talk

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. For rentals, focus on durability and simple maintenance: hard-wearing floors, reliable ventilation, and finishes that age gracefully. Keep decisions predictable by locking major selections early (windows, doors, cabinetry, fixtures) and using a clear change-order process for anything that shifts after work begins. If you want a practical place to start, use adu design build as your reference point. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results. A realistic schedule includes ordering lead times and inspection windows, not just a hopeful start date. A realistic schedule includes ordering lead times and inspection windows, not just a hopeful start date. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results.