Fast Ball Talk

If you’re hiring for an ADU, treat it like hiring for a full home build—because it is, just smaller. Ask how they handle preconstruction: site evaluation, utility strategy, permitting responsibilities, and inspection sequencing. Vague answers early usually become surprises later. 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. If you’re building a shortlist, start with best adu companies and turn it into questions for your contractor. 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. 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. 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.