You’ve done your research and you’re finally ready to take the plunge and build an ADU. Congratulations! This is a big decision that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your life. Now comes the hard part: finding the right builder. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are five important considerations to keep in mind as you search for the best ADU builder for your needs.

1. Experience

You want to make sure you choose a builder with experience in constructing ADUs. While many licensed builders are capable of building an ADU, not all of them have experience with this specific type of construction. Ask potential builders how many ADUs they have built and see if they have any examples of their work that you can look at. An experienced builder will be able to provide you with peace of mind and a smooth construction process from start to finish.

2. Cost

Of course, you’ll need to stay within your budget when choosing a builder for your ADU project. Get quotes from multiple builders and compare their costs side-by-side. Make sure you understand exactly what is included in their quote so that there are no surprises down the road. Once you’ve found a few builders whose costs fall within your budget, you can move on to the next step in the selection process.

3. Communication

It’s important that you choose a builder who communicate well and frequently throughout the construction process. Building an ADU is a big undertaking, so you’ll want to work with someone who keeps you in the loop every step of the way. Ask potential builders how often they communicate with their clients and what methods they use (email, phone calls, text messages, etc.). You should also ask for references from past clients so that you can get a better idea of what it’s like to work with them.

4. Schedule

Building an ADU takes time, so you need to make sure you choose a builder who can complete the project within your desired timeframe. Discuss your timeline with potential builders and find out if it’s realistic given their current workload and schedule. You may need to be flexible with your timeline depending on the availability of potential builders, but it’s important that you set expectations upfront so that there are no surprises later on.

5. Location

Last but not least, you need to make sure you choose a builder who is located near your property. This is important for two reasons: first, it will save you money on travel costs; and second, it will allow the builder to easily access your property for inspections, meetings, etc. If possible, try to find a builder who is located within driving distance of your property so that you can avoid any unnecessary delays or disruptions during the construction process.

Choosing the right builder is crucial to ensuring a smooth construction process and successful outcome for your ADU project. Keep these five considerations in mind as you search for the best builder for your needs and don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions along the way!