ADU — Before Contacting the Contractor

Today, an ever-increasing number of people in California want to build an ADU, aka an accessory dwelling unit. Accessory dwelling units ADUs might be a perfect way of raising the market value of an existing property. Garage conversions, remodeling, and home expansions can all lead to the creation of an accessory dwelling unit. What is more, buying a new home or rebuilding your current one is not a financially viable option for most people.

When you dare to dream about it, you will see the endless prospects of ADUs. Having guests over, being able to house family members in need, or even enjoying a more spacious property all by yourself is just one decision away from you!

Read this article before contacting an ADU professional to have a successful experience.

ADU Contractor First

ADU contractors and professional builders are preoccupied with many projects. Potential customers come and go, while ongoing projects will not complete themselves. Just as you are looking for a professional, they are looking for serious business opportunities in their new clients.

Starting a project like this might seem exciting, but it is vital to consider the steps of proper project management prior to starting your ADU journey, including liability insurance. Most homeowners think that the process of building their guest house will be the same as it was with the main house.

To reap all the benefits of ADUs in the most efficient and effortless way, you have to act with intent. Your ADU contractor is there to help, but they cannot do all the work for you. In short, do not go to your contractor unprepared.

Can a Contractor Do Everything Instead

A good contractor never wants to work on an ADU that has more mistakes than working parts. They are aware of the possible pitfalls of rushing into a project, and they will stop you from making this mistake. Property owners should listen to them when they voice concerns in this regard.

General Contractors cannot do everything for the homeowner. After all, they will not be living in an accessory dwelling unit ADU, and they cannot read your mind for your expectations. To be content with the result of their work, try to at least refer to their completed projects for inspiration. Remember, good ADU contractors know that you don’t have ADU experience and will not judge you for that.

DIY ADU 

There are multiple concerns that people forget to consider. Being overconfident, many people forget that they most likely do not have any experience in the field of ADU construction. Just like any craft, ADU construction takes years to master, and it is much more efficient for you to leave the process in the hands of professionals. Some people do not, and this leads to mistakes that otherwise would be easy for a professional to avoid.

There is no shame in not knowing something, taking on a project for the first time, or making mistakes while doing it. Nonetheless, when it comes to ADU construction, such mistakes lead to an increase in cost, length, and difficulty of the project. Fixing a broken project is much more difficult and sometimes even impossible.

To avoid the mutual frustration and feeling of resentment, respecting their time by being prepared is a crucial gesture of seriousness.

When you Contact a Contractor Unprepared

Sometimes, a contractor will even turn your offer down if you seem like someone who is not serious about their ADU project. Where one declines, another ADU contractor will accept the offer but do so unenthusiastically. An unmotivated prospective ADU contractor might, however, be an even bigger problem. It might affect not only the process but also the result of your mutual construction efforts.

A+ Construction & Remodeling recommends tuning onto the same wavelength with your ADU provider to maximize results. Pre-construction process is a breeze when you know what you want to achieve in the end, and what steps you need to take as a homeowner. In the end, you will thank yourself for not skipping this crucial preparation stage.

Save yourself from unnecessary expenses and improve your relationship with your future ADU contractor and builder, so prepare for the talk beforehand.

ADU Projects Pre-production Steps 

The key step to approaching the building process in the correct way is to follow clear-cut steps of preparation. We at A+ Construction & Remodeling believe that a feasible, well-designed ADU that is permissible by the authorities is most likely to succeed.

Consider and try to fulfill each criterion:

1. Feasibility. Make sure your accessory dwelling unit project is feasible realistically. Feasibility is when zoning laws and
2. local codes come into play, but they are not the only legal concern. Additionally, there are safety precautions, such as earthquake, tornado, and fire laws, as well as California state building codes. Familiarizing yourself with Sacramento, California’s zoning will help establish whether your ADU is eligible, and get the ideal location for your dream ADU.
3. Design. While most people usually already have an aesthetic in mind, you must also thoroughly plan your property’s inner and outer workings. Remember to coordinate your vision with existing structures and the main house. If it seems too scary or difficult for you, consider cooperating with a professional designer.
4. Permitting. When building an ADU, you will need to devise a blueprint that you will later submit to the city authorities for approval. The blueprints have to include the foundations or framing. Consult with professionals who will provide guidance to ensure that your blueprint is competent and in touch with the necessary permits.

Qualified Contractors Mean a Successful Project

Depending on your financing options, you might want to involve professionals early on. Consider reaching out to an architect who is familiar with local Californian site preparation options.

A professional of this kind will be knowledgeable about our local laws, local building codes, and local zoning:

• If you have an architect on board during early planning you can be sure that your experienced ADU contractor will bring it to life the way you want to see it.
• Your architect must be in touch with your contractor. Many contractors have disagreements with architects over what is best in terms of feasibility and design choices. Facing these disagreements right away is a way to prevent a headache for the homeowner later.
• Look for a team that has worked together before.

There are many benefits to being conscious about who designs and constructs your ADU.

Meet Permit Requirements

Even before you contact the local ordinances, you should think about what restrictions and problems other similar projects in your area have faced. If you go in blind, you will have to revise your project time and time again. A+ Construction & Remodeling has a long track record of previous projects in the state of California, Sacramento. With the help of professional ADU contractors, you can make sure that your plans are in good standing with local authorities even before you submit them for approval.

Local regulations are tricky to make sense of if you are not a professional contractor in the field yourself, and most homeowners are not. ADU regulations must be followed to bring your project to life and pick the ideal location for it, so think about this before the construction phase begins.

Remember, if you find the right contractor for you, this point will not be a problem.

A Good Sign for Design

When you are just planning a new ADU on your property, it is easy to go over your budget. Our imagination takes us to wonderful places, but we must remember the limitations of our budgets. A good ADU contractor will easily offer you options within your budget without straying too far from the original design. A construction project that combines effectiveness and beauty is the perfect balance that is easier to achieve than you think.

As experienced ADU builders will tell you, even if you have enough of a budget, sometimes it is still possible to waste it. If you want an ADU for your own enjoyment, then you can obviously go overboard. However, if you are planning to invite tenants, you must first consider the attractiveness to potential tenants. Will my ADU generate rental income? A good ADU contractor will be able to offer consultation on this topic.

Financing Options for Responsible ADU Owners

If you have enough savings, you can sleep soundly and let your ADU builder do their job without much consideration for the expenses. If you are well off enough, it might even be possible to consult multiple experienced contractors before the entire project. Still, it is ideally feasible to avoid unnecessary spending. Later on, you can put it into future ADU financing on your property or help family members in need.

It might feel scary to approach an ADU project if you do not have an unlimited budget at hand. Even then, you can devise a financing option with the right ADU contractor to make it work.

Consider your current property value and the expected gains from your property if it you rent it.

Breaking Ground With A Contractor

Without a doubt, having read this article, you have gained a better understanding of the extent of work that goes into the ADU construction process and pre-construction process. Do not be overwhelmed by this information, and prepare diligently. You will have a successful ADU. Once you are ready, A+ Construction & Remodeling will help you bring your dream project to life.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Can I skip an ADU pre-construction stage?

Absolutely not. It might seem tempting, but slacking off during the beginning will cause a heap of problems later on. Be cautious with a contractor who is willing to accept you without any plan in mind. Refer to their previous clients if you have any doubts about the necessity of the process.

Who should I ask for help with my ADU pre-production journey?

There are many happy ADU owners who can share their success stories and address your doubts. Look for them online and in your local Californian communities. One blog post can go a long way. When in doubt, remember to rely on a professional contractor in the field of ADU construction.

How much does ADU pre-construction cost?

Depending on your skills and previous experience, you might need more help, or perhaps none at all, with the planning stage. Try to understand your own limits and plan your budget accordingly. An economically sound process is important, but you should not sacrifice the quality of your ADU property when it comes to a future living space.