Are you trying to choose an ADU builder? Not sure what you should look for when choosing the right builder for the job?
If you want to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property, it’s important that you find the right builder for the job. Getting your ADU built right is not an easy task, but finding a great builder can make the process a lot easier to navigate.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about finding a reliable builder for your ADU.
1. Learn About a Builder’s Experience
The first thing you’ll want to do when comparing ADU builders is to find out everything you can about a builder’s experience.
When considering a builder to hire, it’s important to find out what their construction experience is and should make sure that they have the skills to deliver great work. Ideally, you should find a builder that has ADU building experience.
Additionally, you should also make sure that a builder has experience with filing for permitting and taking care of the necessary fees. Make sure that the company you hire knows all the ins and outs of dealing with city legalities, obtaining permits, and scheduling inspections. Without this, there could be a lot of problems and issues with the construction and there could be significant delays.
You should also think about a builder’s customer service and personality as well, so be sure to consider this when initially speaking to them.
2. Know the ADU Type You Prefer
It’s important to put some thought into which type of ADU construction you prefer. You’ll want to carefully choose between prefabricated ADUs and stick-built ADUs.
Be sure that you understand the difference between each of these types of units and make sure that you find a builder that can build the type that you want. Many ADU builders will specialize in just one of the different types.
Prefabricated ADUs can be a good choice if you have a low budget and don’t need a lot of customization. The entire process for building these will also be a bit easier overall.
Stick-built ADUs, on the other hand, can be considerably more expensive. You’ll also need to hire an architect, a general contractor, and more to get the job done right. However, there will be a lot of customization options with stick-built ADUs and the project will be completed to your exact specifications.
Be sure to consider the ADU type carefully and choose an ADU builder accordingly. If you want to build a backyard mother in law suite that you’ll be happy with, make sure to consider all of the design and customization options.
3. Take the Cost Into Consideration
When choosing a builder, you should also take your ADU building budget into consideration as well.
As mentioned above, there are different costs related to the type of ADU you build, but there are also other things to think about as well. You’ll want to communicate with your potential builders and find out what their estimates are for your project.
Remember that you often get what you pay for, so you may not want to choose the cheapest option. Be sure to keep the quality and reliability of the builders in mind at all times.
Additionally, you may also want to find out if the builder offers any financing options as well. While there are several forms of financing that you can use for an ADU, getting financing from a builder can make things simpler and can be a good option to consider.
4. Check the Timeline
One of the things that you’ll want to think about when choosing a builder is the construction timeline. Remember that prefab ADUs can be built faster than stick-built ADUs.
If getting the job done fast and efficiently is important to you then you’ll want to make sure that you choose an ADU builder that will specialize in prefab ADUs. Prefab ADUs can often be built in just about 6-9 months while stick-built construction will usually take a year or more from the start of the project to completion.
Be sure to consider the timeline carefully when making your choice of ADU type and the builder for it.
5. Check For Licensing and Other Qualifications
One of the essential steps to choosing a good ADU builder is to find out if they are licensed, bonded, and insured. You should never begin a construction project without being sure that the builder you’re working with has all of the necessary qualifications.
You should always verify that you’re choosing a licensed ADU builder. On top of this, you should also ensure that they have liability insurance to keep you legally protected in case contractors suffer injuries while on the job or if something unexpected happens.
Additionally, you should also check with a builder and find out what kind of warranty they offer for their work and how long it will last. Not getting a warranty for the work can be a big mistake and you may be left high and dry if something goes wrong later on.
When considering the warranty, you should also verify how long the builder has been in business. Ensure that they’ll likely still be in business by the time the warranty expires.
Using These Tips to Choose an ADU Builder
If you want to choose an ADU builder that you can rely on, be sure that you consider all of the factors of your ADU project carefully. Be sure to use all of the tips above if you want to be satisfied with your choice.
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