How to Choose the Right ADU Builder
Choosing the wrong ADU builder can cost you thousands in overruns and months in delays. Barak and Jaime bring 30+ years of combined residential construction experience to the company, founded in 2018.
Here are the 10 questions you must ask before hiring anyone.
Question 1: Are You Licensed and Insured?
This seems obvious, but many homeowners skip verification. In California, your ADU builder needs:
- Active California Contractor's License (B - General Building)
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- General Liability Insurance (minimum $1 million)
- Bond (as required by the CSLB)
How to verify: Check the California Contractors State License Board website. Enter the license number and verify it's active with no complaints.
Vision ADU holds California License #1115842 -- you can verify us anytime.
Question 2: How Many ADUs Have You Built?
ADU construction has specific challenges that general contractors may not understand. An experienced ADU builder knows:
- City-specific permitting quirks across different jurisdictions (see our LA permit process guide)
- How to maximize square footage within setback requirements
- Common engineering challenges with residential lots
- Title 24 energy compliance requirements for ADUs
- How to handle utility connections efficiently
Vision ADU has completed over 75 ADUs of all types across Southern California. Read our client's experience: Buck's ADU journey in Granada Hills.
Question 3: Do You Handle Permits or Do I?
This is a critical question. The permitting process is complex and varies by city. A quality ADU builder handles:
- Architectural plans and engineering
- Title 24 energy calculations
- City permit application submission
- Plan check corrections and resubmissions
- All inspections during construction
- Final sign-off and certificate of occupancy
If a builder tells you to handle your own permits, walk away. They either lack experience or are trying to avoid accountability.
Question 4: Can I Visit a Completed Project?
Any reputable builder should be able to show you completed work. Better yet, ask to speak with a recent client. At Vision ADU, we invite homeowners to visit our Anaheim showroom where you can see finishes, materials, and completed ADU layouts in person.
Question 5: What's Included in Your Quote?
Get a detailed, itemized quote. Beware of vague line items or "allowances." Your quote should clearly include:
- Design and architecture fees
- Permit fees and city charges
- All construction labor and materials
- Fixtures, appliances, and finishes
- Utility connections
- Cleanup and landscaping restoration
- Timeline milestones
Question 6: What's Your Payment Schedule?
A legitimate builder follows a reasonable payment schedule tied to project milestones -- never all upfront. In California, contractors cannot legally charge more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price (whichever is less) as a down payment.
Question 7: What Warranties Do You Offer?
Ask about both workmanship and product warranties:
- Workmanship warranty: How long does the builder guarantee their labor?
- Product warranties: Are appliances, fixtures, and materials covered?
- Structural warranty: Is the foundation and framing warranted?
Ask Vision ADU which workmanship and product warranties apply to your project. Construction schedules are set in the written agreement; permit timelines are estimates, not guarantees.
Question 8: How Do You Handle Changes and Surprises?
Every construction project has unexpected issues -- hidden plumbing, soil conditions, or design changes. Ask:
- How are change orders handled and documented?
- Who approves changes before work proceeds?
- How are cost overruns communicated?
A transparent builder documents everything in writing before proceeding with any change.
Question 9: What's Your Realistic Timeline?
Be skeptical of any builder who promises unrealistically fast timelines. A typical ADU project takes:
- Design and permits: 8-16 weeks (varies significantly by city)
- Construction: 3-6 months depending on size and complexity
- Total: 6-10 months from start to move-in
Read our detailed guide on how long it takes to build an ADU.
Question 10: Do You Specialize in ADUs?
A general contractor who occasionally builds ADUs is very different from a dedicated ADU builder. ADU specialists:
- Know every city's specific ADU ordinances
- Have established relationships with plan checkers
- Understand the unique design constraints of accessory dwelling units
- Can advise on rental optimization and ROI
- Stay current with rapidly changing California ADU laws
Red Flags to Watch For
- No physical office or showroom
- Won't provide references or show completed work
- Pressures you to sign quickly
- Asks for large upfront payment
- Can't explain the permit process for your specific city
- License complaints on the CSLB website
- No written contract
> Make the right choice. Visit our Anaheim showroom to see our quality firsthand and get a free, detailed estimate for your ADU project.
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Before you start, familiarize yourself with California's ADU laws, understand how much an ADU costs, and avoid the biggest ADU mistakes homeowners make.
Choosing a builder is an important decision in your ADU journey. Book a free consultation with Vision ADU and visit our showroom to see our work in person.
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- Do I Need to Live on My Property to Build an ADU? 2026 Owner Occupancy Rules
- ADU Permit Process in California: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
- ADU vs Home Addition: Which Is Right for You?
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