Breaking Ground: The Exciting Day Construction Begins
After months of design, engineering, and permitting, the day finally arrives — construction begins on your ADU. Here's what to expect during the first phase of your build.
Before the First Hammer Swings
Pre-Construction Meeting
Your project manager will walk you through the construction schedule, establish communication protocols, and set expectations. At Vision ADU, we provide:
- A detailed construction timeline with milestones
- Your project manager's direct contact information
- A schedule of upcoming inspections
- Guidelines for staying safe around an active construction site
Utility Locating
Before any digging, we call 811 to have all underground utilities marked. Gas lines, water mains, sewer pipes, and electrical conduits are all located and flagged. Hitting a gas line is dangerous and expensive — this step is non-negotiable.
Site Protection
We install:
- Construction fencing around the work area
- Protective covers for landscaping, driveways, and walkways
- Temporary power connections if needed
- Portable sanitation for the crew
For Garage Conversions: Demolition Day
If you're converting a garage, the first physical work is selective demolition:
- Garage door removal — the opening will become a wall with windows or a door
- Interior demolition — removing old drywall, storage systems, workbenches
- Slab assessment — testing the existing concrete floor for thickness and condition
- Utility disconnection — safely disconnecting any existing electrical or plumbing
This typically takes 1-3 days depending on the garage size and condition.
For New Construction: Site Preparation
New construction ADUs require more extensive site prep:
- Clearing and grading — removing vegetation, leveling the building pad
- Excavation — digging foundation trenches to the depth specified by engineering
- Compaction — ensuring the soil is properly compacted to support the foundation
- Drainage planning — installing any underground drainage systems
This phase can take 3-7 days depending on site conditions.
What to Expect as a Homeowner
Noise: Construction is noisy, especially during demolition. Most cities restrict construction hours to 7 AM - 6 PM weekdays and 8 AM - 5 PM Saturdays.
Dust: We use dust control measures, but some dust is unavoidable. Close nearby windows and cover outdoor furniture.
Parking: Construction vehicles and material deliveries will temporarily affect parking. We coordinate with you to minimize impact.
Duration: The start-of-construction phase (site prep + demolition) typically takes 1-2 weeks.
First Inspections
Even at this early stage, inspections begin:
- Pre-foundation inspection: The city inspector verifies the site is prepared according to approved plans
- Setback verification: Confirming the ADU's footprint matches the approved site plan
- Utility connections: Verifying proper disconnection of existing utilities (for conversions)
Coming Up Next
Day 6: Foundation — the most critical structural element of your ADU. We'll cover concrete pouring, rebar placement, and why getting the foundation right is everything.
---
Vision ADU's team has helped hundreds of homeowners across Southern California. Start your ADU journey with a free consultation.
Related Vision ADU Resources
- How to Build an ADU, Day 7: Framing
- How to Build an ADU, Day 8: Electrical
- How to Build an ADU, Day 9: Plumbing
- How to Build an ADU, Day 10: Insulation & Drywall
- ADU Contractor in Santa Monica
- ADU Contractor in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County ADU Builder
- Orange County ADU Builder
- Inland Empire ADU Builder
- 2026 ADU Cost Calculator
- All Vision ADU Service Areas