Adding an ADU to your home can generate over $2,000 in monthly rental income. But if you’re not careful when selecting an ADU builder, it can also cost you hundreds of thousands of wasted dollars.
The right builder can help make your experience with the project smooth and seamless. But choosing the wrong one could lead to delays that cost more money in the long run.
This article will show you what to focus on to get the best builder in the industry. Continue reading to learn more about what distinguishes a good ADU builder from the rest.
Decide on Your Needs
Before you can have the best ADU building experience, you need to know what you want. This means identifying what kind of ADU you want and how much space is required.
It’s important for you to consider whether it will be used as a primary residence or if it’ll serve as a secondary home that can generate income for you. If the latter is true, then the size of your ADU will determine how much rentable space it provides and how much money it can generate. Keep this in mind when finalizing your ADU design plan.
You can also check this ADU interior guide to get more ideas on how to make the most of your home’s interior space.
Consider Selecting an ADU Builder Who Specializes
It’s important to work with a contractor who specializes in ADUs. A good ADU builder will be familiar with all the city building codes and regulations, have a network of subcontractors and suppliers, and understand how to work with the inspectors.
Read Online Reviews
Reading online reviews is a great way to get a sense of how other people feel about a service or product. However, they’re not necessarily the best way to determine if you’ll be satisfied.
While it’s true that most reputable ADU builders will have plenty of positive reviews, keep in mind that the negative ones are often the most useful.
A poor review might be the difference between a contractor who offers a pleasant experience and one that leaves you frustrated. If there’s any implication that someone had a problem with their work, it’s worth taking note.
Compare Costs Between Builders
As with most home improvement projects, the costs of adding an ADU will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. A small project run by a first-time contractor might cost $100,000, while a larger project with a more established builder could cost as much as $400,000.
Comparing ADU building costs and getting estimates from several contractors is a good way to ensure that you’re getting a fair price for your project.
Choose the Best Contractor for Your Investment
We hope this guide has shown you how to go forward with building your ADU. There are so many ways to do it, but remember that the most important factor is that it’s done right the first time.
Do your research before selecting an ADU builder so you can be confident that you’re making a sound investment. Read a few of our business articles for interview questions to make your selection process easier.
