April 22, 2025 • 10 mins
How to Choose the Best ADU Builder: Avoid Costly Mistakes and Find the Right Team
Choosing the right ADU builder is the most important decision in your backyard home-building journey. The right team ensures a smooth, high-quality construction process, while the wrong choice can lead to delays, budget overruns, and poor craftsmanship.
What You Need to Know Before Hiring an ADU Contractor
- Not all contractors have real ADU experience. A general contractor’s license doesn’t mean they understand ADU-specific regulations, utility connections, and zoning laws.
- Local expertise matters. Ask how many ADUs they have successfully built in your city—this helps avoid costly permitting mistakes.
- Design-build firms simplify the process. Working with a firm that handles both design and construction eliminates communication gaps and budget surprises.
- Architects focus on aesthetics, but builders must ensure feasibility. Without an ADU-experienced builder early in the process, you risk designing something that’s too expensive or not buildable.
- Red flags to watch for: Avoid builders with no ADU portfolio, vague pricing, or poor communication—these are signs of potential issues down the road.
- A quality ADU builder will provide:
- Strong references and completed projects from past clients.
- Proper licensing and insurance to protect your investment.
- Clear project timelines and detailed contracts that outline expectations.
- Regular updates via project management software to keep you informed every step of the way.
Start Your ADU Project with Confidence
Avoid costly mistakes by working with an ADU specialist who knows the process inside and out. Acton ADU has been building high-quality ADUs for over 35 years, handling everything from design to permitting to construction.
📞 Call (408) 369-1103 or visit ActonADU.com/podcast for a free consultation and discover how we can make your ADU project seamless and stress-free.
Intro and Outro music
Acton ADU – The Home of the Build-Ready ADU, Serving Homeowners for Over 35 Years
With over 35 years of experience and 5-star reviews that speak for themselves, Acton ADU is the leading expert in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Based locally in Campbell, California, we proudly serve homeowners in over 20 cities—from Redwood City to San Jose and as far south as Gilroy.
We specialize in high-quality, traditionally built backyard homes, providing turnkey ADU solutions that save time and money without sacrificing quality. As the home of the Build-Ready ADU, we offer fully curated, pre-designed ADU Packages designed for multi-generational living and long-term property investment. Whether you're considering a mother-in-law suite, casita, or granny flat, our team ensures a seamless, stress-free experience from design and permitting to construction and warranty.
Why Homeowners Choose Acton ADU:
- Locally based in Campbell, CA – serving over 20 cities from Redwood City to Gilroy
- Over 35 years of expertise in building high-quality ADUs
- Build-Ready ADUs – pre-approved, expertly designed backyard homes for faster approvals and lower costs
- Custom ADU solutions – tailored to fit your property and lifestyle
- 5-star reviews...
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back to ADU Adventures building in your
backyard.
I'm your host, james, and ifyou've been following along with
the podcast, you've probablygot a solid idea about the ADU
process.
We've covered everything fromwhat an ADU is to how to
navigate, zoning, smart designchoices and even financing.
But today we're going to talkabout one of the biggest and
most critical decisions you'llmake in your ADU journey finding
(00:21):
the right partner.
I can't stress this enough yourADU journey finding the right
partner.
I can't stress this enough.
Your ADU will only be as goodas the team that builds it.
A great builder ensures asmooth, predictable and even
enjoyable process.
They'll keep your project onschedule and within budget and
ensure the highest quality ofworkmanship.
And the wrong builder?
Well, that's where the realproblems start.
I've seen it happen Homeownersexcited about their ADU plans
(00:44):
find themselves in a nightmareof delays, unexpected costs and
subpar craftsmanship simplybecause they picked the wrong
team.
I've had conversations withpeople that are months behind
schedule, tens of thousands ofdollars over budget and stuck
with mistakes that could havebeen easily avoided In some
cases.
It's heartbreaking, especiallywhen so much effort and money
(01:05):
have gone into making the ADU areality.
That's why, in today's episode,we're going to talk about
everything you need to knowabout how to make an informed,
confident choice when hiring anADU builder.
By the end of this, you'll havea clear roadmap for picking the
right team and avoiding thepitfalls that could cost you
time, money and peace of mind.
Today, we'll explore how todetermine if a builder truly has
(01:28):
ADU experience.
What sets apart a high qualitybuilder from the rest, how to
verify credentials, past workand the crucial role of
communication, transparency andproject management.
This is the kind of episodethat can save you a massive
headache down the road.
So let's get started.
Not all builders are createdequal, and just because someone
has a general contractor'slicense doesn't mean that they
(01:51):
know how to build an ADU.
This is one of the biggestmisconceptions homeowners have.
They assume that, since abuilder has worked on some home
additions or remodels, or maybeeven new builds, that they're
just as good as any otherbuilder at building ADUs.
But the reality is ADUs haveunique challenges.
For starters, every city hasits own specific ADU regulation,
(02:11):
so we've talked about that inthe past.
You might have setbackrequirements, utility connection
restrictions, parking rulesthat can completely change your
ADU's design and cost If yourbuilder isn't familiar with your
local zoning laws, you couldend up designing an ADU that
doesn't comply with the city'srules, forcing you to go back to
the drawing board or to redocostly mistakes.
(02:31):
An experienced ADU builder willknow these regulations inside
and out, and the last thing youwant is a builder who is
learning on the job.
You want someone who alreadyunderstands how to make ADUs
happen, how to get them built,how to run job sites and how to
be professional.
So if you're considering abuilder, always ask how many
ADUs have they actuallycompleted in your city or in
(02:52):
local cities?
If they hesitate, give you avague answer or avoid the
question entirely.
That's a major red flag.
Another thing to consider ishow your team is formulated.
One of the biggest decisionsyou'll face when hiring a
builder is whether to go with adesign-build firm or to hire an
architect and a builderseparately.
On the surface, hiring anarchitect first makes sense,
(03:12):
then finding a builder soundslike a logical approach.
After all, architects designand builders build right Well,
for ADUs, this can actuallycreate a lot of unnecessary
stress, and here's whyArchitects, for one, are not
cost estimators.
They create designs based onaesthetic, vision and
engineering, not necessarilybudget constraints many
homeowners have come to us withbeautiful, award-winning, level
(03:35):
designs, only to realize thatthe cost to build them is double
or even triple what theyoriginally expected.
They fall in love with thesedesigns featuring massive glass
walls, complex roof lines,imported materials, materials
only to realize these elementsdrive the costs up significantly
.
Builders, on the other hand,aren't mind readers.
If the architect hasn'tcommunicated construction
(03:58):
details clearly, you could endup with delays, expensive
revisions and unexpected changesduring construction.
That could expand your timelineand budget, and, trust me,
change orders mid-project arenever fun.
Then there's the issue ofincomplete plans.
I once had a conversation withStan Acton about this exact
topic and he told me that in 35years of doing business, he'd
(04:20):
never received a set of plansthat didn't need adjustments to
be fully buildable.
That's why choosing a one-stopshop design build firm makes so
much sense for ADUs.
When your designer and yourbuilder are part of the same
team, they work together andfrom day one, they create a
design that's beautiful andfunctional, but also around your
budget.
They also create a design wherethere's no disconnect between
(04:43):
vision and execution.
Everything is planned withbuildability in mind.
Better yet, when engaging witha specialist in ADUs, you can
often take advantage of vastlibraries of plans that the ADU
company has already built, andhaving a large library of plans
that are either ready to go orneed minor adjustments is one of
the benefits that Acton ADU hasenjoyed providing to the
(05:05):
homeowners that we do businesswith.
So it's easy to say that pickingthe wrong builder can derail
your project, but how do youspot a bad builder before it's
too late?
Lack of ADU experience is a bigwarning sign.
Of course, if a builder hasnever built an ADU before, your
project could be a learningexperience for them and you
don't want to do that.
Be cautious of suspiciously lowpricing as well.
(05:26):
Some contractors lowballestimates to win the job,
knowing they'll hit you withhidden costs later.
The builder is slow to respond,dodges your questions, avoids
giving you clear answers.
Well, expect even worsecommunication once the
construction begins.
Quality matters too.
Look at their past projects,read reviews, ask to visit an
ADU they've built.
(05:46):
A great builder will havestrong references, high quality
work and a reputation for doingthings right.
Your ADU isn't just a structurein the backyard, it's a home,
and if you want it to last fordecades, the quality really
matters.
How do you ensure your builderis committed to high quality
work.
Well, reputation for quality isimportant.
Like I said before, check thoseonline ratings and read those
(06:08):
reviews carefully.
What are past customers tellingyou?
What are the testimonials like?
Are they in depth or are theykind of short?
What about?
These homeowner experiences aregoing to help you find
certainty in choosing thispartner.
Another thing to look for issite inspections.
Does the builder conductregular quality inspections
throughout the project?
Do they fix problems as they goor wait till it's too late?
(06:31):
This goes along with warranties.
Ask the builder if they offer aworkmanship warranty.
If something goes wrong afteryour ADU is completed, will they
be around to help?
Your builder should be licensedin your state.
You should be able to ask forthe license number or see it on
any of their materials so thatyou can check up on it.
Insurance they shoulddefinitely have general
liability insurance and workers'compensation insurance to
(06:53):
protect you from liability.
Not to mention certifications.
Ask if they have anyspecialized training or
certifications relevant to ADUconstruction.
If a builder hesitates toprovide this documentation,
that's a major red flag.
Now we spoke a little bit aboutcommunication skills, but here's
a few tips.
The way a builder communicatesbefore you sign a contract is a
good preview of what it will belike during the construction.
(07:15):
When you called them in thefirst place, how quickly did
they get back to you?
Did they answer your questions?
Are they clear about what theyoffer and are they clear about
what their project details andtimelines and costs are?
How responsive are they reallyDuring the process of selling
you their services?
Were they quick to reply toemails and calls?
Did you ever feel like you hadto chase them down for answers?
(07:36):
Well, these are all red flags,not to mention project updates.
Will they provide regularproject updates?
Will they provide methodologyfor you to be able to check in
on the health of the projectduring the construction, like
with a project managementsoftware or some sort of
dashboard or portal?
Too many homeowners hire abuilder then struggle with
(07:57):
delays, unanswered calls andconfusion.
Avoid that by choosing abuilder who communicates clearly
and consistently at thebeginning.
Choosing the right ADU builderis one of the most important
decisions you'll make.
It determines not only howsmooth your project will go, but
also the quality and thelongevity of your ADU.
A great builder will have areal ADU experience, strong
(08:18):
communication skills and areputation for high-quality work
.
They'll understand the localpermitting, offer clear pricing
and stand by their warrantiesand transparency.
If you want to avoid all theheadaches of hiring the wrong
builder, it's worth working witha team that specializes in ADUs
from start to finish, andthat's exactly what we do at
(08:38):
Acton.
We handle everything design,permits and construction so you
don't have to juggle multipleprofessionals at once.
Our goal is to make the processsimple, seamless and
stress-free, so you can focus onthe excitement of adding the
valuable functional space toyour property.
If you have questions or you'reready to take the next step,
visit actinaducom slash podcastor call us at 408-369-1103 for a
(09:05):
free consultation.
And before we wrap up, let megive you a preview of our next
episode.
You've built your ADU, sowhat's next?
Well, we're going to talk alittle bit about ADU maintenance
how to take care of your unitand to ensure it stays in
tip-top shape and grows in valuedecades to come, whether you're
renting it out or keeping itfor family.
We'll cover everything fromroutine maintenance to long-term
(09:28):
upkeep strategies, so you canprotect your investment and
avoid costly repairs down theline.
If you liked today's episode,make sure to like and subscribe,
and we'll see you next time.
Thanks for listening and goodluck with your ADU journey.
Welcome back to ADU Adventures building in your
backyard.
I'm your host, james, and ifyou've been following along with
the podcast, you've probablygot a solid idea about the ADU
process.
We've covered everything fromwhat an ADU is to how to
navigate, zoning, smart designchoices and even financing.
But today we're going to talkabout one of the biggest and
most critical decisions you'llmake in your ADU journey finding
(00:21):
the right partner.
I can't stress this enough yourADU journey finding the right
partner.
I can't stress this enough.
Your ADU will only be as goodas the team that builds it.
A great builder ensures asmooth, predictable and even
enjoyable process.
They'll keep your project onschedule and within budget and
ensure the highest quality ofworkmanship.
And the wrong builder?
Well, that's where the realproblems start.
I've seen it happen Homeownersexcited about their ADU plans
(00:44):
find themselves in a nightmareof delays, unexpected costs and
subpar craftsmanship simplybecause they picked the wrong
team.
I've had conversations withpeople that are months behind
schedule, tens of thousands ofdollars over budget and stuck
with mistakes that could havebeen easily avoided In some
cases.
It's heartbreaking, especiallywhen so much effort and money
(01:05):
have gone into making the ADU areality.
That's why, in today's episode,we're going to talk about
everything you need to knowabout how to make an informed,
confident choice when hiring anADU builder.
By the end of this, you'll havea clear roadmap for picking the
right team and avoiding thepitfalls that could cost you
time, money and peace of mind.
Today, we'll explore how todetermine if a builder truly has
(01:28):
ADU experience.
What sets apart a high qualitybuilder from the rest, how to
verify credentials, past workand the crucial role of
communication, transparency andproject management.
This is the kind of episodethat can save you a massive
headache down the road.
So let's get started.
Not all builders are createdequal, and just because someone
has a general contractor'slicense doesn't mean that they
(01:51):
know how to build an ADU.
This is one of the biggestmisconceptions homeowners have.
They assume that, since abuilder has worked on some home
additions or remodels, or maybeeven new builds, that they're
just as good as any otherbuilder at building ADUs.
But the reality is ADUs haveunique challenges.
For starters, every city hasits own specific ADU regulation,
(02:11):
so we've talked about that inthe past.
You might have setbackrequirements, utility connection
restrictions, parking rulesthat can completely change your
ADU's design and cost If yourbuilder isn't familiar with your
local zoning laws, you couldend up designing an ADU that
doesn't comply with the city'srules, forcing you to go back to
the drawing board or to redocostly mistakes.
(02:31):
An experienced ADU builder willknow these regulations inside
and out, and the last thing youwant is a builder who is
learning on the job.
You want someone who alreadyunderstands how to make ADUs
happen, how to get them built,how to run job sites and how to
be professional.
So if you're considering abuilder, always ask how many
ADUs have they actuallycompleted in your city or in
(02:52):
local cities?
If they hesitate, give you avague answer or avoid the
question entirely.
That's a major red flag.
Another thing to consider ishow your team is formulated.
One of the biggest decisionsyou'll face when hiring a
builder is whether to go with adesign-build firm or to hire an
architect and a builderseparately.
On the surface, hiring anarchitect first makes sense,
(03:12):
then finding a builder soundslike a logical approach.
After all, architects designand builders build right Well,
for ADUs, this can actuallycreate a lot of unnecessary
stress, and here's whyArchitects, for one, are not
cost estimators.
They create designs based onaesthetic, vision and
engineering, not necessarilybudget constraints many
homeowners have come to us withbeautiful, award-winning, level
(03:35):
designs, only to realize thatthe cost to build them is double
or even triple what theyoriginally expected.
They fall in love with thesedesigns featuring massive glass
walls, complex roof lines,imported materials, materials
only to realize these elementsdrive the costs up significantly
.
Builders, on the other hand,aren't mind readers.
If the architect hasn'tcommunicated construction
(03:58):
details clearly, you could endup with delays, expensive
revisions and unexpected changesduring construction.
That could expand your timelineand budget, and, trust me,
change orders mid-project arenever fun.
Then there's the issue ofincomplete plans.
I once had a conversation withStan Acton about this exact
topic and he told me that in 35years of doing business, he'd
(04:20):
never received a set of plansthat didn't need adjustments to
be fully buildable.
That's why choosing a one-stopshop design build firm makes so
much sense for ADUs.
When your designer and yourbuilder are part of the same
team, they work together andfrom day one, they create a
design that's beautiful andfunctional, but also around your
budget.
They also create a design wherethere's no disconnect between
(04:43):
vision and execution.
Everything is planned withbuildability in mind.
Better yet, when engaging witha specialist in ADUs, you can
often take advantage of vastlibraries of plans that the ADU
company has already built, andhaving a large library of plans
that are either ready to go orneed minor adjustments is one of
the benefits that Acton ADU hasenjoyed providing to the
(05:05):
homeowners that we do businesswith.
So it's easy to say that pickingthe wrong builder can derail
your project, but how do youspot a bad builder before it's
too late?
Lack of ADU experience is a bigwarning sign.
Of course, if a builder hasnever built an ADU before, your
project could be a learningexperience for them and you
don't want to do that.
Be cautious of suspiciously lowpricing as well.
(05:26):
Some contractors lowballestimates to win the job,
knowing they'll hit you withhidden costs later.
The builder is slow to respond,dodges your questions, avoids
giving you clear answers.
Well, expect even worsecommunication once the
construction begins.
Quality matters too.
Look at their past projects,read reviews, ask to visit an
ADU they've built.
(05:46):
A great builder will havestrong references, high quality
work and a reputation for doingthings right.
Your ADU isn't just a structurein the backyard, it's a home,
and if you want it to last fordecades, the quality really
matters.
How do you ensure your builderis committed to high quality
work.
Well, reputation for quality isimportant.
Like I said before, check thoseonline ratings and read those
(06:08):
reviews carefully.
What are past customers tellingyou?
What are the testimonials like?
Are they in depth or are theykind of short?
What about?
These homeowner experiences aregoing to help you find
certainty in choosing thispartner.
Another thing to look for issite inspections.
Does the builder conductregular quality inspections
throughout the project?
Do they fix problems as they goor wait till it's too late?
(06:31):
This goes along with warranties.
Ask the builder if they offer aworkmanship warranty.
If something goes wrong afteryour ADU is completed, will they
be around to help?
Your builder should be licensedin your state.
You should be able to ask forthe license number or see it on
any of their materials so thatyou can check up on it.
Insurance they shoulddefinitely have general
liability insurance and workers'compensation insurance to
(06:53):
protect you from liability.
Not to mention certifications.
Ask if they have anyspecialized training or
certifications relevant to ADUconstruction.
If a builder hesitates toprovide this documentation,
that's a major red flag.
Now we spoke a little bit aboutcommunication skills, but here's
a few tips.
The way a builder communicatesbefore you sign a contract is a
good preview of what it will belike during the construction.
(07:15):
When you called them in thefirst place, how quickly did
they get back to you?
Did they answer your questions?
Are they clear about what theyoffer and are they clear about
what their project details andtimelines and costs are?
How responsive are they reallyDuring the process of selling
you their services?
Were they quick to reply toemails and calls?
Did you ever feel like you hadto chase them down for answers?
(07:36):
Well, these are all red flags,not to mention project updates.
Will they provide regularproject updates?
Will they provide methodologyfor you to be able to check in
on the health of the projectduring the construction, like
with a project managementsoftware or some sort of
dashboard or portal?
Too many homeowners hire abuilder then struggle with
(07:57):
delays, unanswered calls andconfusion.
Avoid that by choosing abuilder who communicates clearly
and consistently at thebeginning.
Choosing the right ADU builderis one of the most important
decisions you'll make.
It determines not only howsmooth your project will go, but
also the quality and thelongevity of your ADU.
A great builder will have areal ADU experience, strong
(08:18):
communication skills and areputation for high-quality work
.
They'll understand the localpermitting, offer clear pricing
and stand by their warrantiesand transparency.
If you want to avoid all theheadaches of hiring the wrong
builder, it's worth working witha team that specializes in ADUs
from start to finish, andthat's exactly what we do at
(08:38):
Acton.
We handle everything design,permits and construction so you
don't have to juggle multipleprofessionals at once.
Our goal is to make the processsimple, seamless and
stress-free, so you can focus onthe excitement of adding the
valuable functional space toyour property.
If you have questions or you'reready to take the next step,
visit actinaducom slash podcastor call us at 408-369-1103 for a
(09:05):
free consultation.
And before we wrap up, let megive you a preview of our next
episode.
You've built your ADU, sowhat's next?
Well, we're going to talk alittle bit about ADU maintenance
how to take care of your unitand to ensure it stays in
tip-top shape and grows in valuedecades to come, whether you're
renting it out or keeping itfor family.
We'll cover everything fromroutine maintenance to long-term
(09:28):
upkeep strategies, so you canprotect your investment and
avoid costly repairs down theline.
If you liked today's episode,make sure to like and subscribe,
and we'll see you next time.
Thanks for listening and goodluck with your ADU journey.
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