Making additions to your home is one of the best ways to increase the value of your property. By extension, you will also increase your overall net worth. By building an accessory dwelling unit, you can add a significant amount of living space within a short period of time.
Finding the right ADU builder isn’t always easy, so we’ve put together a guide that has key details you should consider. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
How Is Their Reputation?
Before you can get started, you’ll need to find a reputable contractor to help you bring your vision to life. However, this can be highly difficult if you do not research their reputation.
Seeing what others have had to say online can provide valuable insight into the type of experience that you will get from them. For example, a specific contracting firm might seem personable enough, but their past reviews might indicate that their projects are often plagued by many problems. You should also check to see the manner in which they respond to these reviews.
If they are hostile or aggressive in response to criticism, this is a red flag that you should avoid working with this individual or firm.
Are They Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
This is a dealbreaker in every scenario. If they are not properly licensed, bonded, and insured, you should never work with them.
This is simply due to the fact that there is a chance they would be practicing illegally. Similarly, without the proper insurance, you might be held liable for any injuries or property damage that occurs.
The good news is that reputable contractors will proudly advertise that they satisfy these criteria. So, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to locate one.
Avoid Choosing the Cheapest Contractor
When it comes to ADU building, you often get what you pay for. As a result, you shouldn’t begin your search by looking for the cheapest possible contractor.
This is likely someone who uses low-quality materials and attempts to complete the project as easily as possible. The end result will likely be an ADU that begins falling apart in the weeks or months after the project’s completion. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should rush and find the most expensive contractor in your local area.
Working with someone whose rates are somewhere in the middle will more than likely be able to satisfy your needs. You can then reinvest the money you save into other areas of your home.
Are They Willing to Help You Design Your Unit?
To get the best results, it’s essential that you find someone who is willing to help you design your unit. Otherwise, you may have a difficult time coming up with a sufficient design on your own. Keep in mind that some ADU builders will incorporate design in the ADU building cost.
For example, if you need them to handle this responsibility entirely on their own, you will need to pay for this service. However, many are willing to point you in the right direction if you ask for their assistance.
Having a professional help you with your design can often mean the difference between whether or not you can bring your vision to life. Be sure that you take this into consideration, as not everybody has the design knowledge to make the ADU that is ideal for them.
Are They Communicative?
Unfortunately, some homeowners make the mistake of working with a contractor who is not communicative. If you can’t get in touch with the firm that you hire, you won’t be able to receive updates on the project’s progress.
For instance, let’s assume that shipping delays have caused a disruption in the timeline of your project. If they do not relay this information to you, you will likely be surprised and frustrated when you learn that they won’t be able to handle your project as previously agreed upon.
Although it’s not realistic to expect 24/7 service, you shouldn’t have trouble getting in touch with someone who can fill you in on information related to your project. This is one of the most important attributes to look for in a contractor, so don’t neglect it.
Find Someone Who Can Help You Take Care of Permits and Fees
Before you add a unit to your home, there are certain permits and fees that you will need to manage.
In fact, you could run into legal complications if you do not do so. Many homeowners aren’t quite sure what steps they need to take before they get started.
So, you should look for a contractor who is willing to help you overcome these obstacles. They have all of the experience and knowledge to point you in the right direction.
If you attempt to do so on your own, you may cause more harm than good. Looking for a reputable source to learn more information about building an ADU? You can learn more here.
Finding the Right ADU Builder Is Crucial
Otherwise, you simply won’t be able to handle this project appropriately. If you don’t find the right ADU builder, you will run into a large number of complications in the future that you could have avoided. Keep this in mind when moving forward.
Looking for more tips that can help you out later on during your home improvement journey? Check out the rest of our blog for plenty of more useful information.
