You’ve finally decided to invest in building an ADU—a smart move that can add significant value to your property and provide flexible living space for your family or rental income. But now, you’re understandably worried. After all, so many things can go wrong, especially if this is your first ADU.
So, how do you turn your ADU vision into reality while avoiding costly mistakes? We can help.
In this blog, we’ll discuss three common mistakes homeowners make when building their first ADU and offer practical tips to help them avoid them and ensure a smoother construction process.
Zoning and permit pitfalls
The first place many first-time ADU owners get it wrong is while they’re navigating local zoning laws and building permit requirements. Every city or county has specific zoning regulations that determine where ADUs can be built, how large they can be, and even what architectural styles are allowed.
In many cases, excited homeowners who can’t wait to see their ADUs come to life rush into the project without realizing that their property may not fully comply with these regulations. This can lead to costly delays, forced design changes, or, in some cases, fines and project shutdowns.
This is why it is important to research and understand local zoning laws before committing to an ADU construction.
In addition to zoning laws, permits are another hurdle.
Securing the correct permits can be time-consuming and involves coordinating with various local agencies. Even worse, your project may be suspended if any step is missed or paperwork is incomplete.
Now, here’s some good news. At Resimate, we handle all the paperwork and submissions required for municipal construction permits, which means our clients don’t have to do any heavy lifting or legwork.
Avoid zoning and permit pitfalls
- Research early: Before you hire a contractor or finalize your design, thoroughly research your local zoning laws and ADU requirements.
- Consult professionals: Work with ADU development experts who have experience navigating zoning and permit processes in your area.
- Don’t skip the tiny details: Even small deviations from zoning laws, such as setbacks or height restrictions, can result in costly delays.
- Stay proactive: Submit your permit applications as early as possible and stay in touch with local planning officials.
Again, we can help with all of this!
Choosing the wrong contractors
Choosing the wrong building contractor can have devastating consequences, yet it is another common mistake many homeowners make.
Since your contractors are directly responsible for bringing your ADU vision to life, hiring a company that doesn’t specialize in ADUs or lacks proper experience can lead to subpar work, increased expenses, delays, and even legal issues.
For instance, an unreliable contractor may cut corners or mismanage your budget, turning what should be a smooth process into a stressful experience.
However, it’s not all about your contractor’s building abilities and experience. Communication is also an important quality to look out for. After all, miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings about the scope of work, material quality, or costs, which can throw off the entire project.
Therefore, it’s essential to choose a contractor who not only has the right experience but also communicates effectively and prioritizes transparency.
Selecting the right contractor
- Check qualifications: Look for contractors who specialize in ADU construction and have proven experience with similar projects.
- Read reviews and testimonials: Research the contractor’s reputation through online reviews and past client testimonials.
- Request detailed quotes: Get multiple bids and ensure each includes a detailed breakdown of costs for materials, labor, and any additional services.
- Sign a contract: Always sign a clear, written contract that outlines timelines, payment schedules, and deliverables to prevent misunderstandings.
- Maintain communication: Regularly touch base with your contractor to ensure the project stays on track and any potential issues are addressed promptly.
With Resimate, we work with trusted contractors, with a proven track record of ADU experience. It saves you time, money, and headaches from this potential misstep.
Budgeting mistakes
Another common mistake homeowners make when building their ADU is underestimating the total budget they’ll need to complete the project. In many cases, costs associated with utility upgrades (like water, sewer, and electricity), additional labor, and changes in material prices are overlooked, leading to unexpected expenses halfway through construction.
In other cases, some homeowners forget to factor in “soft” costs like architectural plans, permit fees, and inspections, which can easily add thousands of dollars to the project.
But that is not all.
Budgeting mistakes can also include failing to plan for unexpected events, such as weather delays or material shortages. Without a buffer in your budget, you may find yourself scrambling for funds if something goes wrong, which can stall your project and cause unnecessary stress.
Either way, Resimate’s financing calculator can help you estimate your project costs and potential returns (if you plan to rent it out) and even explore financing options for your ADU.
Avoiding budgeting mistakes
- Create a comprehensive budget: Include every potential cost, from materials to labor to utility connections, and don’t forget about permits, fees, and inspections.
- Set aside a contingency fund: Plan for at least 10-20% of your budget to cover unexpected expenses, such as delays or price fluctuations.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from different contractors to ensure you’re getting the best value. But remember, if the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Monitor your budget regularly: Track your spending throughout the project and adjust as necessary to avoid going over budget.
- Plan for surprises: Include minor setbacks and delays in your construction plan. If you’re prepared, they won’t cause as much disruption.
On this front – Resimate offers a complete all-in price after you complete an on-site assessment. Since we do a deep dive in your lot’s suitability and services, we can provide accurate cost estimates that stay the same throughout the entire project.
Bringing it together
ADU construction is a complex project, which means there are several factors to consider and loose ends to tie. However, by understanding some of the common mistakes many homeowners make while building their ADU, you stand a better chance of avoiding these pitfalls and ensuring a construction process that’s as seamless as possible.
Better still, partner with ADU experts who have a track record of completing tasks without dropping the ball.
At Resimate, we specialize in guiding homeowners through every step of the ADU construction process—from understanding zoning laws to selecting the right contractors and staying on budget. Our team of experts will ensure your project is completed smoothly and efficiently, leaving you with a beautifully finished ADU that meets all your needs.
Ready to get started? Contact Resimate today for a free consultation and take the first step towards building the perfect ADU!
