ADU builder installing exterior cladding on a custom ADU, with framing, a miter saw, and tools visible in the Spokane backyard

Key Considerations When Hiring an ADU Builder

Published: 08/12/2025

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a significant investment, and choosing the right builder is essential to ensuring the success of your project. The right ADU builder can guide you through the design, permitting, and construction process, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring that your ADU is built to the highest standards. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when hiring an ADU builder.

Experience and Expertise

Not all builders are experienced in ADU construction, which is why it’s important to choose a builder who specializes in this type of project. ADUs require a unique set of skills and knowledge, particularly when it comes to navigating local building codes and zoning regulations. Look for a builder with a proven track record of designing and constructing ADUs that meet local requirements and exceed client expectations.

Comprehensive Services

Building an ADU involves more than just construction. From design and planning to obtaining permits and managing the construction process, there are many steps involved. A full-service ADU builder will handle every aspect of your project, making the process seamless and stress-free. Be sure to choose a builder who offers comprehensive project management, from initial consultations to final inspections.

Customization Options

Every homeowner’s needs are different, and your ADU should be designed to meet your specific requirements. A quality ADU builder will offer a range of customization options, allowing you to create a space that perfectly complements your property and lifestyle. Whether you need a home office, a rental unit, or additional living space, the right builder will work with you to create a personalized design that fits your needs.

Reputation and Reviews

Before hiring an ADU builder, it’s important to do your research. Check online reviews and ask for references from past clients. A reputable ADU builder will have a portfolio of completed projects and satisfied customers who can speak to the quality of their work. Don’t hesitate to ask for examples of past projects to get a sense of the builder’s style and capabilities.

Financing Assistance

Building an ADU can be a significant financial investment, but many builders offer financing options to help make the process more affordable. Whether you’re considering a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinancing, the right builder will provide guidance on financing options that fit your budget. Be sure to discuss your financing needs with your builder early in the process to avoid any surprises down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Get in touch with our team and we will answer them straight.

Five things. How many ADUs have you actually completed? Do you handle permitting or is that on me? Can I see a project you finished in my jurisdiction? What is not included in this quote? And what happens to the schedule and the price if the permit review takes longer than expected? The last two are where most unpleasant surprises live.

A good general contractor can build an ADU. The difference is jurisdictional familiarity. ADUs sit in a specific corner of the code, and a builder who has already been through review in your city knows what the reviewer will flag before you submit. That knowledge is worth real time and money. If you are choosing between a strong generalist and a specialist, ask each one how many ADU permits they have pulled in your jurisdiction.

Ask directly, and get the answer in writing. Some builders hand you the permit packet and let you manage submittal, review comments, and resubmittal yourself. Others manage the whole process. Both can be legitimate, but they are very different amounts of work for you, and the difference is not always obvious in a quote. We handle permitting ourselves.

In Washington, look them up through the Department of Labor and Industries contractor lookup. In Idaho, check the Idaho Contractors Board. Confirm the license is active, confirm they carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and confirm the name on the license matches the name on your contract. It takes about ten minutes and it is the cheapest protection you will ever buy.

A defined scope, a payment schedule tied to milestones rather than dates, a written change-order process, who is responsible for permits, an allowance breakdown for finishes, and what happens if the schedule slips.

A quote that is dramatically lower than everyone else’s, usually because something has been left out. Pressure to sign quickly. No completed local projects to visit. And vagueness about permitting. A builder who is genuinely comfortable with the process will explain it plainly, because they have done it many times.