ADUs & STEP TWO - THE SITE INSPECTION When Should I Call A General Contractor?

Short answer: as soon as possible. Once you've completed "STEP ONE," and, confirmed what type of unit you can build on your property (whether it be a garage conversion, detached ADU, a JADU, and/or other accessory dwelling), it is time to take the next step: call an "experienced" ADU provider and schedule a site inspection. I use the term "experienced" here because you need someone who knows the process and can save you time and money in the long term. This someone will also need to set foot on your property, check your existing utility connections, see how your property is sloped, take photos, and, look at access ways, backyard, and side yards (among other things).

At site inspections, at presentations I give, at ADU Fairs, and, on a weekly basis, I share stories with homeowners as to how you need to get an experienced ADU provider involved in the process 'as soon as possible.' There have been many instances where homeowners have shown me stamped plans from architects, designers, or engineers, that have failed to get approved by the local building department, or where homeowners have thrown away tens of thousands of dollars in change orders because of a design omission or error such as: a soils engineer report that was not submitted prior to pouring the foundation; the main electrical panel needed to be upgraded from 100 amps to 200 amps; the water service plumbing needs to be converted from 3/4" to 1,1/4"; or for various other reasons. Don't let this be you! Do your diligence in the "pre-construction" phase and schedule that site inspection with someone like ADUNOW.HOUSE.

We were in the local Bay Area news recently. Click the link below!