Checklist: How to choose an accessory dwelling unit company in the Bay Area

Choosing an ADU design and ADU builder in the Bay Area are your first steps toward getting more from your home. If you’ve been watching the news, you know that California is getting more and more ADU friendly. People who want to build an accessory dwelling unit, in-law apartment, addition, granny flat, or guest house now have state laws on their side. Now that the state is so supportive of ADUs, it’s a great time to choose an ADU company and get started on your project.

Even though it’s getting easier to build an ADU, it will never be simple. That’s why it pays—a lot—to have the right accessory dwelling builder working with you. But how do you choose? We’ve put together a checklist to help you make sure you have the best accessory dwelling company for your ADU project.

You can use this when you talk to an ADU company to help you decide whether they’re right for you.

√ They share actual project costs.

Your accessory dwelling company should be able to show you actual budgets, plans, and timelines from projects like yours in the Bay Area. Clients benefit from seeing actual budgets. If your ADU company won’t share their data, steer clear.

√ They have a history of building ADUs in Bay Area cities.

It helps to have experience working with the city permitting office. Your ADU builder should know whom to talk to and which questions to ask. Ask your ADU company how they’ve saved their clients time and money at the permitting office.

√ They start with a real, fully-researched design proposal—not just a free estimate.

If your accessory dwelling builder starts with a free estimate, be careful. Free estimates don’t tell you what your project will actually cost. In many cases, they’re so inaccurate that they’re just a waste of time. There’s a lot involved in calculating costs. Your accessory dwelling company should be willing to provide a full design proposal. This will require a fee, but it’s well worth it. You’ll get ideas from a professional designer along with an accurate design budget.

√ They can tell you exactly how they will make your life easier.

Even when you hire an ADU company to do everything for you, you still have an important job to do. It is, after all, your home. Ask your ADU builder about tools that make your job easier. You’ll need tools to help you keep track of your budget, proposals, plans, communications, and invoices.

√ Their values match yours.

As with any major expense, you’ll need to work with someone you get along with. Choose an accessory dwelling company whose vision matches yours. Don’t be afraid to ask about the company’s history and why they chose the ADU business. You’ll be working with them for a long time.

We may be biased, but we’re confident that New Avenue is the best choice for Californians who are building an ADU, backyard cottage, in-law unit, granny flat, or any accessory dwelling. (They go by a lot of names; you can pick your favorite.)

We have tons of experience working with Bay Area homeowners to make their properties amazing. We check all the boxes, and when it comes to making our clients’ lives better, we’re all in.

Schedule your free call with a project manager to discuss your property’s potential.