How to Choose the Best ADU Builder: Avoid Costly Mistakes and Find the Right Team

Choosing the right ADU builder is the most important decision in your backyard home-building journey. The right team ensures a smooth, high-quality construction process, while the wrong choice can lead to delays, budget overruns, and poor craftsmanship.

What You Need to Know Before Hiring an ADU Contractor

• Not all contractors have real ADU experience. A general contractor’s license doesn’t mean they understand ADU-specific regulations, utility connections, and zoning laws.
• Local expertise matters. Ask how many ADUs they have successfully built in your city—this helps avoid costly permitting mistakes.
• Design-build firms simplify the process. Working with a firm that handles both design and construction eliminates communication gaps and budget surprises.
• Architects focus on aesthetics, but builders must ensure feasibility. Without an ADU-experienced builder early in the process, you risk designing something that’s too expensive or not buildable.
• Red flags to watch for: Avoid builders with no ADU portfolio, vague pricing, or poor communication—these are signs of potential issues down the road.
• A quality ADU builder will provide:
  • Strong references and completed projects from past clients.
  • Proper licensing and insurance to protect your investment.
  • Clear project timelines and detailed contracts that outline expectations.
  • Regular updates via project management software to keep you informed every step of the way.

Start Your ADU Project with Confidence

Avoid costly mistakes by working with an ADU specialist who knows the process inside and out. Acton ADU has been building high-quality ADUs for over 35 years, handling everything from design to permitting to construction.

📞 Call (408) 369-1103 or visit ActonADU.com/podcast for a free consultation and discover how we can make your ADU project seamless and stress-free.

Send us a text

Intro and Outro music

Acton ADU – The Home of the Build-Ready ADU, Serving Homeowners for Over 35 Years

With over 35 years of experience and 5-star reviews that speak for themselves, Acton ADU is the leading expert in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Based locally in Campbell, California, we proudly serve homeowners in over 20 cities—from Redwood City to San Jose and as far south as Gilroy.

We specialize in high-quality, traditionally built backyard homes, providing turnkey ADU solutions that save time and money without sacrificing quality. As the home of the Build-Ready ADU, we offer fully curated, pre-designed ADU Packages designed for multi-generational living and long-term property investment. Whether you're considering a mother-in-law suite, casita, or granny flat, our team ensures a seamless, stress-free experience from design and permitting to construction and warranty.

Why Homeowners Choose Acton ADU:

• Locally based in Campbell, CA – serving over 20 cities from Redwood City to Gilroy
• Over 35 years of expertise in building high-quality ADUs
• Build-Ready ADUs – pre-approved, expertly designed backyard homes for faster approvals and lower costs
• Custom ADU solutions – tailored to fit your property and lifestyle
• 5-star reviews...