An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a great option for countless people who want to add additional living space to their property. However, finding the best ADU company for your needs can seem like a daunting task. How do you know that they’re not overcharging you, that they’ll finish the job on time, and that you’ll have a quality ADU when they’re done? Here are some ways to find the best ADU company.
Look it up!
I look up just about everything on the Internet and you probably do, too. New restaurant in town? You better believe I’m looking for reviews before I risk eating there. I needed a company to put turf in around my pool so I posted on my Facebook neighborhood group to ask what companies other people had used. I had a bad experience with my furniture company so I looked on the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if others had trouble, too (yep, LOTS of complaints). The Internet makes life so much easier these days (and a bit more complicated, but that’s another story for another website) so type in the ADU company’s name on Google. If nothing shows up, keep moving on. If they have no reviews or bad reviews, keep moving on. If their website hasn’t been updated lately, keep moving on. Their online presence is going to tell you a lot about them. Trust is a key factor when it comes to picking out the best ADU company for your needs and doing your research now can save a lot of frustration and money down the road.
Pinpoint Your Needs
Since you’re reading this article and thinking about building an ADU, you clearly have an idea of what you need an ADU for, but think beyond just adding a home office or apartment-like space for aging parents. For example, let’s say you want to build a home office. Imagine using it on a daily basis. In five years from now, how would your needs change? You may initially think a studio would be fine but can you see yourself inviting clients to the space in the future? Maybe a one bedroom is better to provide storage space so the main area will always be presentable for those client visits. Or perhaps you have a large lot and you’re thinking about building a one bedroom to house your grown children while they get established in life. If you have the budget and space, a two bedroom might be better so you can charge more rent down the road when your kids aren’t using it anymore. It’s better to dream now and scale back then build the unit and think, “Man, I wish I would have…..” The best ADU company will be happy to discuss your plans for today and the possible uses for your unit in the future. It’s not to upsell you; it’s to make the most out of your investment!
Options
ADUs are usually prefab homes which means that the main parts are built in a factory and delivered to your home. They also tend to limit their options of elevations (what the outside looks like) and the materials that they offer to keep costs manageable for you. This doesn’t decrease the quality but it does mean that you may have the choice of five types of flooring, five colors of cabinetry, and three types of countertops. There also tends to be standard options within the price of the unit and upgrades of more expensive products. The best ADU company for your needs will have the best style and budget options that fit into your vision. The good thing is that the materials tend to be neutral and beautiful to appeal to most people. The bad thing is that if you have a specific vision in your head or an exact tile that you want to use, you may have to pay extra or you may not be able to use that product at all.
Floorplans
The best ADU company for your needs will have a floor plan that works not only for your usage (like a space for a gym, guest house, or workshop), but also for your property. Where do you want to place your ADU on your property? Is your property a long skinny rectangle or a square acre? Do you live on a hill or on a flat plateau? Many ADU companies have around four or five floor plans and sell just their models. If they don’t have a model that fits your backyard, then they aren’t the best ADU company for your needs.
Full Service
Different companies offer different services, so determine how much help you’ll need on the full project. Some companies build the ADU and leave it at that. This means that you’ll be responsible for applying for the permits, adding landscaping, and finding financing on your own. Other companies encompass the entire process and have partnerships with other professionals so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you’ve completed home renovation projects in the past and you have a great landscaper that you trust and your sister is a lender, then you may not need the added support. If you don’t, then a full service company may be your best choice.
The easiest way to find the best ADU company for your needs in Northern California is to start with ADU Warehouse! Unlike most ADU companies, we represent several companies so we can determine which product is best for you. Additionally, we have partnerships with lenders, contractors, insurance brokers, and real estate agents to walk with you in the journey every step of the way. We also help you with the permitting process because we understand that it can be confusing and overwhelming. We have been in the real estate and construction industries for over 20+ years and are committed to helping our customers build their financial future. Call us today to learn more!
