Questions to Ask Before Hiring an ADU Contractor

Licensing and experience

• What is your California contractor license number, and is it active for this scope of work?
• How many ADU projects have you completed specifically — not general remodeling or additions?
• Have you worked in my specific city or county before, and do you know that jurisdiction's permit process?

Scope and pricing

• Does this estimate include design, permit fees, and utility connections, or only construction?
• What happens if unexpected site conditions (soil, existing utility lines, structural issues) are discovered after work begins?
• Is the price a fixed bid or a cost-plus arrangement, and what triggers a change order?

Timeline

• What is a realistic timeline for permit approval in my jurisdiction, separate from construction time?
• What is your current project backlog, and when would work actually start?

Contract and protection

• Can I see proof of current license and insurance before signing?
• What does the payment schedule look like, and is it tied to project milestones?
• Who pulls the permit — you or me — and whose name is on it?

Common pricing traps to watch for

Be cautious of bids that are dramatically lower than others you have received without a clear explanation — this often signals excluded scope (permits, utility hookups, finish materials) that gets added back later as change orders. Be equally cautious of contractors unwilling to put a detailed scope of work in writing before you sign, or who pressure you to sign quickly.

Communication and process questions

• Who is my main point of contact once construction starts, and how often should I expect updates?
• How do you handle inspections — do you schedule them, or is that on me?
• What is your process if a delay happens, whether from weather, permitting, or material availability?

Why asking these questions matters more for ADUs specifically

ADU construction involves a permit process, utility connections, and sometimes structural work that a homeowner may never have dealt with in a standard remodel. A contractor who answers these questions clearly and specifically — rather than vaguely — is usually signaling real ADU-specific experience, which is exactly what our preceding sections on licensing and experience are meant to surface.

Comparing at least two or three licensed contractors before committing is one of the simplest ways to catch these issues early. If you would like help getting started, request a match and we will route you to a licensed contractor in our network.