If you’re hiring for an ADU, treat it like hiring for a full home build—because it is, just smaller. Ask how they handle preconstruction: site evaluation, utility strategy, permitting responsibilities, and inspection sequencing. Vague answers early usually become surprises later. Site constraints—setbacks, drainage, access for crews, and staging—often matter more than the floorplan when it comes to predictability. Confirm how communication works: who your main contact is, how often you’ll get updates, and what triggers change orders. Good builders document decisions before they turn into delays. If you’re building a shortlist, start with adu builders and turn it into questions for your contractor. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later.