Building your Human Resources
Selection of human resources is critical to the success of building your ADU. Architects must fully competent of local & state ordinances. Contractors must be fully vetted. Lenders should understand the nuances and your financial circumstances to offer solutions that meets your needs. There also a building library of free guides, references and plans that are available that will greatly educate your research of all the opportunities of building an ADU. |

Architect - Is the starting point. You also may need to hire a surveyor. Inquire with their knowledge of new ordinances to ADUs, building & energy codes. Also inquire their working history and relationships with your local building departments.

Contractors - Do your homework. Fully vet your contractor. Start with Contractor's License Board to verify type of license, that it's active, fully insured and bonded. Its important to know your consumer rights and be prepared to enforce it. Bids must have details of materials and scope of work. How are any change orders handled? Request detail of start and stop dates. Check recent & current projects.

Lenders - Financing is the enabler for most homeowners. There are many choices. Work with lenders focused on ADUs that understands the complexities, has a full knowledge of financing options to recommend a solution that meets your best interests.
References
Numerous publications are available from important resources such as AARP, local & state publications. Click on image to download.
Links
The following are useful links for ADUs. These are resourceful websites from reliable sources. Perfect for your research.
Calif. Housing Community Development (HCD) - HCD is responsible for administration and enforcement of Calif. statewide ADU ordinances. |
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Plus 1 House - Sponsored by Architect International Institute (AIA). Great case studies, info on ordinances & design information. |