Avoid Costly Mistakes and Build Your Backyard Unit the Smart Way
With California’s housing crisis and skyrocketing rents, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become one of the most popular home upgrades across the state—especially in places like Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking to create a rental unit, house a family member, or boost your property value, building an ADU is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner.
But before any walls go up, you’ll face the most important decision of the entire project: choosing the right contractor.
A good contractor will guide you through every step—planning, permits, budgeting, and construction. The wrong one? They can leave you with delays, surprises, and costs that spiral out of control. At TRX Builders, we’ve stepped in to fix enough half-finished or mismanaged ADU projects to know that who you hire truly matters.
So, how do you find the right contractor for your ADU? Here’s what to look for—and what to avoid.
Understand That ADUs Are a Different Animal
Before diving into the contractor search, know this: ADUs are not just “mini houses.” They’re complex structures that must comply with very specific state and local codes. They require:
- Knowledge of zoning and setback restrictions
- Familiarity with California’s Title 24 energy standards
- Coordination with city planning departments for permits
- Understanding of utility tie-ins for water, gas, and sewer
- Experience managing tight spaces and logistical constraints
Start With Licensing and Insurance
This may seem obvious, but it’s often skipped: always verify that your contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of California. The license number should be easy to find, and you can verify it through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Why it matters: If your contractor isn’t properly licensed or insured, you could end up paying for any mistakes. No matter how friendly or convincing they seem, don’t take chances. At TRX Builders, we’re fully licensed, insured, and always upfront about it.
Look for Local Experience with Permitting
Navigating permits is one of the most time-consuming and confusing parts of an ADU project—and every city in California has its own quirks. A contractor with recent, local experience can anticipate problems before they happen and keep your project moving forward.
Ask:
- Have they pulled permits for ADUs in your city or county?
- Do they have relationships with local inspectors and plan reviewers?
- How do they handle code changes or unexpected permit delays?
Our team at TRX Builders handles all permitting and city communication in-house, so our clients don’t get stuck in bureaucratic limbo.
Ask About Their Process—Not Just the Price
A red flag many homeowners miss? A contractor who gives you a ballpark estimate without understanding the scope. A serious contractor should walk your property, ask questions about your goals, provide a breakdown of phases (design, demo, build), and explain how communication will work throughout the project.
When comparing contractors, ask:
- What’s your process from consultation to completion?
- Who’s my main point of contact?
- How do you handle design revisions?
- Will you provide a written contract and timeline?
If someone’s vague or evasive, trust your gut—and move on. At TRX Builders, we provide detailed proposals, transparent pricing, and a step-by-step roadmap that keeps our clients informed at every stage.
Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone
Let’s be real—budget matters. But if a bid seems too good to be true, it usually is. Cheap contractors often cut corners by using subpar materials, skipping permits, or hiring unqualified labor. That’s how “affordable” ADUs turn into costly repair projects.
Instead, compare each contractor’s offering holistically. What’s included in the quote? Is the design process included? How about permits, engineering, site prep, or utility connections?
TRX Builders isn’t the cheapest option—and we don’t try to be. What we offer is peace of mind, built-in value, and results that last.
Check Their Portfolio—and Ask for References
Don’t settle for pretty photos on Instagram. Ask to see real ADUs they’ve completed recently—ideally with before-and-after photos, client testimonials, or even a site visit if possible.
Even better, ask for 2–3 past clients you can speak with. Ask those clients:
- Did the contractor stick to the timeline and budget?
- Were they responsive and communicative?
- Would you work with them again?
A trustworthy contractor will have no problem connecting you with happy clients. TRX Builders is proud of our work and always happy to share our recent ADU builds.
Transparency Is Everything
The right contractor won’t keep you in the dark. They’ll be upfront about costs, timelines, delays, and even challenges. Look for someone who communicates clearly, documents changes in writing, and treats your home and project with respect.
That level of professionalism isn’t just nice—it’s necessary when building something as complex as an ADU. Communication gaps often lead to mistakes, added costs, or work that doesn’t align with your vision.
With TRX Builders, we assign every project a dedicated project manager and provide weekly updates so you’re never left wondering what’s going on.
Bonus Tip: Look for Design-Build Firms
Want to streamline your entire project? Consider working with a design-build contractor like TRX Builders. This model combines the designer, architect, engineer, and builder into one team—saving you time, reducing miscommunication, and often cutting overall project costs.
Design-build firms handle everything from 3D renderings and space planning to permits and construction. For complex projects like ADUs, this integrated approach is often the smoothest and most efficient path forward.
Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Not Just Fast
Adding an ADU to your property is a big investment—one that can improve your quality of life, add flexible living space, and generate rental income. But rushing into it with the wrong contractor can turn your dream project into a nightmare.
So slow down, do your homework, and find a contractor who will guide you, not just build for you.
Ready to Get Your ADU Off the Ground?
At TRX Builders, we don’t just build ADUs—we design and deliver complete, code-compliant, beautiful spaces tailored to your goals. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how easy it can be to add the perfect ADU to your California property.
