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35 <br />What to Prepare <br />There are a few basics you’ll want to prepare <br />before contacting designers and builders. <br />GOALS: First, go back to Step 1 to review your <br />goals. Understanding your goals will help your <br />architect create a design that’s right for you. <br />BUDGET: Next, you’ll want an initial budget. The <br />cost of ADU construction can vary dramatically (for <br />example, from $10,000 to $350,000) depending on <br />ADU type, site and finishes. Your builder or architect <br />can help narrow the price range. The financing <br />available to you will also help determine what you <br />can afford (See Step 4). <br />SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Bring along <br />your property information, a survey and any sketches <br />you made in Step 2 to share with potential architects <br />or builders. <br />Hiring a Team <br />An ADU is a long-term personal investment for <br />most homeowners, so it is important to have a <br />development team that understands your vision <br />and with whom you can communicate well. Below <br />are key questions to help you choose a design <br />and development team. Be sure to get bids from <br />multiple designers and builders. <br />COST AND SERVICES: What will the firm charge <br />and what services are included? <br />CREDENTIALS: Has the firm built other ADUs, <br />or completed remodels or new construction at a <br />similar scale? Does it have experience with your <br />municipality’s permitting process? Always verify <br />professional licenses and business addresses: <br />• for contractors <br />• for architects, designers and engineers <br />COMMUNICATION AND PROCESS: Do you <br />feel that you are being heard and are you receiving <br />responses in a timely manner? <br />Signing a Contract <br />When you’ve decided which firm(s) you want to hire, <br />a final contract should detail the work they will do <br />and all costs. The contract is a legal promise by both <br />you and the company to complete the tasks outlined <br />within it. The contract is a foundation for good <br />communication between you and your team. <br />Make sure everything that you discussed is included <br />in the contract. For example, if you are building an <br />above-garage ADU and want to reuse your old garage <br />door, make sure that’s noted. You have the right to <br />add or modify elements of the contract, even after <br />it is signed, by using a change order. <br />TIP The following is a <br />helpful list of what your <br />contract should include: <br />• contractor’s license number, <br />name and address <br />• total project cost and <br />payment schedule <br />• start date and timeline <br />• list of work to be accomplished <br />and materials to be used <br />• work (if any) to be subcontracted <br />• specific terms about what <br />constitutes substantial <br />“completion of work” <br />• the terms of warranties <br />• a provision requiring the <br />contractor to obtain lien releases <br />from all subcontractors and <br />suppliers (to protect the <br />homeowner if a subcontractor <br />claims they were not paid) <br />• a cancellation penalty (if any) <br />• plan for cleanup and removal <br />of material and debris <br />• any special requests (such as <br />saving scrap lumber or bricks) <br />• requirements for protecting <br />property and landscaping <br />• areas where materials may <br />or may not be stored <br />• any instructions regarding <br />children or pets <br />CREDIT: San Mateo County 2018