Don’t Start Your ADU With an Architect or a Builder. Start With a Strategy.
🎥 ADU Scorecard Video
One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is jumping straight into design or asking builders for prices before they really understand what they should build. Before you hire an architect. Before you hire a builder. Before you spend thousands of dollars on plans. You need an ADU strategy.
What Is Your ADU Really For?
The first question shouldn't be, “How big of an ADU can I build?” It should be: “What am I trying to accomplish with my ADU?” Is it for family? Are you creating a home for your parents or grandparents? Do you want a place where your adult children can live independently? Are you planning to generate rental income? Are you thinking about retirement? Or is your primary objective to increase the long-term value and potential of your property? The answer can completely change the ADU you should build.
Establish the Budget Before the Design
Once you understand the purpose, the next conversation should be about budget and feasibility. How much should you invest? What size makes sense? Where should the ADU be located? What site conditions could affect construction costs? How far are the existing utilities? And if your goal is rental income, does the project actually make financial sense? These questions should be answered before you become emotionally attached to a floor plan.
Design Should Follow Strategy
An architect can create a beautiful design. A builder can build it. But first, you need to know whether you're designing and building the right ADU. That's why I believe the order should be: Strategy → Budget → Design → Construction Not the other way around. A good ADU strategy connects your goals, your property, your budget, and your lifestyle before major money is committed to the project.
Start With the Plus Home ADU Scorecard
That's exactly why we created the Plus Home ADU Scorecard. It's the first step in our process to help homeowners evaluate their goals, property, budget, priorities, and ADU strategy before making major design and construction decisions. Your first decision shouldn't be choosing an architect or a builder. Your first decision should be choosing the right ADU strategy.
Ready to Start Planning Your ADU?
Take a few minutes to complete the Plus Home ADU Scorecard and start developing the right strategy for your property.