Process Map

2

Design & Contractor Selection

Before finalizing your ADU plans, it’s crucial to align architectural design with your budget and local building codes. This stage often involves hiring an architect/designer, interviewing contractors, and revisiting cost estimates to ensure everything stays on track.

CHECKLIST

Architectural Plans

  • Hire or consult an architect/designer with ADU experience.

  • Ensure plans comply with local building codes and fit within your budget constraints.

Contractor Interviews & Quotes

  • Obtain multiple bids; verify licenses, insurance, and references.

  • Compare timelines, material costs, and payment schedules.

  • Discuss sustainability goals or energy incentives with your architect/contractor.

  • Review or negotiate key contract clauses (e.g., change orders, dispute resolution).

Preliminary Floor Plan & Layout

  • Decide on room sizes, access points, and potential shared walls/utilities.

Refine Budget

  • Incorporate contractor quotes and updated design requirements.

  • Revisit contingency if design changes add costs.

Process Map

Questions to Ask Yourself

Architect, Designer and Contractor consideration
  • Which architect or designer is best suited for my ADU goals?
  • Do I want a highly customized design or a more standardized (and potentially cheaper) approach?
  • Which contractors have strong ADU portfolios and reliable references?
  • Do I need specialized professionals (e.g., structural engineer) for any complex site issues?
  • Have I clarified the scope of work between myself, the contractor, and the architect?
  • Does the contract cover important clauses like timeline commitments, payment milestones, and how to handle unexpected site conditions.
  • Are there any Pre-approved designs to consider to increase the speed of the Process? (BC Standardized Designs)
Financial Considerations
  • Am I updating my cost estimates to reflect real contractor quotes?
  • Do contractor payment schedules align with my cash flow or financing plan?
  • Are there design elements (e.g., high-end finishes) that could push me over budget?

Key Resources

As you choose your design and contractors, revisit your goals. Does the chosen design support your long-term living arrangements or financial strategies?

Explore these tools to better understand zoning, evaluate design options, and choose a reliable builder who fits your project goals and budget.