WHAT TO KNOW FIRST
We begin with the way your family plans to use the space, then walk through the house and yard. From there, the team can price the work, coordinate drawings and permits, build in the right order, and close out the details.
- The house and lot shape the plan.
- A readable proposal lists the work, allowances, and exclusions.
- Changes and inspection items stay in writing.
1. Walk the house and yard.
We talk about who will use the space, which ADU type makes sense, and what the work has to fit around. Photos and records help, but so does a careful walk past the gates, panel, garage, walls, trees, pools, grade changes, and possible plumbing routes.
Room count is only part of the decision. We also discuss privacy, entries, laundry, storage, accessibility, parking, outdoor space, and how both households will move through the property.
2. Put the full job on paper.
The proposal should point to the drawings and list demolition, site work, utilities, construction, finish allowances, permit coordination, exclusions, and yard repair. It should also flag the items that still need investigation. The proposal comparison checklist lets you compare the same work.
Before you call
Use the estimate checklist, then call (949) 763-5237 with the address and photos. Final price and timing follow the project details and written agreement.
3. Coordinate design, permit, and construction responsibilities.
A clear project plan identifies who prepares documents, responds to plan-check comments, resolves utility and structural questions, orders long-lead items, protects the occupied property, schedules trades, and documents changes. Review the Irvine permit path and the construction-stage guide before treating an early schedule as fixed.
Selections need owners and dates. Cabinets, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, electrical devices, appliances, flooring, tile, paint, hardware, and exterior materials can affect drawings, rough work, procurement, and inspection readiness. The schedule should show when a homeowner decision is needed and what happens if it changes.
4. Track inspections, corrections, and final handoff.
The closeout plan should account for applicable inspections, correction work, final signoffs, equipment information, warranties, keys, remaining items, and site restoration. Return to Irvine ADU Contractor to compare services or contact the local team.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Rules and instructions reviewed here
Links checked September 7, 2026.
The linked rules cannot show the structure, utilities, access, or ownership conditions at the address.
RELATED IRVINE GUIDES
Keep the permit and construction questions connected.
CALL THE IRVINE TEAM
Tell us which ADU option you are considering.
Bring the address, your main goals, and any known property concerns. We will use them to shape the walkthrough.