Planning an ADU gets easier once you treat it like a real home, not a side project. Good ADU layouts win on function—compact kitchens that still work, smart storage, and a bathroom that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. A quick way to avoid budget shock is to define allowances early (fixtures, cabinetry, finishes) and tie payments to clear milestones. Keep decisions predictable by locking major selections early (windows, doors, cabinetry, fixtures) and using a clear change-order process for anything that shifts after work begins. If you want a practical place to start, use
adu’s for sale as your reference point. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply. A realistic schedule includes ordering lead times and inspection windows, not just a hopeful start date. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results. Keep a short list of non-negotiables so decisions stay consistent as options multiply.