Building an ADU: Pros And Cons Of Hiring Professionals Vs. Doing It Yourself
Considering building an ADU? Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional contractor to help.
It’s a fact: ADUs are fantastic for generating an additional source of income and adding property value.
Fernanda Castillo
You probably have heard plenty of times about the multiple benefits ADUs have, from rental income to being one of the solutions to California’s housing crisis. These units hold great potential to change the state’s real market. You may also know about the complexity of building them and the many regulations that must be followed. But have you ever wondered: “What if I do it myself?” or “I could build it myself for way less money”? If you have, then this blog is for you!
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Why build an ADU?
As mentioned before, ADUs have proven to be a great solution to the housing problem in the nation, but besides that, ADUs have plenty of benefits! Here are three main reasons why building an Accessory Dwelling Unit it’s a fantastic investment.
The number one reason Homeowners decided to construct one of these units it’s because of the rental activities they offer. By having a place to rent, they can create a second stream of income that can help them pay mortgages, debts, etc. The second one is that with additional space, property owners now have a place to keep their families close. And the third benefit it’s the property value; by building a Granny Flat, the value increases up to 20%!
Building an ADU by Yourself
Getting the work done by yourself can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Let’s review some benefits and obstacles you might encounter on your journey.
Pros
• Flexibility: Whether it’s the design, construction, or even timeline, you will be able to customize your project to your heart’s desire.
• Cost saving: Building an ADU by yourself will help you save on labor costs, as you will not need to hire any extra hands. You will also be able to buy materials at a wholesale price!
• Control: When you build by yourself, everything will meet your standards and necessities, as you will have complete control over the project
Cons
• Time-consuming: Building on your own may require you to pause other daily activities.
• Lack of experience: You may face a few difficulties if you don’t have enough experience in construction. To DIY an ADU, you need a certain level of expertise in the field.
• Quality control: Meeting building codes and zoning requirements may be tricky if you don’t have anyone to guide you through the process.
• Safety: Building on your own may pose some risks to your safety, even more with works like plumbing or electricity.
Remember that while doing an ADU by yourself can save you money and time, it’s essential to consider the potential downsides. At the end of the day, it all depends on what suits your needs and goals.
Hiring a Professional
Hiring a professional can be a wise choice when building an ADU or any other kind of project. They have the skill and experience required to complete the tasks safely and efficiently and help you navigate the complex regulations and building codes. And although hiring a contractor or company to do the work for you is generally the course of action to take, it’s also a good idea to have a clear understanding that a few drawbacks may be present.
Let’s examine the pros and cons of hiring a professional.
Pros
• Professionalism: Professionals have many years of experience and are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality projects.
At Multitaskr we have a bundle of services, products and tools to make your ADU journey smoother! You can check out our Home Diagnostic Report (HDR), which will give you a complete insight into the actual status of your home; or the Customized Financial Report (CFR) that will help you find the best financial solution for your home project!
• Time-Saving: A professional can ensure that the project is managed efficiently from start to finish, minimizing delays and ensuring that the project is completed within the agreed-upon timeframe. This can save you time and reduce the stress of managing the project independently.
• Guaranteed Work: You can be confident that the project will be finalized, yes, or yes. You also won’t have to worry about costly repairs or renovations down the line.
• Access to resources: Professionals can access a wide range of resources, including high-quality materials, specialized equipment, and a network of trusted suppliers and subcontractors; this means that they can get the job done faster and with greater efficiency than if you were to take on the project yourself.
Cons
• Cost: Hiring a professional to build your ADU can be more expensive than taking on the project yourself, especially if you opt for a high-end contractor, making it harder to stay within your budget.
Quick Reminder: If you want to build a second unit on your property, this is your sign. At Multitaskr, we offer 100% financing for your ADU! Get in touch with one of our experts to learn more about it today.
• Less involvement: Hiring a professional to build your Accessory Dwelling Unit can also mean that you are less involved in the building process, which can be disappointing if you enjoy DIYs.
• Scheduling conflicts: Delays and scheduling conflicts can be a potential downside of hiring a professional to build your project, mainly if you work with a busy contractor or subcontractor.
Now that we’ve gone through both the positive and opposing sides of hiring a professional, the decision should be based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you have the skills and experience to handle the building process independently, you may prefer to DIY your ADU. However, if you want to ensure high-quality work and a smooth building process, working with a professional may be the right choice for you.
Regardless of your route of choice, it’s crucial to research, set a realistic budget, and communicate clearly with your builder or contractor to ensure your ADU project succeeds.
Book a Free Consultation to see how you could benefit!
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