When choosing a contractor to build your granny flat, it pays to do your homework. Taking the time upfront can help avoid headaches and ensure satisfactory results. Consider this your go-to guide on dos and don’ts for picking the right construction partner like Granny Flat Solutions.

Research Potential Companies Thoroughly

Sending out a few emails or making some quick calls is tempting when gathering initial bids.

Resist the urge to take shortcuts. You want meaningful responses from reputable companies. Ask lots of questions and dig into a firm’s background, looking for red flags like uncertain business status or lack of industry connections.

Check Credentials and References

Along with active licensing, examine reviews and references to confirm reliability. How long have they built granny flats specifically? Do previous clients speak highly of the experience? Evidence of niche expertise and satisfied customers indicates likely future success.

Ensure Financial Stability

While newly established companies can deliver too, you generally want an adequately capitalized business with the cash flow to purchase materials upfront without taking risky loans. Request recent financial statements to assess stability.

Get Clear on Scope of Work

A major pitfall comes from mismatched expectations around project specifics. Before design work starts, clearly define must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Give detailed input on intended flat usage, dimensions, amenities, etc. You’ll reduce unpleasant surprises later.

Review Sample Floor Plans

Most contractors will provide initial layout options that meet building codes given your needs and property parameters. Carefully examine these, noting possible tweaks. This allows incorporating preferences while still benefiting from expert design guidance.

Be Open to Design Expertise

Remember that reputable firms have created many accessory dwelling units before. Listen to their suggestions during planning, instead of stubbornly insisting on things that may jack up costs or violate regulations. Draw on their experience to maximize livable space.

Ask About Construction Standards

There’s substantial quality variation among builders. Inquire about construction methods and materials used. Do they incorporate updated techniques and technology? What building code regulations are followed to validate safety? Don’t automatically equate cheaper bids with smarter choices.

Consider Sustainability Factors

If environmental impact matters, seek details on energy efficiency, sourcing, waste reduction and other green building practices. Even if LEED certification itself isn’t needed, you may appreciate eco-friendly approaches that also keep utility costs down.

Account for Permitting

Dependable contractors will advise you about site considerations and handle relevant municipal paperwork. Still, factor extra permitting timelines into plans, which varies significantly between regions. Reaching approval milestones later than envisioned will push the whole schedule back. Build in Contingencies

Despite the most meticulous planning, unpredictable issues can arise with excavation surprises, weather delays, shipment setbacks, etc. Ask what percentage above initial estimates accounts for contingencies so you enter the commitment realistically.

Review Payment Schedule

Standard procedure involves deposit, progress payments, retention release upon completion and final payment afterwards. Compare proposed terms among bids and clarify anything that seems vague or unjustified. You want to avoid feeling squeezed for funds before milestones are met.

Confirm Warranties

Reputable companies back workmanship with warranties of at least one year. Anything less should give pause. Be sure to get all coverage specifics in writing, including start dates, claim procedures and exclusions.

Conclusion

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when undertaking your accessory dwelling unit project. While the dos and don’ts here require more work upfront, they’ll pay off tremendously in averting unwanted surprises down the road. Equip yourself to locate a contractor truly primed for the job. Your future tenants will thank you.