So you’re an ADU owner. What’s next?
As an ADU owner, protecting your investment is crucial. You don’t want to let all your hard work go to waste. One of the best ways to safeguard your investment is by having a home inspection done.
While ADUs are generally smaller units, they still have all the same structural and other elements of a full habitable home. ADUs require multiple building inspections, which are conducted by your local building official to ensure the construction work meets the building code requirements.
Inspections are done over time throughout the course of the entire build process. If you’re not running the ADU project as a project manager or owner builder, your general contractor or builder should be in charge of knowing when an inspection needs to be scheduled, scheduling it with the local building department, and being present during the inspection. It is also important to note that when a building inspector comes to your property to conduct an inspection, they will only focus on the specific inspection they were invited to conduct.
What is a home inspector?
In addition to building inspections, it’s also recommended to have a home inspector check for pest infestations, mold, and other safety concerns. A thorough home inspection can help you determine if the ADU is in good shape or if it needs repairs. This means that you will know what needs to be fixed and how much it’s going to cost upfront. This can save you time and money in the long run and provide peace of mind knowing that your ADU is constructed correctly and up to code.
A professional home inspector will look for evidence of problems with the plumbing, electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning systems, insulation, vents, and potential problems with the house’s structure such as foundation issues, roof damage, and pest infestation.
It’s important to have your ADU inspected to make better decisions about what repairs or renovations might be needed to make your new house feel like a home.
Why should you have your ADU inspected?
Inspections are important to ensure that the building is constructed correctly at various stages of the construction process. Inspections provide confidence to the homeowner, knowing that the unseen components of the ADU, such as piping, electrical wires, insulation, and waterproofing have been inspected and approved. Inspection requirements will be provided at the time of permit issuance, and the schedule of inspections provides a list of required inspections and direct contact information for your inspector.
As an ADU owner, it’s essential to prioritize protecting your investment by having a home inspection done. This can help you identify any issues that may require repairs or renovations, ensure that the construction work meets building code requirements, and provide you with the confidence that your ADU is constructed correctly. By investing in a home inspection, you can safeguard your investment, save time and money in the long run, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your ADU is a safe and habitable home.
