BackyardADU

ADU articles & guides

Long-form guides to the practical questions that come up during every California ADU project. No fluff, no upsell — just what we wish we'd known before starting.

How to finance an ADU in California

Building an ADU costs $150,000–$400,000 in California. Most homeowners don't have that sitting in cash. This guide covers every realistic financing path — what …

~1215 words Updated April 2026

California ADU permit timeline & process

California state law requires every city to approve a code-compliant ADU within 60 days of a complete application. "Complete application" is the key phrase — mo…

~932 words Updated April 2026

How to vet an ADU contractor in California

ADU construction is a $200,000–$400,000 transaction with one of the highest fraud rates in residential construction. Florida and California consistently top con…

~952 words Updated April 2026

Prefab vs custom ADU: which is right for you?

The prefab vs custom ADU question is mostly answered by your lot and your appetite for design choices. Prefab is faster, more predictable, and 10–25% cheaper. C…

~807 words Updated April 2026