How to Evaluate an ADU Contractor's Portfolio Before Hiring

Why Evaluating an ADU Contractor's Portfolio Is Critical

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is one of the largest investments a California homeowner can make. With project costs ranging from $150,000 to $400,000 or more, choosing the wrong contractor can lead to costly delays, poor workmanship, and endless headaches. The single most reliable way to predict how your ADU project will turn out is to carefully evaluate the contractor's portfolio of completed work before you ever sign on the dotted line.

A portfolio is not just a collection of pretty photos. It is a living record of a contractor's capabilities, design sensibility, attention to detail, and ability to deliver projects on time and on budget. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of evaluating an ADU contractor's portfolio so you can hire with confidence and avoid the most common pitfalls California homeowners face.

According to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), complaints against contractors remain one of the top consumer issues in the state. A thorough portfolio review is your first line of defense against hiring an unqualified or dishonest builder.

What a Strong ADU Contractor Portfolio Should Contain

Before you even begin evaluating a portfolio, you need to know what to expect. A professional, reputable ADU contractor should be able to provide you with a portfolio that includes several key elements. If any of these are missing, consider it a warning sign.

High-Quality Before and After Photography

The foundation of any good contractor portfolio is professional photography. Look for high-resolution images that show the property before construction began, key phases during the build, and the finished product. Before and after comparisons are especially valuable because they demonstrate the contractor's ability to transform a space.

Pay attention to the quality of the photographs themselves. Contractors who invest in professional photography tend to take more pride in their work. Blurry cellphone photos may indicate a lack of attention to detail that could carry over into the construction process.

Project Descriptions and Scope of Work

Photos alone are not enough. Each project in the portfolio should include a written description that covers the scope of work, the size of the ADU in square footage, the type of ADU (detached, attached, garage conversion, or JADU), and any special challenges the contractor overcame during the build.

Timeline and Budget Information

The best portfolios include information about how long each project took from permits to completion and whether the project came in on budget. While not every contractor will share exact dollar figures, those who do are demonstrating a level of transparency that should give you added confidence.

Client References and Testimonials

A portfolio should be paired with references from past clients. Ideally, the contractor should be able to connect you directly with homeowners whose ADU projects are featured in the portfolio. If a contractor is reluctant to share references, that is a significant red flag.

Permit Documentation

Reputable ADU contractors in California should be able to show you evidence that their projects were properly permitted. This is especially important given that ADU permits require compliance with local zoning codes, the California Building Code, and Title 24 energy requirements. A contractor who cannot demonstrate a history of permitted work may be operating outside the law.

How to Evaluate the Quality of Work in a Portfolio

Once you have a portfolio in hand, the next step is to critically evaluate the quality of the work shown. This requires looking beyond surface-level aesthetics and examining the details that separate excellent contractors from mediocre ones.

Examine the Finishes and Details

Zoom in on the photos and look for details like trim work, tile alignment, cabinet installation, and paint quality. In a well-built ADU, you should see straight lines, even spacing, consistent grout lines, and properly aligned fixtures. Poor trim work, uneven tile, or sloppy paint jobs are telltale signs of substandard craftsmanship.

Look for Consistency Across Projects

A contractor who delivers high quality on one project but falls short on the next is a risky bet. Look for consistent quality across all the projects in the portfolio. Every ADU should demonstrate the same level of care and attention, regardless of the project size or budget.

Assess Design Versatility

The best ADU contractors can work across a range of styles and configurations. Look for portfolio variety that includes different ADU types (detached, attached, garage conversions), different sizes (from 400 sq ft studios to 1,200 sq ft two-bedroom units), and different architectural styles (modern, traditional, Spanish, farmhouse). A contractor who can only show you one type of project may lack the flexibility to bring your unique vision to life.

Check for Code-Compliant Design Elements

California ADUs must meet specific code requirements. When reviewing a portfolio, look for evidence of code compliance, including proper egress windows in bedrooms, ADA-accessible bathroom options, energy-efficient windows and insulation, and fire-rated construction where required. Refer to the California HCD ADU guidelines for specific requirements.

How to Verify a Portfolio Is Authentic

Unfortunately, not all portfolios are genuine. Some contractors use stock photos or images from other builders' projects to make themselves look more experienced than they actually are. Here are steps you can take to verify the authenticity of a contractor's portfolio.

Reverse Image Search

Use Google's reverse image search to check whether the photos in a portfolio appear elsewhere online. If the same images show up on other contractors' websites or stock photo sites, you know the portfolio is not authentic.

Request to Visit Completed Projects

The most reliable way to verify a portfolio is to ask to visit completed ADU projects in person. A legitimate contractor should be able to arrange a visit to at least one or two past projects, either by taking you on-site or by connecting you with past clients who are willing to show you their ADU.

Cross-Reference with Building Permits

You can verify a contractor's work history by searching the building permit records in the relevant city or county. In Los Angeles, the LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety) maintains records of all building permits. Cross-referencing portfolio projects with permit records will confirm whether the contractor actually completed the work they are claiming.

Check Online Reviews

Compare the portfolio with reviews on Google, Yelp, Houzz, and the Better Business Bureau. Past clients often post photos in their reviews, which should match the images in the contractor's portfolio. Discrepancies between reviews and portfolio content are a major warning sign.

Key Questions to Ask About Each Portfolio Project

When a contractor presents their portfolio, do not just look at the photos. Engage in a detailed conversation about each project. The answers you receive will tell you a lot about the contractor's process, communication style, and problem-solving abilities.

Essential Questions for Every Project

• What was the original scope and budget, and did the project stay on track? This reveals the contractor's ability to plan accurately and manage costs.
• What challenges did you encounter, and how did you resolve them? Every construction project has challenges. A good contractor will share these openly and explain their solutions.
• How long did the permitting process take? Experienced ADU contractors in California know how to navigate the permitting process efficiently.
• Can I speak with this client directly? Willingness to connect you with past clients is a strong indicator of confidence in their work.
• What type of ADU is this, and what were the zoning requirements? This shows the contractor's knowledge of local regulations.
• Who were the subcontractors on this project? Understanding the contractor's team and subcontractor relationships gives insight into the overall quality of work.
• Were there any change orders, and how were they handled? Change order management is one of the biggest sources of conflict in construction projects. Learn more in our guide on handling ADU change orders.

How Many Projects Should a Portfolio Include?

The size of a contractor's portfolio matters, but context is important. A newer contractor may have a smaller portfolio, which is not necessarily a disqualifier if the quality of work is high and they can provide solid references.

For California ADU projects specifically, look for contractors who have completed at least 5 to 10 ADU projects. ADUs have unique requirements compared to general home construction, including specific setback regulations, parking requirements, and utility connection standards that vary by city.

ADU-Specific Portfolio Elements to Look For

Building an ADU is not the same as a kitchen remodel or a room addition. Make sure the contractor's portfolio demonstrates specific ADU expertise.

Local Building Experience

ADU regulations vary significantly from city to city in California. A contractor who has built ADUs in your specific city or county will be familiar with the local planning department, building department, and utility providers. This local knowledge can save weeks or even months on your project timeline.

Different ADU Types

Look for experience across multiple ADU types:

• Detached ADUs: New construction in the backyard, typically 400 to 1,200 sq ft
• Attached ADUs: Built as an addition to the existing home
• Garage Conversions: Converting an existing garage into living space
• JADUs (Junior ADUs): Conversions within the existing home footprint, up to 500 sq ft

Utility Connections

ADU projects often require new utility connections for water, sewer, electrical, and gas. Look for portfolio projects that demonstrate the contractor's ability to manage utility connections efficiently. This is especially important in Los Angeles, where utility hookups through LADWP and LA City Sewer can be time-consuming and expensive.

Portfolio Red Flags That Should Concern You

As you review portfolios, watch for these warning signs that could indicate problems down the road. For a deeper look at contractor issues, see our guide on red flags in ADU contractor bids.

Stock Photos or Stolen Images

If the portfolio looks too polished or the images appear to be professional stock photography rather than real project photos, be suspicious. Run a reverse image search to verify authenticity.

No Project Details

A portfolio with only photos and no descriptions, timelines, or budget information suggests the contractor is hiding something or simply does not maintain proper project records.

Only Showing Exterior Shots

Contractors who only show exterior photos may be concealing subpar interior finishes. A complete portfolio should include both interior and exterior images of each project.

Unwillingness to Share References

If a contractor cannot or will not provide references from past ADU clients, walk away. There is no legitimate reason to withhold this information.

Inconsistent Quality

If some projects in the portfolio look great while others appear rushed or unfinished, the contractor may have quality control issues. Consistency is key.

How to Compare Multiple Contractor Portfolios

To make an informed decision, you should be comparing portfolios from at least three to five contractors. Learn more about the bidding process in our article on how many ADU bids to get. Here is a structured approach for comparing them side by side.

Create a Scoring Matrix

Rate each contractor's portfolio on a scale of 1 to 5 across the following categories:

The Importance of In-Person Site Visits

Photos can only tell you so much. If possible, arrange to visit one or more of the contractor's completed ADU projects in person. During a site visit, pay attention to:

• Structural integrity: Look for cracks, settling, or signs of poor foundation work
• Finish quality: Check transitions between flooring types, cabinet hardware alignment, and paint quality up close
• Functionality: Test doors, windows, faucets, and electrical outlets to ensure everything works properly
• Outdoor spaces: Examine landscaping, drainage, and the overall integration of the ADU with the main property
• Noise levels: If the ADU is occupied, ask about soundproofing between the ADU and the main home

Many homeowners who had their ADUs built by quality contractors are happy to show off their new spaces. A contractor who is proud of their work will actively encourage site visits.

How to Evaluate an Online Portfolio

Many contractors showcase their portfolios on their websites, social media accounts, and platforms like Houzz and Instagram. While online portfolios are convenient to review, they require some additional scrutiny.

Website Portfolio

A well-organized website portfolio with detailed project pages, high-quality images, and client testimonials is a positive sign. Look for regular updates that show the contractor is actively completing projects.

Social Media Presence

Instagram and Facebook can provide a more real-time view of a contractor's work. Look for construction progress photos, behind-the-scenes content, and client interactions. A contractor who regularly posts about their projects is typically engaged and proud of their work.

Review Platforms

Houzz is particularly valuable for evaluating ADU contractors because clients often post photos alongside their reviews. You can see the contractor's work through the client's eyes, which provides a different perspective than the curated portfolio on the contractor's own website.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADU Contractor Portfolios

How many completed ADU projects should a contractor have in their portfolio?

For California ADU projects, look for contractors with at least 5 to 10 completed ADU projects in their portfolio. While a newer contractor with fewer projects can still do excellent work, a larger portfolio demonstrates consistent quality and experience navigating the ADU permitting and construction process. The CSLB recommends always verifying a contractor's license and experience before hiring.

Should I trust a contractor who only has renderings in their portfolio instead of completed projects?

Renderings and 3D visualizations can supplement a portfolio, but they should never replace photos of completed projects. If a contractor only shows renderings, they likely have not built many (or any) ADUs. Renderings show what a contractor plans to build, not what they have actually delivered. Always ask to see completed work.

Can I evaluate a contractor's portfolio if they specialize in general construction rather than ADUs?

While general construction experience is valuable, ADU-specific experience is strongly preferred. ADU projects have unique requirements including California's ADU laws (AB 68, SB 13, AB 881), Title 24 energy compliance, and local zoning regulations that general contractors may not be familiar with. If a contractor only has general construction in their portfolio, proceed with caution and ask detailed questions about their ADU knowledge.

What if a contractor's portfolio looks great but their reviews are mixed?

Pay more attention to the reviews than the portfolio. A portfolio is curated by the contractor, but reviews come from real clients. Mixed reviews may indicate inconsistency in quality, communication, or project management. Read the negative reviews carefully to understand the specific complaints and look for patterns.

How recent should the projects in a portfolio be?

Ideally, the majority of projects in a contractor's portfolio should be from the last two to three years. ADU building codes, materials, and best practices evolve rapidly in California, and older projects may not reflect the contractor's current capabilities or knowledge of current regulations.

Should I pay to have a third party evaluate a contractor's portfolio?

While not typically necessary, hiring an independent architect or building inspector to review a contractor's portfolio and completed work can provide valuable professional insight. This is especially worthwhile for larger ADU projects with budgets exceeding $300,000, where the cost of a poor hiring decision would be significant.

Ready to find a qualified ADU contractor with a proven portfolio? Contact our team for personalized contractor recommendations based on your project needs and location.