How can ADU owners in Los Angeles, California protect against construction delays?

My ADU project in Los Angeles started off great, but then everything slowed down once the foundation was done. Permits took longer than expected, and my contractor kept blaming “city delays.” I’m not sure if there’s any way to avoid that or at least keep things moving faster next time. For those who’ve already finished their ADU, how did you handle or prevent construction delays? Any advice would be appreciated.

Answers

  • When I was building my unit in LA, Los Angeles, California adu contractor, I learned that most delays happen because of paperwork and miscommunication. The best thing I did was get everything in writing before starting — a clear timeline, penalties for major delays, and a detailed list of materials. I also checked in with the city directly instead of relying only on my contractor for updates. It kept things on track and avoided the “blame game.” Another trick is to order materials early, especially windows and fixtures — those always take longer than you think. If you’re still choosing a contractor, go with someone experienced in ADUs who knows local codes and how to push permits through faster. It makes a huge difference.

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