Also known as: General building, Class B, ADU contractor, home addition builder, garage conversion contractor

What this role covers

• Delivers complete structures: new homes, additions, and accessory dwelling units (detached, attached, and conversions).
• Manages planning, permits, inspections, and utility coordination to reach certificate of occupancy.
• Builds from foundation through finishes while meeting energy, fire, and seismic requirements.

What they do

• Feasibility and planning: Site fit, setbacks, ADU ordinance checks, parking and access, utility capacity considerations.
• Permitting and approvals: Planning submittals, building permits, energy compliance (Title 24/HERS where applicable), CALGreen and local amendments.
• Site and foundation: Demolition and abatement coordination, grading, utilities trenching, footings and slabs, holdowns and anchor placements.
• Structure and envelope: Framing, shear walls, windows and doors, roofing, weather barriers, flashing, and exterior cladding.
• MEP systems: Electrical service and panels, plumbing supply and waste, gas (where applicable), HVAC/ventilation, fire sprinklers when required.
• Energy and comfort: Insulation, air sealing, high‑efficiency equipment, balanced ventilation, blower‑door and duct testing where specified.
• Interiors and finishes: Drywall, interior doors and trim, casework, tile and flooring, fixtures and appliances, paint and final details.
• Commissioning and closeout: Tests and inspections, punch lists, O&M manuals, warranties, and occupancy documentation.

ADU options

• Detached ADU: Freestanding unit with new foundation and full utilities.
• Attached ADU: Addition connected to the main structure with fire separation and egress compliance.
• Garage conversion: Envelope upgrades, slab adjustments, seismic/structural reinforcement, and new MEP within existing footprint.
• JADU (where allowed): Conversion within the existing home with limited kitchen facilities and specific code provisions.

Where it fits in the project timeline

• Pre‑construction: Feasibility, budgeting, design coordination, and permit submittals.
• Shell build: Foundations, framing, envelope, windows/doors, rough MEP.
• Interior buildout: Insulation, drywall, trims, finishes, fixture set, and final MEP.
• Closeout: Testing, inspections, punch, and occupancy sign‑off.

Permits, inspections, and coordination

• Planning approvals aligned with local ADU ordinances (setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking).
• Building permits and staged inspections: foundation, framing/shear, rough MEP, insulation, and final.
• Energy and green requirements: Title 24 documentation, HERS tests, CALGreen measures.
• Utility coordination: electrical service upgrades, gas or all‑electric planning, water/sewer tie‑ins, and backflow as required.
• Fire and life safety where applicable: fire separation, sprinklers, smoke/CO alarms, egress and tempered glazing near hazards.

Deliverables and documentation

• Stamped plans and permit cards; inspection sign‑offs and test results.
• Submittals and product data for windows, roofing, insulation, HVAC, and appliances.
• As‑built notes for field changes; utility as‑builts for service locations.
• Owner packet with manuals, warranties, finishes schedule, and maintenance guidance.

When to bring this team in

• Early, to vet feasibility, utilities, and code constraints for an ADU or addition.
• When a phased permit strategy or occupied‑home sequencing is needed.
• For garage conversions requiring structural reinforcement and envelope upgrades.

Interfaces with other trades

• Design team: Architects and designers for plans, selections, and detailing.
• Structural and civil: Foundations, grading, drainage, and load paths.
• MEP: Coordinated routing, equipment locations, and testing.
• Exterior envelope: Window/door installers, roofing, siding, waterproofing.
• Finishes: Casework, tile, flooring, painting, and specialty installers.

Safety and risk notes

• Site logistics in tight backyards; fencing, material staging, and neighbor protection.
• Structural modifications during additions and conversions; temporary shoring and bracing.
• Dust, noise, and access control for occupied homes; utility shutoff planning.
• Weather protection and moisture management until dry‑in.

Quality and standards

• Structural and envelope tolerances for flat, plumb, and weather‑tight results.
• Energy performance targets and verified air sealing/insulation continuity.
• Manufacturer specs for windows, roofing, WRB, and flashing details.
• Local building codes, ADU ordinances, and inspection milestones followed.

Not to confuse with

Handyman services or minor interior refreshes. Building and ADU work delivers a complete, permitted structure with utilities and finishes ready for occupancy.

Typical inclusions

• Permitting support, site prep, foundations, framing, roofing, and exterior envelope.
• Rough and finish MEP, insulation and drywall, interior finishes, cabinets, and fixtures.
• Utility tie‑ins, tests/inspections, commissioning, and occupancy documentation.

Typical exclusions (project‑dependent)

• Architectural design fees unless specified; extensive off‑site utility upgrades by others.
• Landscaping, fences, and hardscape beyond immediate building perimeter.
• Low‑voltage systems, solar, or specialty features unless noted in scope.

Result

A code‑compliant, comfortable, and durable living space—built from foundation to finishes—with utilities, inspections, and documentation complete for occupancy.