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  "headline": "Contract and Project Management Basics for ADU Engagements",
  "author": {
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    "name": "YOR Construction & Investments, Inc."
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  "articleBody": "### Contracts, Scope, and Project Management for ADU Design Engaging an ADU design contractor involves more than just drawings; it is a project management relationship that should be structured by a clear written contract. The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) provides consumer guides recommending that home improvement contracts specify scope of work, project price or pricing method, approximate start and completion dates, payment schedule, and change-order procedures. For design-build ADU contractors, the agreement often combines design and construction phases but should still delineate what is included in each stage. For design services, scope should define deliverables such as conceptual layouts, code analysis, permit-ready construction documents, structural and energy calculations, and the number of plan revisions included. It should also clarify whether the contractor will handle permit submittals, track plan-check corrections, attend counter meetings if needed, and coordinate consultants like surveyors or engineers. Industry practice in Los Angeles ADU firms often includes separate design agreements upfront, with construction contracts executed after bids or final pricing based on completed plans. Payment structures may involve fixed fees for design and preconstruction services, and progress payments or milestones for construction. CSLB guidelines caution against large upfront payments and specify statutory limits on down payments for home improvement projects, encouraging homeowners to align payments with completed work. From a project management perspective, homeowners should expect a single point of contact for schedule, communications, and coordination, with documented procedures for addressing scope changes, unforeseen site conditions, and city plan-check comments. Regular design review meetings and updated schedules are common best practices in residential construction management and help keep ADU projects aligned with budget, scope, and permitting timelines.",
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  "datePublished": "2026-08-27",
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