5 Conversations before building ADU
September 25, 2025ADUs Power San Diego County’s Housing Growth
October 6, 2025Beware of Contractor Scams: Lessons from a Southern California ADU Project
A recent case in Southern California highlights the growing risk of contractor scams targeting homeowners. A woman lost $18,500 after hiring someone she believed was a licensed contractor to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The individual gained her trust by speaking her language and coming through a recommendation, but ultimately turned out to be unlicensed — disappearing with the money before work began.
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) stresses the importance of taking precautions before starting any home project:
Verify the license of every contractor on the CSLB’s website.
Limit upfront payments to no more than $1,000 or 10% of the total project cost.
Insist on a written contract that outlines scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule.
With the popularity of ADUs continuing to rise across California, the demand for qualified contractors is at an all-time high — which makes homeowners more vulnerable to fraudulent actors. Protect yourself, your home, and your finances by doing thorough checks before signing or paying for any project.
📌 Takeaway: A little due diligence can save thousands of dollars and months of stress.
