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Free ADU Checklist

ADU Inspection Checklist

Mistakes are cheapest to fix while the work is still open, and you have the most leverage before the next payment. At each milestone, check the work, take photos, and release money only for work that's done.

Before every payment

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  • CSLB: Don’t pay too much upfront
  • CSLB Terms of Agreement guide
  • CSLB ADU Fast Facts
  • Open the lien release checklist
  • CSLB ADU Fast Facts

1. Foundation

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Before you release the foundation payment

Check

Photograph

2. Framing and rough-in

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Before you release the framing, roof or rough-in payments

Check

Photograph

3. Utility connections

0 of 7 done

Before you release a utility or site-work payment

Check

  • CSLB ADU Fast Facts

Photograph

4. Final

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Before you release the final payment

Check

  • CSLB Terms of Agreement guide
  • CSLB ADU Fast Facts
  • Open the lien release checklist
  • CSLB: How to prevent a lien

Photograph

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General information, not legal advice. This tool explains California rules in plain English. It can't review your contract. For advice about your situation, talk to a California attorney or call the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) at 800-321-2752.

California only. The rules cited here are California law. Oregon, Washington and other states have their own rules, which this tool doesn't check.

The practical checks apply anywhere. The lien release and Notice of Completion items follow California rules. This list doesn't replace your city's inspections or a professional inspector.

Why check before each payment

In California, apart from the down payment, a contractor can't ask for or accept more than the value of work performed or material delivered. CSLB's advice for ADU owners is to never let payments get ahead of work. Checking each stage before you pay is how you know the work is really there.

CSLB also notes that new construction generally has to be inspected during construction and after completion for building code compliance. Ask your building department which inspections your permit needs, and don't pay for a stage until its inspection is signed off.

Sources: Bus. & Prof. Code § 7159.5(a)(5); CSLB ADU Fast Facts; CSLB Terms of Agreement. Check the payment timing itself with the payment schedule checker.

Tips for photos that help later

  • Take a wide shot first so it's clear where you are, then close-ups.
  • Put a tape measure in the frame for anything where size or depth matters.
  • Keep the original files, which hold the date and time, and back them up off your phone.
  • Photograph the same spots at every stage so you can compare before and after.
  • Save photos with your payment receipts, change orders and lien releases for that stage.

If something isn't right

  • Tell the builder in writing what's wrong and what needs to happen, with photos.
  • Hold the payment for that stage until it's fixed. Payments shouldn't run ahead of finished work.
  • Put any agreed change to price or scope in a written change order, as CSLB advises.
  • If you can't resolve it, you can file a complaint with CSLB. CSLB says consumers have four years to file about a faulty project.

Sources: CSLB ADU Fast Facts; CSLB Terms of Agreement.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before paying my ADU builder?

Check that the work the payment covers is actually finished, that any city inspection for that stage is signed off, that you've photographed work before it's covered up, and that you have your lien releases. The checklist breaks this down for the foundation, framing and rough-in, utilities, and final stages.

If the city inspector signs off, does that mean the work is right?

City inspections check compliance with building codes, as CSLB describes them. They aren't a review of your contract, finishes or schedule, so your own walk-through before each payment still matters.

When is the most important time to take photos?

Before anything gets covered: before the foundation pour, before insulation and drywall go up, and before utility trenches are backfilled. You can't go back to those moments later.

Is my checklist saved?

Only in your own browser on this device, if your browser allows it. Nothing is sent to ADU Glossary. Print it or save it as a PDF to keep a copy.

Sources

Official California sources, checked October 26, 2026. Laws change, so follow the links for the current text.

Protect every payment

Payment Schedule CheckerCheck the down payment and payment timingLien Release ChecklistCollect releases before every paymentADU Construction TimelineWhat happens in each phase of the build