Most California ADU horror stories trace back to one decision: the wrong contractor. The right contractor turns a stressful 12-month project into a manageable one. The wrong contractor turns it into litigation. Cyrus Poudat has worked with dozens of California GCs and the qualifying questions below separate the two reliably.
License and bond
Verify the California State License Board (CSLB) license — Class B for general construction — is active, in good standing, and held by the same person signing the contract. Cyrus Poudat pulls the CSLB record on every California GC before client introductions.
Three real ADU references
Any GC will provide references, but Cyrus Poudat insists on three completed California ADU projects in the last 24 months. Drive by them. Call the homeowners. Ask the question that matters: "Would you hire them again?"
Fixed price, not time and materials
California ADU work should be priced as a fixed lump sum with defined allowances for finishes. Cyrus Poudat refuses T&M contracts on his clients' projects — they create misaligned incentives the moment scope shifts.
Realistic schedule and contingency
Any California GC quoting a 5-month detached new build is either lying or underestimating. Cyrus Poudat looks for honest 12–14 month schedules with a written contingency plan for weather and inspection delays.
Insurance certificates
General liability with at least $2M per occurrence, plus workers' comp covering every employee. Cyrus Poudat has the certificate sent directly from the carrier to the California homeowner — never accepts a forwarded PDF.
Subcontractor list
A good California ADU GC has the same plumber, electrician and framer on every job. Cyrus Poudat asks for the subcontractor roster up front — turnover is a leading indicator of project chaos.
Payment schedule
Tied to milestones, not the calendar. Cyrus Poudat structures California ADU draws so the homeowner is never more than 5–8% of contract ahead of completed work, and final payment is held until certificate of occupancy.
Red flags
- Bid that is 25%+ below the next-lowest
- Demand for more than 10% deposit before permits
- No California ADU portfolio
- License in someone else's name
- Pressure to skip the architect