The Electrician's Checklist: What to Ask Any ADU Contractor Before You Hire

Hiring a contractor for an ADU project is one of the bigger decisions you'll make as a homeowner. The wrong hire doesn't just cost money — it costs months, and sometimes the problems don't surface until long after the crew has packed up and left.

After decades in the trades — first as a certified electrician, then as a general contractor and builder — I've seen what separates a project that goes smoothly from one that becomes a nightmare. A lot of it comes down to the questions you ask before you sign anything.

Here's what I'd want to know if I were the homeowner.

Do you handle electrical in-house, or do you subcontract it?

This is the first question I'd ask, and the answer tells you a lot. Most general contractors subcontract their electrical work. That's not automatically a problem, but it introduces a coordination layer that can cause real delays and cost overruns. When the GC and the electrician aren't the same person — or even the same company — details fall through the cracks.

Ask specifically who pulls the electrical permit and who is on-site when the inspector comes.

Have you reviewed my main panel before quoting this project?

An ADU adds load to your existing electrical service. Depending on your panel's age and capacity, you may need an upgrade before the ADU can be connected — and that cost needs to be in the quote from the beginning, not discovered halfway through the project. A contractor who hasn't looked at your panel before handing you a number hasn't done their homework.

How many ADUs have you built in Lane County specifically?

Oregon's ADU rules have evolved significantly in recent years, and Lane County has its own permitting process on top of state requirements. Experience in Portland or Bend doesn't automatically translate. You want someone who knows the local inspectors, the local timelines, and the local gotchas.

Can you walk me through the permit process for my specific property?

A knowledgeable contractor should be able to give you a clear picture of what permits are required, in what order, and roughly how long each phase takes in Eugene. Vague answers here are a red flag. Permitting surprises are one of the most common sources of project delays.

What's your plan if something unexpected comes up — and it always does?

Every project encounters something unexpected. The question isn't whether it will happen — it's how your contractor handles it when it does. You want a clear answer about communication, documentation, and how change orders are managed. A contractor who waves this question away hasn't been doing this long enough.

What does your warranty cover, and for how long?

Workmanship warranties vary widely. Get it in writing and understand exactly what's covered and what isn't before you sign the contract.

These questions won't guarantee a perfect project. But they'll tell you very quickly whether the person sitting across from you actually knows what they're doing — or whether they're figuring it out on your dime.

Building an ADU in Eugene? Red Umbrella Home and Garage Contractors has decades of experience in the trades and deep roots in Lane County. Get in touch here to learn more!