The first phase is investigation.
The first stage defines the household goal, property type, ADU option, site constraints, records, and unresolved investigations. Skipping that work often moves uncertainty into drawings and estimates.
Early investigation can feel slow, but it is cheaper than letting an unknown garage slab or service route surprise the trades after work begins.
Keep design decisions tied to the latest plan.
Design and permit preparation develop the documents. The team should track drawing versions, consultant responsibilities, City comments, product decisions, and scope updates together.
The schedule should identify the drawing revision in use and the decisions needed before the next submission or order.
Do not mobilize around unfinished selections.
Preconstruction confirms the agreement, permitted documents, selections, long-lead items, site logistics, protections, and the initial inspection sequence. A calendar is useful only when its assumptions are visible.
Cabinets, windows, electrical equipment, and owner-selected finishes can hold work if their requirements or delivery dates remain open.
Construction order follows the actual job.
Construction moves through site preparation, foundations or existing-condition work, structure, enclosure, rough systems, insulation, finishes, fixtures, exterior work, inspections, and corrections. The order depends on the project.
Close the project against the agreement.
Handoff includes agreed restoration, applicable signoffs, equipment information, warranties, operation instructions, and remaining-item tracking. Permit issuance, construction completion, and authorization to occupy are separate milestones.
Ask the team what controls the next milestone and what the owner needs to decide. Call (949) 503-8004 or review how we organize an ADU build.
Where to confirm information about the construction sequence.
The construction sequence should be checked against current City and state pages; record the address, drawing, and date covered by the answer. For the construction sequence, check the City of Costa Mesa ADU page, California HCD, and CSLB hiring guidance. For the construction sequence, our Costa Mesa ADU Contractor homepage shows how it connects with the rest of the project.