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How It Works

How United Build Partners works, start to finish

We're a homeowner-focused ADU advisory and contractor-introduction service — not the construction company. Here's the whole picture: how the free property review works, how we vet every contractor before we'll introduce them, exactly what we do and don't do, and what happens after you reach out. No guesswork, no fine print.

Homeowner Cost
No Direct Fees
Contractors You Meet
Up to Three, Matched
Your Point of Contact
One Advisor, Throughout
Check My Property →

The process, step by step

Three steps, and you're in control at every one of them. There's no cost to start and no obligation to move forward at any point.

1
Tell us about your property
Share the basics — your lot, existing structures, your goals (rental income, family housing, added value), and a rough budget or timeline if you have one. We review it against what's realistic for a property like yours and give you a straight answer about what your lot is likely to support — including an honest "this isn't a good fit yet" if that's the truth. It takes a couple of minutes and starts with the free property review.
2
Get matched with up to three contractors
If an ADU looks like a realistic fit, we introduce you to up to three licensed contractors from our network suited to your project type and location. They may reach out directly to discuss it and, when it makes sense, arrange a site visit. You're matched to a short, relevant list — not cold-calling a directory, and not fielding a dozen sales calls.
3
Choose who to work with, on your terms
You compare proposals and decide who — if anyone — to hire. You're never obligated to move forward with any contractor we introduce. When you're weighing bids, our bid-comparison guide and contractor red-flags checklist help you choose well.

How we vet every contractor

We focus on contractors who meet clear standards for licensing, insurance, relevant project experience, communication, and professional estimating — not just anyone with a license and a truck. Before we introduce a contractor, they're reviewed against the same four standards.

Stage 01
License & insurance verification
An active contractor license in good standing, plus appropriate general liability and workers' compensation insurance — the baseline every contractor has to clear first.
Stage 02
Track-record review
A genuine history of ADU or residential construction work, backed by real examples of completed projects — not just a portfolio slide.
Stage 03
Communication & reference checks
Clear, professional communication and a willingness to provide references are non-negotiable. Contractors who go quiet don't move forward.
Stage 04
Process & documentation standards
Clear estimating and project-documentation practices — a tight, professional operation, not back-of-napkin numbers.

We'd rather introduce you to a short list of contractors who meet those standards than a long directory of anyone with a license. That bar applies to every introduction we make.

What we do — and what we don't

Being clear about our role is part of being honest. We're the advisor and the introduction; the licensed contractor you choose does the design and construction.

What we do
Property and project review. We gather information about your property, goals, likely project type, and general readiness for an ADU.
Contractor introductions. When it's a good fit, we introduce you to up to three licensed contractors suited to your project.
Homeowner guidance. We help you understand the general process and compare next steps — final technical, legal, and permitting answers come from the appropriate licensed professional or agency.
One advisor, start to finish. The same dedicated advisor from your first inquiry through introductions — not a rotating call center.
Support if something comes up. If an issue arises with a contractor we introduced, we'll help you escalate it directly with them.
What we don't do
Provide architectural plans
Issue permits
Perform construction
Guarantee contractor performance
Guarantee ADU eligibility or project pricing
Negotiate or sign a construction contract on your behalf

Those decisions and agreements are always between you and your licensed contractor.

What your free review covers

A first, honest look — before you talk to anyone

Which ADU types are realistic for your lot and goals — detached, attached, a garage conversion, or a junior ADU.

A ballpark cost range to plan around — a general estimate, not a quote or an appraisal.

What to expect from permitting in your city, in general terms.

An honest "not a good fit yet" — with the reason — if that's the real answer.

Your request goes to a real advisor, not a call center. Questions first? Call 714-705-6901.

Why start with an advisor, not a contractor

You get an independent first opinion. A contractor you call directly is naturally selling their own services; a property review comes before that conversation.
You're matched, not guessing. Up to three contractors suited to your project — instead of cold-calling a list.
One advisor, start to finish. Not a rotating call center or a lead form that vanishes into a queue.
No direct cost or obligation. Homeowners don't pay UBP directly — participating contractors compensate us and price their own projects independently. Here's exactly how.

Frequently asked questions

You won't receive a UBP invoice for the property review or the contractor introductions, and there's no obligation to hire anyone. Participating contractors compensate UBP and set their own project pricing independently. Our how we make money page explains exactly how, and why it keeps our advice honest.

Up to three, matched to your specific project and location — not a dozen. We're not a lead reseller; our network contractors expect a short, qualified list, which is the opposite of sites that sell your details to everyone.

We'll tell you directly, with the reason, instead of passing you to a contractor anyway. A bad-fit project helps no one in our network, so we can afford to give you the honest answer up front.

Ready to see what your property can support?

Share a few details about your property and goals — it takes a few minutes, there's no direct cost to you, and there's no obligation to move forward.

Check My Property →

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