Why Hiring a General Contractor for Your ADU in Madison Might Be a Costly Mistake
ADU Process
March 10, 2025
If you’re thinking about building an ADU or tiny home in Madison, WI, you might be considering hiring a general contractor (GC). After all, they build houses or rip out old kitchens so it should be no problem for them to handle a small home or ADU, right? Unfortunately, We’ve seen too many people go this route and end up frustrated, over budget, and behind schedule. Tiny homes aren’t just small houses—they require a totally different approach. And that’s where things start to go wrong with traditional builders.
At Boundless Tiny Homes, we specialize in ADUs and tiny homes. That’s all we do. And trust us, that focus makes all the difference. Here’s what you should know before hiring a general contractor for your ADU in Madison.
1. Your Project Won’t Be Their Priority
In Madison, most general contractors are focused on big projects—full-sized homes, renovations, and commercial builds. ADUs and tiny homes just don’t bring in the same money for them, so they get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. We've talked to homeowners who waited months just to get started because their contractor kept prioritizing bigger jobs. At Boundless Tiny Homes, ADUs are our focus, so your project is always at the top of our list.
2. Waiting Weeks for an Estimate? That’s a Bad Sign
We've even seen people wait over a month just to get an estimate from a GC in Madison. That’s a huge red flag. If they’re this slow at the start, imagine how long your build will take. Slow estimates usually mean they’re overbooked, unorganized, or just not that interested in your project. We provide solid, accurate estimates in just a few days, so you can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
3. Surprise Costs Add Up Fast
One of the biggest complaints we hear from people who go with a GC? Hidden costs. They get a “rough” estimate that doesn’t include things like site work, utilities, foundation, or even appliances. Then, once the build is underway, the price keeps creeping up. We believe in upfront, all-in pricing—foundation, appliances, roofing, everything. No surprises, just real numbers.
4. Budget Overruns Are the Norm
Most GCs in Madison don’t have a streamlined approach for tiny homes, so they estimate costs loosely and add a large contingency to cover mistakes in their "thrown-together" estimates. That means more wasted materials, more labor hours, and more overages. At Boundless Tiny Homes, our model-based approach eliminates inefficiencies, so what we quote is what you pay.
5. Poor Communication Is the #1 Complaint
Ask around—one of the biggest frustrations with contractors is a total lack of communication. Calls go unanswered, updates are vague, and you’re left wondering what’s happening. We have a dedicated team to keep you informed at every step. No guessing, no ghosting.
6. They’re Not Tiny Home Experts
Most GCs build full-sized homes where mistakes can be corrected without major consequences. But in a tiny home, every square inch matters. We’ve seen GCs design layouts that waste space or fail to maximize storage, or grab some random plans they found online (that are often filled with code violations) simply because they don’t specialize in small homes. Tiny homes require a different mindset—we know how to make every inch work smarter.
7. We Build Smarter, Not Just Smaller
A tiny home isn’t just a scaled-down version of a regular house—it’s a completely different kind of build. From efficient layouts to high-performance materials, everything has to be intentional. That’s why our designs are built for function, durability, and comfort.
Don’t Settle for a General Contractor—Work With the Local Tiny Home Specialist
Madison is a great place to build an ADU, whether you’re adding a rental, a guest house, or a space for family. But don’t make the mistake of hiring a GC who doesn’t specialize in tiny homes. Work with a builder who understands the unique challenges of small homes and puts your project first.
