Summer ADU Completion Checklist: Finishing Before Fall Tenants Move In

The Final Stretch: Finishing Your ADU for Fall Tenants

Your ADU has been under construction for months. The foundation was poured, walls were framed, the roof went on, and interior systems were roughed in. Now comes the finishing phase: the series of tasks, inspections, and preparations that turn a construction project into a habitable, rentable living space.

This phase feels like it should be the fastest part of the build, but it requires careful coordination. Inspections must happen in sequence, utility connections need to be finalized, landscaping restores the property, and the unit needs to be cleaned, furnished, and marketed. Rushing these final steps leads to failed inspections, delayed occupancy, and a poor first impression on tenants.

If your ADU is nearing completion this summer, this checklist will help you track every task between now and move-in day.

Interior Completion Checklist

These are the construction tasks that finish the inside of your ADU:

Drywall and Paint

• All drywall installed, taped, and sanded
• Texture applied (if applicable)
• Primer and two coats of paint on all walls and ceilings
• Trim and baseboards painted or stained
• Touch-up paint after all fixture and hardware installation

Flooring

• Flooring installed throughout (hardwood, LVP, tile, or carpet)
• Transitions between flooring materials installed
• Floor registers and vent covers installed
• Baseboards reinstalled and caulked after flooring

Kitchen

• Cabinets installed and hardware attached
• Countertops templated, fabricated, and installed
• Sink and faucet connected
• Backsplash installed
• Appliances delivered and installed (range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher)
• Garbage disposal connected and tested
• Range hood vented and tested

Bathroom

• Tile installed on floors and walls
• Shower door or enclosure installed
• Vanity, countertop, and mirror installed
• Toilet installed and tested
• Faucets and shower fixtures connected and tested
• Exhaust fan connected and tested
• Towel bars, toilet paper holder, and accessories mounted

Electrical

• All outlets and switches installed with cover plates
• Light fixtures installed throughout
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed and tested
• GFCI outlets installed in kitchen, bathroom, and exterior locations
• Electrical panel labeled and closed
• Doorbell installed (if applicable)

HVAC

• HVAC system tested and operational
• Thermostat installed and programmed
• Air filters installed
• All registers and returns installed with covers

Doors and Hardware

• Interior doors hung and hardware installed
• Entry door lock and deadbolt installed
• Closet doors and hardware installed
• Door stops installed
• Weather stripping on exterior door checked

Inspection Sequence

Bay Area building departments require a specific sequence of inspections. Missing an inspection or failing to pass one can delay your timeline by days or weeks.

Pre-Final Inspections

If not already completed, these inspections happen before the final:

Inspection	What Is Checked
Rough plumbing	Pipe routing, connections, pressure test
Rough electrical	Wiring, box placement, panel capacity
Rough mechanical	HVAC ductwork, refrigerant lines
Insulation	R-values, installation quality, vapor barriers
Drywall nailing (some cities)	Fastener spacing, backing

The Final Building Inspection

The final inspection is the most thorough. The inspector verifies:

• All life safety systems (smoke detectors, CO detectors, egress windows)
• Electrical: outlets, switches, GFCI protection, panel labeling
• Plumbing: all fixtures operational, no leaks, proper drainage
• HVAC: system functional, correct thermostat, ventilation adequate
• Structural: framing connections, hardware, shear walls (verified from earlier inspections)
• Accessibility: door widths, threshold heights (if applicable)
• Energy compliance: insulation, windows, HVAC efficiency per Title 24
• Fire separation: between ADU and main house (for attached ADUs)

Tip: Walk through the unit with a checklist before scheduling the final inspection. Fix any obvious issues in advance. Failed inspections require a re-inspection, which adds days to your timeline.

Certificate of Occupancy

Once you pass the final inspection, the city issues your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). This document certifies that the ADU is safe for habitation and meets all building codes. It is your legal authorization to occupy or rent the unit.

Some Bay Area cities issue the C of O at the final inspection appointment. Others process it within 1-2 weeks. Ask your building department about their specific process so you can plan accordingly.

Utility Hookups and Connections

Utilities must be fully connected and active before the final inspection:

• Water: Connected to city water supply, meter installed (if separate meter required)
• Sewer: Connected to sewer lateral, tested for flow
• Gas: Gas line connected, meter installed, gas appliances tested
• Electricity: Permanent power connected, meter installed (if separate meter required)
• Internet/cable: Conduit installed for data lines (actual service connection can happen after occupancy)

Utility connections sometimes require separate permits and inspections from the utility provider (PG&E, San Jose Water, etc.). Schedule these early to avoid holding up your final building inspection.

Exterior Completion and Landscaping

The exterior of your ADU and the surrounding property need to be finished before the final inspection:

• Exterior siding, stucco, or paint completed
• Exterior lighting installed and functional
• Address numbers displayed and visible from the street
• Walkway and entry path completed (concrete, pavers, or gravel)
• Driveway repairs (if damaged during construction)
• Grading around the ADU directs water away from the foundation
• Landscaping installed or restored
• Fencing installed or repaired (for privacy between ADU and main house)
• Trash and recycling area designated
• Construction debris removed, site cleaned

Landscaping serves double duty: it satisfies inspection requirements for grading and drainage, and it creates curb appeal that helps attract quality tenants.

Preparing the Unit for Tenants

Once the Certificate of Occupancy is in hand, shift your focus from construction to tenant readiness:

Deep Cleaning

• Professional construction cleanup (dust, debris, adhesive residue)
• Windows cleaned inside and out
• All surfaces wiped down
• Floors cleaned and polished
• Appliances cleaned and tested

Appliances and Essentials

• Refrigerator delivered and running
• Washer/dryer installed (if included)
• Window coverings installed (blinds or shades for privacy)
• Mailbox set up (or mail delivery confirmed)
• Keys, garage remotes, and access items prepared

Optional Furnishing

If you plan to offer the ADU furnished:

• Bed frame and mattress
• Sofa or seating
• Dining table and chairs
• Kitchen essentials (dishes, cookware, utensils)
• Bathroom towels and shower curtain
• Basic cleaning supplies for move-in

Documentation

• Certificate of Occupancy filed
• Homeowners insurance updated to include ADU
• Rental agreement prepared
• Utility billing arrangement confirmed (who pays what)
• Emergency contact information posted (main shut-offs, fire extinguisher location)

Timing the Rental Market

The Bay Area rental market has seasonal patterns. Understanding them helps you time your listing for maximum demand and the best rental rate.

Peak Rental Months

September and October are the strongest months for Bay Area rentals. Demand drivers include:

• Professionals relocating for new jobs (fall hiring cycles at tech companies)
• Families settling before the school year
• Graduate students and university staff starting academic-year positions
• People who delayed summer moves due to travel and vacation schedules

How to List

• Professional photos: Invest $200-$400 in professional interior photos. They make a significant difference in listing quality.
• Accurate listing details: Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, included appliances, parking, private entrance, and utility arrangements.
• Competitive pricing: Research comparable ADU and studio/1BR rentals in your neighborhood. Price competitively for the first listing to attract quality tenants quickly.
• Listing platforms: Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local community boards.

Screening Tenants

Screen tenants thoroughly:

• Credit check and background check
• Employment and income verification (standard requirement: income at least 2.5-3x monthly rent)
• Previous landlord references
• California-compliant rental application

Why Custom Home Design and Build

Custom Home manages every phase of ADU construction, from initial design through the final Certificate of Occupancy. Our team coordinates the entire inspection sequence, manages utility hookups, oversees landscaping, and ensures your ADU meets every code requirement. We do not consider a project complete until you have your C of O and the unit is ready for its intended use.

With over 100 completed projects across the Bay Area, we have guided dozens of homeowners through the ADU completion process. We know the inspection requirements, utility timelines, and finishing details that turn a construction project into a successful rental property.

Finish Strong This Summer

Your ADU is almost done. The final steps require attention to detail, but they are the steps that transform a construction site into a home.

Contact Custom Home Design and Build if you need guidance on completing your ADU project or are planning a new ADU build. We are here to help at every stage.