When I first saw Lisa’s unfinished ADU in Sarasota last spring, I was disappointed. The windows she had envisioned as floor-to-ceiling were just standard size. The kitchen she thought would be high-end looked pretty basic with the builder’s standard cabinets. “But this is what we agreed on,” the contractor said, pointing to a vague contract. After 15 years of building accessory dwelling units (ADU) in Florida, I’ve learned that the most expensive misunderstandings are often ones that seem obvious to only one side.
The $30,000 Misunderstanding
Consider David’s project in Tampa. He assumed “granite countertops” meant the premium Brazilian granite he had seen in a showroom. But his builder thought it just meant a basic granite from a local supplier. By the time they realized the mismatch, the cabinets were already modified for the incorrect dimensions. The fix cost $30,000 – changes that clear communication could have prevented. This is a perfect example of how specific plans for tiny homes, like those in backyards or prefabricated designs, can be impacted by assumptions.
The Timeline Trouble
Margaret in Fort Lauderdale still reminds me of her “eight-week project” that took six months to finish. The builder’s timeline of “eight weeks” meant just workdays, didn’t account for permit delays, and assumed perfect weather. Now I provide clients with detailed schedules that break down each phase and spell out potential delays. When I estimate eight weeks, I’m clear about exactly what that entails – and what could alter the schedule. This includes construction loans for ADUs or potential setbacks related to the foundation or garage conversion.
The Change Order Confusion
One of our most educational jobs was in Orlando, where a simple request to “move a door” led to a $12,000 change order. The client was shocked and the builder frustrated. No one had explained how relocating that door impacted the electrical, roof structure, and exterior finishes. Now we use 3D modeling to illustrate how each change affects other parts of the project before any decision is finalized. Understanding the full scope of adjustments in custom tiny homes, even in small spaces like 400 sq ft or 600 sq ft units, is essential for avoiding surprises.
The Meeting Magic
A project in Key West demonstrated the power of structured communication. We held short weekly video calls with the clients to discuss any issues and next steps. Simple problems got resolved before escalating. When Hurricane Ian threatened, everyone already knew the contingency plan. That job finished on time and on budget despite a Category 4 hurricane. This is why I always stress the importance of planning for small homes in areas prone to such challenges and why we keep tiny homes like beach homes or modular guest houses within the specified design parameters.
The Bottom Line
Good communication isn’t just more talking – it’s ensuring real understanding between parties. As I tell clients, “In construction, assumptions are expensive but questions are free.” This applies whether you’re building a two-bedroom tiny house, a tiny home with a pool, or a custom built tiny house with specialized features like a garage or foundation.
Remember: The best projects aren’t necessarily the biggest budgets – they’re the ones where everyone stays on the same page from start to finish. Whether you’re working on a container home or a luxury tiny home, having clear communication from the outset ensures that everyone involved understands the vision and scope.
