Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ADU?

ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit, meaning accessory or secondary to a primary residence.

Are ADUs tiny homes or manufactured homes?

Many ADUs are built from containers, as mobile homes, manufactured homes, and so on. We construct ADUs with conventional building methods in order to fully customize each one. All construction is done on-site.

Why have ADUs become popular?

Recently in Utah, nearly every residential zone has been approved for accessory structures, opening up possibilities on the property you already live on to add extra livable area, garage space, shop space, a rental property, etc.!

Where do you build?

Primarily Utah and Salt Lake counties, but we will bid projects anywhere in Utah state!

Do you build other structures as well?

Yes! ADUs are our specialty but we have taken on single family homes, attached & detached garages, basements etc.

How much does it cost?

Expect 190 to $230 per square foot, depending on level of finish. For instance, a 1000 S.F. build (large enough for two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small great room & kitchen and 1 car garage) would equal about 190,000 to $230,000. This price is all-inclusive (plans, engineering, permitting, materials, labor, contracting).

How long is the design & construction process?

Expect 2 to 8 weeks for design and permitting, and then 8 to 16 weeks for construction. This will vary heavily on size, location, and how quickly you can make design option decisions!

Are there size restrictions?

Size depends upon the city. Most cities have no limit, so long as the ADU does not exceed the size of the primary residence. Other cities commonly have a maximum of 1000 square feet. There is no minimum size.

Can an ADU be attached to my home or a basement unit?

Yes! Most cities allow many configurations such as building a secondary structure, adding on to your existing home, transforming an existing garage, adding an independent exterior entry to a basement, and even building an extra story!

Do you provide plans only, if I want construction bids from other contractors?

Yes! We start every project with a design agreement and $1500 deposit to begin architectural design. Once architectural plans are complete, you are charged only for the total of those plans. We will then provide a bid for construction based on those plans. You are welcome to use those plans for alternative construction bids as you please.

Do I have to use a pre-designed floorplan?

Pre-designed floorplans as shown on the home page are a great starting point, but the goal is to customize this to you, so we can start with your “napkin sketch”, a plan you have found elsewhere, or completely from scratch!