Detached New Construction ADU

Detached New Construction ADU

A detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a stand-alone residential structure built on an existing property. This new-construction ADU option offers the greatest design flexibility, privacy, and long-term value, making it an ideal solution for homeowners seeking additional living space, rental income, or multigenerational housing.

Modern house with a white exterior and a brown accent wall, set in a grassy area under a clear sky.
Modern house with a white exterior and a brown accent wall, set in a grassy area under a clear sky.
[01 Definition]

What is a
Detached ADU?

What is a Detached ADU?

A detached ADU is a separate residential unit constructed independently from the primary home. Unlike conversions or additions, this option involves new foundation work, framing, and full utility connections.

Because the structure is fully independent, detached ADUs provide maximum separation and long-term versatility.

Long or Short Term Rental Units

Detached ADUs are commonly used as rental units, offering an independent living space that can generate income, subject to local rental regulations.

Long or Short Term Rental Units

Detached ADUs are commonly used as rental units, offering an independent living space that can generate income, subject to local rental regulations.

Long or Short Term Rental Units

Detached ADUs are commonly used as rental units, offering an independent living space that can generate income, subject to local rental regulations.

Housing for Family Members or Caregivers

A detached ADU provides a comfortable, self-contained living option for extended family members or caregivers while maintaining privacy for all occupants.

Housing for Family Members or Caregivers

A detached ADU provides a comfortable, self-contained living option for extended family members or caregivers while maintaining privacy for all occupants.

Housing for Family Members or Caregivers

A detached ADU provides a comfortable, self-contained living option for extended family members or caregivers while maintaining privacy for all occupants.

Private Guest Homes or Backyard Cottages

This ADU type functions well as a private guest residence or backyard cottage, offering separation from the main home with full residential amenities.

Private Guest Homes or Backyard Cottages

This ADU type functions well as a private guest residence or backyard cottage, offering separation from the main home with full residential amenities.

Private Guest Homes or Backyard Cottages

This ADU type functions well as a private guest residence or backyard cottage, offering separation from the main home with full residential amenities.

Flexible Work From Home Spaces

Detached ADUs can be designed to accommodate home offices, studios, or live/work arrangements, depending on layout and zoning requirements.

Flexible Work From Home Spaces

Detached ADUs can be designed to accommodate home offices, studios, or live/work arrangements, depending on layout and zoning requirements.

Flexible Work From Home Spaces

Detached ADUs can be designed to accommodate home offices, studios, or live/work arrangements, depending on layout and zoning requirements.

[02 Benefits]

Benefits of an ADU

Benefits of an ADU

A detached ADU adds permanent, code-compliant living space to the property, increasing overall usability and contributing to long-term property value.

Increased Property Value

A detached ADU adds permanent, code-compliant living space to the property, increasing overall usability and contributing to long-term property value.

Increased Property Value

A detached ADU adds permanent, code-compliant living space to the property, increasing overall usability and contributing to long-term property value.

Increased Property Value

Because the unit is fully separated from the main home, occupants benefit from independent access, reduced noise transfer, and a true sense of privacy.

Independent Living

Because the unit is fully separated from the main home, occupants benefit from independent access, reduced noise transfer, and a true sense of privacy.

Independent Living

Because the unit is fully separated from the main home, occupants benefit from independent access, reduced noise transfer, and a true sense of privacy.

Independent Living

Ground-up construction allows modern building methods, energy-efficient systems, and code-compliant assemblies that are not limited by existing structures.

Predictable Construction

Ground-up construction allows modern building methods, energy-efficient systems, and code-compliant assemblies that are not limited by existing structures.

Predictable Construction

Ground-up construction allows modern building methods, energy-efficient systems, and code-compliant assemblies that are not limited by existing structures.

Predictable Construction

A detached ADU can adapt to changing needs over the years, transitioning between rental use, family housing, guest space, or personal use as priorities evolve.

Flexible Use Over Time

A detached ADU can adapt to changing needs over the years, transitioning between rental use, family housing, guest space, or personal use as priorities evolve.

Flexible Use Over Time

A detached ADU can adapt to changing needs over the years, transitioning between rental use, family housing, guest space, or personal use as priorities evolve.

Flexible Use Over Time

Detached ADUs often achieve higher rental appeal due to their independence, full amenities, and privacy, making them a reliable long-term income option where permitted.

Strong Income Potential

Detached ADUs often achieve higher rental appeal due to their independence, full amenities, and privacy, making them a reliable long-term income option where permitted.

Strong Income Potential

Detached ADUs often achieve higher rental appeal due to their independence, full amenities, and privacy, making them a reliable long-term income option where permitted.

Strong Income Potential

New construction allows the unit to be positioned and designed to maximize setbacks, light, privacy, and outdoor space based on the specific site conditions.

Design Freedom

New construction allows the unit to be positioned and designed to maximize setbacks, light, privacy, and outdoor space based on the specific site conditions.

Design Freedom

New construction allows the unit to be positioned and designed to maximize setbacks, light, privacy, and outdoor space based on the specific site conditions.

Design Freedom

[03 ADU Options]

Detached ADU Sizes and Layout Options

Detached ADU Sizes and
Layout Options

Detached ADU Sizes and Layout Options

Detached ADUs can be designed in a variety of sizes and configurations. Layout options are tailored to maximize natural light, privacy, and efficient use of space.

[04 Our Work]

Portfolio

Portfolio

[05 Workflow]

No guesswork, just a clear path from ideas → results.

01

Discovery

We analyze your lot’s zoning eligibility and draft a floor plan that fits your budget and goals.

01

Discovery

We analyze your lot’s zoning eligibility and draft a floor plan that fits your budget and goals.

01

Discovery

We analyze your lot’s zoning eligibility and draft a floor plan that fits your budget and goals.

02

Permitting

We navigate the city planning department for you, handling all revisions and paperwork until permits are issued.

02

Permitting

We navigate the city planning department for you, handling all revisions and paperwork until permits are issued.

02

Permitting

We navigate the city planning department for you, handling all revisions and paperwork until permits are issued.

03

Construction

If you choose our build service, our licensed crews break ground immediately. If not, we hand you the approved plans to start.

03

Construction

If you choose our build service, our licensed crews break ground immediately. If not, we hand you the approved plans to start.

03

Construction

If you choose our build service, our licensed crews break ground immediately. If not, we hand you the approved plans to start.

04

Finalization

We ensure everything meets code and hand you the keys to your new rental unit, guest house, or office.

04

Finalization

We ensure everything meets code and hand you the keys to your new rental unit, guest house, or office.

04

Finalization

We ensure everything meets code and hand you the keys to your new rental unit, guest house, or office.

[06 FAQ]

Smarter decisions start with clear answers.

Smart decisions start with clear answers.

What is a detached ADU?

A detached accessory dwelling unit is a stand-alone residential structure built on the same lot as a primary home. It is completely separate from the main residence and includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space.

What is a detached ADU?

A detached accessory dwelling unit is a stand-alone residential structure built on the same lot as a primary home. It is completely separate from the main residence and includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space.

What is a detached ADU?

A detached accessory dwelling unit is a stand-alone residential structure built on the same lot as a primary home. It is completely separate from the main residence and includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space.

How is a detached ADU different from an attached ADU?

A detached ADU is an independent structure, while an attached ADU shares at least one wall with the primary home. Detached ADUs typically offer greater privacy, design flexibility, and separation from the main residence.

How is a detached ADU different from an attached ADU?

A detached ADU is an independent structure, while an attached ADU shares at least one wall with the primary home. Detached ADUs typically offer greater privacy, design flexibility, and separation from the main residence.

How is a detached ADU different from an attached ADU?

A detached ADU is an independent structure, while an attached ADU shares at least one wall with the primary home. Detached ADUs typically offer greater privacy, design flexibility, and separation from the main residence.

What is the maximum size allowed for a detached ADU?

Maximum allowable size is determined by state law and local zoning regulations. In many jurisdictions, detached ADUs may be permitted up to 1,200 square feet, subject to lot size, setbacks, height limits, and other local requirements.

What is the maximum size allowed for a detached ADU?

Maximum allowable size is determined by state law and local zoning regulations. In many jurisdictions, detached ADUs may be permitted up to 1,200 square feet, subject to lot size, setbacks, height limits, and other local requirements.

What is the maximum size allowed for a detached ADU?

Maximum allowable size is determined by state law and local zoning regulations. In many jurisdictions, detached ADUs may be permitted up to 1,200 square feet, subject to lot size, setbacks, height limits, and other local requirements.

Can a detached ADU be two stories?

Yes, two-story detached ADUs may be permitted depending on local height limits, setbacks, and zoning requirements. Site conditions and neighborhood regulations are reviewed during the feasibility and design phase.

Can a detached ADU be two stories?

Yes, two-story detached ADUs may be permitted depending on local height limits, setbacks, and zoning requirements. Site conditions and neighborhood regulations are reviewed during the feasibility and design phase.

Can a detached ADU be two stories?

Yes, two-story detached ADUs may be permitted depending on local height limits, setbacks, and zoning requirements. Site conditions and neighborhood regulations are reviewed during the feasibility and design phase.

Does a detached ADU require new utility connections?

Detached ADUs typically require new or extended connections for water, sewer, electricity, and gas if applicable. Utility requirements vary by jurisdiction and are evaluated early in the planning process to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.

Does a detached ADU require new utility connections?

Detached ADUs typically require new or extended connections for water, sewer, electricity, and gas if applicable. Utility requirements vary by jurisdiction and are evaluated early in the planning process to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.

Does a detached ADU require new utility connections?

Detached ADUs typically require new or extended connections for water, sewer, electricity, and gas if applicable. Utility requirements vary by jurisdiction and are evaluated early in the planning process to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.

How long does it take to build a detached ADU?

Project timelines vary based on design complexity, permitting duration, and site conditions. New-construction detached ADUs generally take longer than conversions due to foundation work and full structural construction.

How long does it take to build a detached ADU?

Project timelines vary based on design complexity, permitting duration, and site conditions. New-construction detached ADUs generally take longer than conversions due to foundation work and full structural construction.

How long does it take to build a detached ADU?

Project timelines vary based on design complexity, permitting duration, and site conditions. New-construction detached ADUs generally take longer than conversions due to foundation work and full structural construction.

Are detached ADUs allowed in residential neighborhoods?

Detached ADUs are permitted in many residential zones under state ADU laws, but local regulations may affect placement, size, and design. Zoning and feasibility are confirmed before design begins.

Are detached ADUs allowed in residential neighborhoods?

Detached ADUs are permitted in many residential zones under state ADU laws, but local regulations may affect placement, size, and design. Zoning and feasibility are confirmed before design begins.

Are detached ADUs allowed in residential neighborhoods?

Detached ADUs are permitted in many residential zones under state ADU laws, but local regulations may affect placement, size, and design. Zoning and feasibility are confirmed before design begins.

Can a detached ADU be used as a rental unit?

Yes, detached ADUs are commonly used as long-term rental units. Short-term rental use may be restricted depending on local ordinances and should be reviewed prior to project approval.

Can a detached ADU be used as a rental unit?

Yes, detached ADUs are commonly used as long-term rental units. Short-term rental use may be restricted depending on local ordinances and should be reviewed prior to project approval.

Can a detached ADU be used as a rental unit?

Yes, detached ADUs are commonly used as long-term rental units. Short-term rental use may be restricted depending on local ordinances and should be reviewed prior to project approval.

Is parking required for a detached ADU?

Parking requirements depend on location, proximity to public transit, and local ADU regulations. In many cases, additional parking may not be required.

Is parking required for a detached ADU?

Parking requirements depend on location, proximity to public transit, and local ADU regulations. In many cases, additional parking may not be required.

Is parking required for a detached ADU?

Parking requirements depend on location, proximity to public transit, and local ADU regulations. In many cases, additional parking may not be required.

Is a detached ADU more expensive than a garage conversion?

Detached ADUs generally have higher construction costs than conversions due to new foundations, framing, and utility work. However, they offer greater flexibility, independence, and long-term value.

Is a detached ADU more expensive than a garage conversion?

Detached ADUs generally have higher construction costs than conversions due to new foundations, framing, and utility work. However, they offer greater flexibility, independence, and long-term value.

Is a detached ADU more expensive than a garage conversion?

Detached ADUs generally have higher construction costs than conversions due to new foundations, framing, and utility work. However, they offer greater flexibility, independence, and long-term value.

[07 Blog]

Stories, strategies, and creative perspectives from the team.

Stories, strategies, and creative perspectives from the team.

Stories and strategies from the team.