If you need more space but don’t want to leave the home you love, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is your answer!
Family members, guests, or even renters will appreciate the flexibility and independence only an ADU can provide. ADU construction gives you the opportunity to create a private, comfortable space while staying right where you are.
With the right planning, you can design the perfect addition that gives everyone the breathing room they need and increases the value of your home.
Here, you'll learn about all the ADU types, how to start planning, and the features you'll want to include, so let's get into it!
First things first: let's get on the same page about ADUs.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) must include the essentials for a self-sufficient living space: a kitchen or kitchenette, a bathroom, and a sleeping area.
Of course, it should also have proper heating, cooling, ventilation, and independent utility connections to ensure comfort and functionality. Depending on local zoning laws, ADUs may also require a private entrance and dedicated parking.
Are ADUs allowed in Florida? Yes! However, zoning laws vary by city and county, so checking local regulations is an important first step.
The type of ADU will depend on the space you have available on your property or in your home. Here’s a breakdown of the different types to consider for your ADU construction project:
A detached ADU is a stand-alone unit separate from the main home. This is the most private type of ADU, offering a fully functional living space, often including a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
These structures are perfect for guest houses, rental units, or a quiet home office.
Transforming an existing garage into an ADU is a cost-effective solution that maximizes your home’s existing footprint. This type of conversion can be a great option if you don't want to give up yard space.
Depending on local zoning, ADU costs for garage conversions can be lower than building a detached unit from scratch.
If you have an attic that doesn't get much use, converting it into an ADU can be a smart way to maximize space without expanding your home’s footprint.
An attic ADU can function as a fully independent living space with a kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping area. Its use will depend on how much space you have.
If your attic is on the smaller side, it can be used for weekend guests or an office. Have more comfortable square footage available? With the right features, you can house an older relative long-term or welcome back your college-aged kid.
An attached ADU is an expansion or addition to your home with a separate entrance and possibly even a separate driveway, parking spot, and maybe an outdoor hangout area if space allows.
Building an attached ADU means you can extend electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems more easily, possibly without having to increase capacity. However, you'll want to check with your contractor to see if this is an option.
This setup is ideal for multi-generational living, especially if safety is a concern, or long-term rental opportunities if your addition checks the legal boxes.
Homeowners have plenty of reasons to build an ADU. If you're on the fence, check out these common reasons to see where you fit in:
A well-built, well-designed ADU gives you the flexibility to grow and expand your household without having to go through the headaches of moving. If you have a need for extra space – more than just a simple addition – then an ADU might be for you.
Plan your ADU with the features you need rather than some cookie-cutter plan that could fall short of your needs and wants.
Here are a few recommendations you should consider for your unique design:
You could be planning your ADU in advance of an older loved one moving in, or maybe you just want to be prepared for the "what ifs."
Universal design is a style of construction that means it'll be accessible for people with disabilities, seniors, and people with special needs. Wide hallways, wide doorways, ramps, easy-to-grasp knobs and switches, and grab bars are the most common features.
Smart home features are being integrated more and more into homes nowadays. Chances are, you might already have a few in your home. Voice assistants, smart thermostats, and smart security systems are a few of the most common that can add convenience, safety, and energy efficiency to your ADU.
If accessibility and safety are your goals, choose smart appliances and motion-sensor lighting, too. Smart stoves, touchless faucets, and scald-proof showers are perfect additions as well.
A small porch or patio is a little something special to give whoever's staying in your ADU, whether they're staying just for the weekend or long term. Include comfortable seating, privacy partitions, and landscaping to create a cozy setting for morning coffee, an afternoon book, or a glass of wine in the evening.
Thinking about adding an ADU to your property? From zoning rules to privacy and utilities, here’s what to consider right at the start of your planning process.
Before diving into ADU construction, make sure your property qualifies. Local zoning laws vary, so check Sarasota County tiny house rules and building codes to see what’s allowed. Some important factors include:
Skipping this step could lead to costly delays, so it’s best to confirm everything upfront.
Your ADU should have a separate entrance and can also include a private walkway, fencing, or landscaping.
If the space is for family, consider how much privacy they’ll want. Small details—like soundproofing between walls for attached ADUs—can make a big difference in comfort.
Also, think about outdoor access—will the unit have its own patio or yard space, or will it share common areas? The goal is to create a setup that feels like a true independent space.
Can your ADU tap into existing utility connections, or will you need to install new ones? This will impact ADU costs and the project timeline but could be a very necessary factor.
Your contractor can help you determine the best solution based on your home’s layout and local regulations. Water, electricity, and sewer connections should be planned ahead of time to avoid unexpected expenses. You may also have to consider separate utility meters if your ADU will be used as a rental.
Finding the right contractor for your ADU construction is a major part of your planning process. Look for someone experienced with Sarasota County building setbacks and permitting requirements. The right contractor will:
Help navigate zoning and approvals
Provide realistic cost estimates
Offer design solutions that maximize space
Ask about their experience with ADUs specifically since these projects tend to have unique challenges compared to traditional home additions.
If your ADU is for an aging relative, consider their long-term needs.
Features like no-step entries, wider doorways, and easy-to-maintain materials can make the space far more comfortable. Even if it’s a rental or guest house, thoughtful planning now can save you from expensive updates later.
Building an ADU in Florida is an exciting way to add living space, but before you break ground, know that zoning laws could affect your design.
Many homeowners assume they can build a small structure—like a guest house or detached living space—only to find out later that zoning regulations will make it a no-go. This mistake can lead to costly fines, delays, or even the removal of the structure altogether.
Before starting ADU construction, research Sarasota County tiny house rules and zoning codes for your specific neighborhood. Zoning laws regulate land use, ensuring that residential areas remain distinct from commercial developments. These regulations help prevent disruptive changes, such as a neighbor turning their home into a business or rental property that isn’t permitted.
To determine whether ADUs are allowed in Florida and specifically in your area, start by checking your city’s zoning maps, often available on local government websites. If you can’t find the information online, you can request zoning details from the county office. This public record should include:
Even if you’ve checked zoning laws before, they may have changed since your last review. Local governments update zoning regulations periodically, sometimes without major public announcements.
Before moving forward with ADU construction, confirm that the rules are still the same and consult your ADU contractor to ensure compliance.
Building an ADU is a great investment, but zoning laws can make or break your project. Doing your homework now can save you from major headaches down the road.
If anything we've included in this article so far resonates with you, an ADU is totally worth it. It's a flexible living space, potential rental income, and a cost-effective alternative to moving.
Besides adding value to your property, an ADU addition just makes life easier than cramming
Whether you’re accommodating aging parents, providing space for adult children, or planning for a future rental, an ADU can add significant value to your home.
This is an important aspect to think about. One of the biggest factors in determining whether an ADU construction project is worth it is how often it will be used.
If you're using it as your everyday office, as a rental unit, for frequent guests, or multi-generational living, you'll be so glad you decided to move forward with this kind of addition.
If you have home equity, refinancing could provide the cash needed for ADU construction. There are also renovation loans available that may help cover costs. Just keep in mind that if your property needs to be rezoned to accommodate the ADU, additional fees may come into play.
This is where getting financial entity recommendations from your builder will come in handy. Ask them for a few that they trust and have a good track record with.
At the end of the day, an ADU is only worth it if it serves your long-term needs. If it ends up empty, it could feel like a wasted expense.
However, many homeowners choose to rent out their ADU when it’s no longer needed for family, turning it into a source of passive income. Whether you plan to use it for years or want a flexible living space that can adapt over time, an ADU can be a great addition—if thoughtfully planned.
Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a fantastic way to expand your home’s potential. With thoughtful planning and the right team, you can create a beautiful, functional addition that enhances both your lifestyle and property value.
ADU construction comes with many considerations, but with our expert guidance, we can navigate zoning, budgeting, and design together. If you're ready to explore your options, our team is here to help.
Contact Gilbert Design Build today to start planning your ADU and create the perfect space for your needs!