Accessory Dwelling Unit

An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, is a secondary living space built on your property, whether it's a converted garage, basement apartment, or standalone backyard cottage. These versatile additions can generate rental income, house aging parents, or provide space for adult children. From zoning requirements to construction details, we'll help you understand what's involved and connect you with pros who specialize in ADU projects.

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Amy Freeman  •  Apr 10, 2026
Converting a Garage Into a Living Space: What to Know
Need a little extra room at home? Here's everything you need to know about converting a garage into a living space.
Dan Simms  •  Apr 10, 2026
How Much Value Does an ADU Add to Your Property?
Thinking about building an ADU in or around your home? Learn how much value an ADU adds and whether or not it’s worth the investment in the long run.
Dan Simms  •  Apr 9, 2026
6 Types of ADUs to Consider
An accessory dwelling unit can provide private space for guests or tenants. Learn about the types of ADUs and how they compare to decide which is best.
Jacqueline Zenn  •  Apr 5, 2026
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Adding an in-law suite addition can be a great option. Learn about in-law suites here and how they can increase your home value.
Kristin Salaky  •  Apr 5, 2026
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The possibilities are endless with these versatile pool house ideas. Amplify your storage space, build a fun backyard bar, create a cozy guest house, and more.
Dan Simms  •  Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool House? [2026 Data]
Having a dedicated space to retire after a day in the pool may seem like a pipe dream. Learn about pool house costs to see if you can make that dream a reality.
Alison Kasch  •  Mar 18, 2026
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Haley Nothstein  •  Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Garage to an ADU? [2026 Data]
The cost to convert a garage to an ADU varies widely depending on many factors, from its size to the features you want to include.
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Common ADU Service Questions

An ADU is a section of your home that you can feasibly use to house guests or even tenants. Pool houses can be ADUs if they include a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom, but smaller pool houses and pool sheds are more for the homeowner to get more enjoyment out of their pool than for guests.

Yes, you’ll need to get building permits from your local municipality to convert your garage to an ADU. You can get the work covered under a remodeling or general construction permit, which can include permission to run or extend utilities to the space to make it legal. If you also plan on renting the space, you’ll need to apply for a rental permit.

As long as you pull the appropriate permits to build your ADU, it will contribute to your property’s total livable square footage. This is even true for basement conversion ADUs despite the living area sitting below grade. Keep in mind that permanent improvements, especially those that add square footage, tend to increase your home value, which can affect your property taxes.

It’s more affordable to add a home addition than it is to build a standalone ADU. A home add-on will cost between $100,000 and $216,000, depending on the size, while a detached ADU can cost up to $285,000 or more. Add-ons are more affordable than detached ADUs in large part because they are easier to connect to utilities and don’t require trenching and excavation to run new lines to a detached building.

You can convert your garage into an ADU. You’ll need to follow local building codes to ensure your new unit is up to code. For the most part, building an ADU in an existing building is more affordable than building a new one. Even so, consider the condition of your garage before making a decision. Not all garages are in shape for a smooth conversion to an ADU, and renovations can add up in cost.