What is an ADU?

An Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. ADUs can be attached to the main house, converted from existing spaces like garages, or built as detached structures in your backyard.

How much does an ADU cost in Charlottesville?

ADUs typically cost $200,000 - $300,000 in Charlottesville, depending on size, finishes, and site conditions. However, we've developed a specific architecture plan with pre-selected material choices that can keep your ADU cost under $200,000, depending on your customization preferences.

How long does it take to build an ADU?

Most of our ADU projects take 4-6 months from permit approval to completion. The timeline includes:

• Permitting: 4-8 weeks

• Site preparation: 1-2 weeks

• Construction: 3-4 months

• Final inspections: 1-2 weeks

Do I need permits to build an ADU?

Yes, ADUs require permits from the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County. Our team works with you on the entire permitting process, including zoning compliance, building permits, and any required variances.

What are Charlottesville's regulations for ADUs?

Charlottesville recently passed a new law significantly increasing the number of parcels that are eligible to build ADUs. We will work with you to determine the appropriate size and location of an ADU on your property.

Can I rent out my ADU?

Yes! ADUs in Charlottesville can be legally rented to tenants. Many of our clients plan to use ADUs as rental properties for additional income, with units typically renting for $1,200-$2,000 monthly depending on size and location.

What are the typical sizes for your ADUs?

We mostly build 1 bedroom ADUs in the 450-550 sq. ft. range but are able to build larger ADUs if requested.

Do you handle design and construction?

Yes, we offer full-service ADU solutions. Our product is focused on streamlined design and build phases, ensuring the ADUs go up quickly, while still allowing for customization.

Are there financing options for building an ADU?

We have a preferred relationship with Blue Ridge Lending, a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) lender that does not require tax returns or personal income verification to fund. Blue Ridge Lending has a portfolio of loan products that could be applied to interior and exterior ADUs, including pure construction financing with advance draws and interest-only build terms.

You can submit an initial project proposal to Blue Ridge Lending to confirm your eligibility for construction financing in 30 days or less by registering and submitting a project form on their web portal in less than 10 minutes.

What is the return on investment for an ADU?

ADUs typically offer excellent ROI through rental income and increased property value. In Charlottesville, ADUs can add approximately 20-30% to your property value while generating steady rental income.