Frequently Asked Questions
Austin-specific ADU regulations, design, financing, and construction.
Austin-specific ADU regulations, design, financing, and construction.
Serving Austin and the surrounding metro: Downtown Austin, South Austin, East Austin, North Austin, West Austin, Bouldin Creek, Hyde Park, Tarrytown, Clarksville, Mueller, Crestview, Allandale, Travis Heights, Zilker, Barton Hills, Cherrywood, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Hutto, Bee Cave, Lakeway, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Manor, Buda, Kyle, and Dripping Springs. Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties.
Absolutely. This is one of the best and most encouraged uses of ADUs. One of ADU's goals is to build units quickly and inexpensively enough so that they can be rented at or below market rate, thus helping to curb spiking rental rates.
Not yet. ADU does plan to expand outside of Austin as soon as feasible.
We're still gathering data points on how quickly we can build adus, but on average 6-9 months.
Yes! We are still looking for a local company to partner with, but we can contract with the original installer of the existing system to add solar to the ADU.
The previous land development code - which one can still develop under - limited ADUs to 0.15 FAR (FAR = floor-to-area ratio - floor area of your structure as compared to the size of your lot) or 1100 square feet, whichever is smaller. For instance, if you had a 6000sf lot, your ADU would be limited to 900 square feet.
With the addition of the HOME Amendment Phase 1, landowners have a lot more options regarding secondary and now tertiary structures. In practical terms, the new limit for a single structure is .4 FAR or 2300sf, whichever is larger.
Sure can! ADU has a robust team of partners who can assist you in the process of setting up a site condo regime which will allow you to sell your ADU and retain your main residence.
Because ADU is a design-build company we can offer services from concept to keys. Wherever you are in the process - whether it be in the design phase or whether your project is permitted and ready for construction - ADU can help you reach your goals with your ADU build.
If you are developing under the previous code the height limit is 32’ while the HOME Amendment allows for up to 35’. The number of stories depends on the design and configuration of the home, but three stories are allowed.
The prescriptive requirement of 10’ separation difference between the main house and adu has been removed from the code and now the prevailing Building and Fire Codes dictate structure spacing. While you can build structures closer together than 10’, it should be noted that openings will be limited, and fire-rated materials will be required on the facades that face each other. If you have room to set your structures at least 10’ apart, that would be considered best practice.
No, Austin has removed all its requirements for off-street parking.
In Austin, the typical side yard setback is 5'-0" and 10'-0" at the rear.
Yes, you will need a building permit as well as trade permits for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and right-of-way if you are working in the street (driveway apron, adding parking, etc).
Many factors dictate the final cost such as unique site conditions, utility availability and the cost of potential upgrades, and other factors external to the build of the unit itself. We tell our clients a great starting point is $325/sf, plus or minus 5%. So, if your budget is $200,000, we would recommend a unit between 585-645sf. This number represents design through construction, so it is inclusive of all work required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. The price can go up or down from there, but it is a good starting point for setting budget and unit size expectations.
Yes! Provided you have enough equity to cover at least 80% of the total cost.
ADU is proud to be a Texas-born company and as such celebrates the people who had a positive impact on the arts, science, and culture of Texas. The pre-designed plans featured on the site are named after someone who made such an impact on the state. Did we miss someone? ADU is constantly adding new designs so if you have a suggestion for someone who should be considered, please feel free to reach out and let us know!
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