Your trusted Atlanta ADU Builders. Plans, Permits, Construction.

• ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main house (hence the term accessory).
• The total number of units on the property cannot exceed two, including the ADU.
• Except in the case of home occupations, no accessory use shall be permitted or allowed for a commercial venture.
• The unit must be 750 SF or less.
• There is no minimum lot size required but you cannot create a new substandard lot of record in the city.
• No direct access road is necessary.
• There is no needed parking space designated for the ADU.

In Atlanta, ADUs are only allowed on R-5, R-4, and R-4A-zoned lots. However, everything is still limited by the lot coverage and square footage limitations of the overall zoning.

Lot coverage requirements and square footage limitations of the overall zoning are as follows: 20'-0" height limit, 55% lot coverage, and 50% FAR (65% at lots smaller than 7,500 SF). ADU side and rear setbacks are 4'-0" in R-5 zones, and 7'-0" side, 15'-0" rear, in R-4 and R-4A zones.

If your residential zoning does not allow for an ADU (R1-R3), then a Guest House is a great option. The primary difference in a Guest House and an ADU is the size of an ADU is limited to 750 SF, while Guest Houses are limited to 30% of the main house on the lot. The other difference is that ADUs are legally allowed to have full cooking facilities, whereas Guest Houses can have an amazing wet bar, but not a built in stove.

ADUs count towards the allowable buildable square footage (your FAR - Floor Area Ratio) of your lot, but Guest houses do not. This means that if you want to build an ADU, you would not be allowed to build as big of a house. Most existing houses don't max out their square footage, so this is typically not an issue.

This depends on where your property is located. The City of Atlanta does allow for the rental of the primary and accessory structure. Other municipalities, like Dekalb County and Decatur, require the homeowner to live on the property. Also, to rent short term in the City of Atlanta, you must live on the property. This is not a zoning ordinance but a city ordinance.

Our ADUs have the ability to easily adapt to short-term, long-term, or mid-term rentals. Short term rental platforms, like Airbnb, require much more engagement, but the returns are significantly more. We are not advocating for, or against, the merits of Airbnb, but we do recognize it exists, and provides an opportunity for a homeowner to capture additional income. This income can be a critical component of housing security for residents that have limited options to earn more to pay their mortgage.

The growing number of ADUs in the country has led to more comps, and more data, used by appraisers, that supports an increase in property value. In our opinion (and many others), additional square footage, the potential for rental income, or a work from home option, will undoubtedly lead to an increase in your property value.

We can put you in touch with our ADU mortgage expert to discuss your options. Common financing methods include home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, construction loans, and personal savings. Each option has different benefits depending on your financial situation.

Expecting an increase of taxes based upon additional square footage is a reasonable assumption. The exact amount will depend on your local tax assessor's evaluation. However, the rental income or increased property value often offsets this increase.

ROI varies depending on your neighborhood, rental rates, and the cost of construction. In Atlanta's strong rental market, many homeowners see returns of 8-15% annually on their ADU investment when renting long-term. Short-term rentals can potentially yield higher returns but require more active management.

The cost varies based on size, finishes, site conditions, and whether it's new construction or a conversion. In Atlanta, new construction ADUs typically range from $200-$350 per square foot. For a custom quote specific to your property, we recommend scheduling a consultation or using our instant quote tool.

There is a one-year builder's warranty provided with all our ADU constructions. This covers structural elements, systems, and workmanship. Additionally, many materials and appliances come with their own manufacturer warranties.

Yes. You should extend your home insurance to cover the ADU. Contact your home insurance agency for quotes. You should also ask your tenant(s) to purchase renters insurance so that they are covered for liability and their personal items.

ADUs do not have a lease term limit like Guest Houses. We recommend researching online for a lease that fits your needs. There are also several web-based property management companies that provide a range of services to simplify the rental management component for a fee.

In Atlanta, you generally don't need a business license for long-term rentals of an ADU. However, if you're planning to use it as a short-term rental (less than 30 days), you'll need to register with the city and obtain a Short-Term Rental license. Always check the most current regulations as they can change.

If your property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), you will need to check your HOA covenants and bylaws to see if ADUs are permitted. Some HOAs may prohibit or restrict ADUs, even if city zoning allows them. We can help you navigate these requirements during our consultation process.

The timeline for an ADU project typically ranges from 4-8 months from initial design to completion. Design and permitting usually takes 2-3 months, while construction takes another 2-5 months, depending on the complexity and size of the project. Garage conversions tend to be faster than new standalone structures.

Yes, garage conversions are a popular and often cost-effective way to create an ADU. The existing structure provides a solid foundation, and utilities may already be nearby. However, the garage must meet current building codes for residential spaces, which often requires upgrades to insulation, electrical systems, plumbing, and ventilation.

In Atlanta, you can build several types of ADUs including detached new structures (backyard cottages), garage conversions, garage additions (living space above or attached to a garage), and in some cases, basement conversions. Each type has different advantages and considerations regarding cost, permitting, and design flexibility.

We offer both pre-designed plans and fully custom designs. Our pre-designed plans are cost-effective and have been optimized for efficiency and Atlanta zoning requirements. However, we can also create completely custom designs tailored to your specific needs, property constraints, and aesthetic preferences.

ADUs typically require connections to water, sewer, electricity, and gas (if desired). In most cases, these can be extensions from the main house's systems, though sometimes separate meters are preferred, especially for rental units. Our team handles all utility connections and ensures they meet code requirements.