Frequently Asked Questions

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential property. ADUs go by many names: granny flats, in-law suites, backyard cottages, casitas, or guest houses. They're fully permitted, self-contained living spaces with their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.

Most single-family residential properties in San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding areas can accommodate an ADU, but eligibility depends on lot size, setback requirements, and local zoning. During your consultation, we'll assess your property and let you know what's possible. Many properties that homeowners assume are too small can actually support an ADU.

Studio: An open-plan space ideal for home offices, art studios, or guest rooms. 128-192 square feet.

Suite: A complete living space with full bathroom and kitchenette. Perfect for guest quarters or rental income. 240-320 square feet.

Residence: A full home with complete kitchen, bathroom, and separate living/sleeping areas. True independent living. 480-960 square feet.

We serve the greater San Antonio and Austin metropolitan areas, including the Texas Hill Country. This includes Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, Westlake Hills, Dripping Springs, Boerne, New Braunfels, Georgetown, and surrounding communities. If you're not sure if we serve your area, just ask!

Most projects complete in 4-6 months from contract signing to move-in. This breaks down roughly as: Design (3-4 weeks), Permits (6-14 weeks depending on municipality), and Construction (10-14 weeks). We'll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project once permits are approved.

No. We can work with your schedule. Our crews are self-sufficient and won't need regular access to your main home. We'll coordinate any necessary access (utilities, gates) at the start of the project. You'll receive weekly updates with photos so you can follow progress without being present.

We handle everything. Our team prepares all required documents—architectural plans, structural engineering, site plans, and permit applications—and submits them on your behalf. We communicate directly with the building department, respond to any questions, and manage the entire approval process. You never have to deal with city paperwork.

Construction projects can be affected by weather, permit processing times, or supply chain issues. We communicate proactively about any potential delays and work to minimize their impact. Our fixed pricing means you won't pay extra for delays that aren't your fault.

Our ADUs range from approximately $39,000 for a compact studio to $317,000 for a large, fully-appointed residence. The exact cost depends on model, size, category (Studio/Suite/Residence), and design kit selection. Use our online configurator for instant budget estimates, or schedule a consultation for a detailed quote.

We believe in transparency. Traditional contractors give estimates that often balloon during construction. We invest heavily in upfront planning so we can commit to a fixed price from day one. This protects you from surprise costs and lets you budget with confidence.

Everything: design, engineering, permits, materials, foundation, construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, finishes, and final inspections. You receive a fully completed, move-in-ready ADU. The only things not included are utility connection fees (which vary by municipality) and any custom upgrades you request beyond your design kit.

We use a milestone-based payment schedule: a deposit at contract signing (typically 10-15%), payments at foundation completion and framing completion (each around 25-30%), and the balance at final walkthrough (25-30%). This ensures you're only paying for completed work.

We don't offer direct financing, but we work with lending partners who specialize in ADU projects. Options include home equity loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinancing, and construction loans. We can connect you with our financing partners during your consultation.

Yes, within our framework. Each model offers multiple footprint sizes, and you can choose your category (Studio, Suite, or Residence) to determine included amenities. Our design kits offer different aesthetic directions from Classic to Modern to Hamptons. This approach gives you meaningful choices while keeping construction efficient and costs predictable.

Each design kit specifies flooring, countertops, cabinetry, fixtures, paint colors, and exterior finishes. Base kits (Classic, Transitional, Modern, Polished) are included in pricing. Upgrade kits (Estate, Verdant, Hamptons) feature premium materials and add to the base price. You'll see all specifications during configuration.

ADUs typically share utility connections with the main home but have separate electrical panels and HVAC systems. This means your ADU has independent climate control and can be separately metered for electricity if desired. Water and sewer usually connect to the existing home's lines.

We can incorporate accessibility features including zero-threshold entries, wider doorways, grab bars, and roll-in showers. If you're planning for aging-in-place or have specific accessibility needs, let us know during design and we'll ensure your ADU meets those requirements.

Yes! ADUs are excellent rental properties for either long-term tenants or short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO). Check your local regulations, as some municipalities have specific rules about short-term rentals. Most areas in Central Texas allow long-term rentals with no restrictions.

Generally, yes. Studies show ADUs can increase property value by 20-30% or more. The exact impact depends on your market, the quality of construction, and the potential rental income. An ADU also makes your property more attractive to buyers looking for multi-generational living or rental income opportunities.

We provide a one-year workmanship warranty covering any defects in construction. Major systems (HVAC, plumbing fixtures, appliances) carry their own manufacturer warranties, typically 5-10 years. We're always available to address concerns even after the warranty period ends.

Adding an ADU will increase your property's assessed value, which typically increases property taxes. However, the potential rental income or lifestyle benefits often far outweigh the modest tax increase. We recommend consulting with a tax professional for your specific situation.