Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit that can be either attached to or separate from the main residence. ADUs are often used as rental properties to generate income or as living spaces for family members, such as aging parents. While “Accessory Dwelling Unit” is the formal term, these spaces are also commonly known as in-law suites, casitas, guest houses, or secondary dwellings.

Types of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

There are many types of ADUs. They vary according to the size, location, and purpose for which they are created. The following are some common types.

Attic or basement apartment. These are existing spaces in a home that are converted into living spaces.
Detached unit. This is a separate structure on the property such as a trailer, tiny home, full-sized home, or other living space.
Attached unit. An attachment is built to create a new living space.
Garage. Conversion of current garage or over-garage apartment.

Why Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

There are many practical and personal reasons to add an ADU to your property:

Rental Income: An ADU can serve as a long-term rental apartment or a short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb), providing a steady income stream.
Family Housing: ADUs are ideal for accommodating aging parents, in-laws, or grandparents who want to live nearby while maintaining privacy. They can also be a comfortable space for adult children returning home.
Home Office or Business: A detached or private space makes an excellent home office or workspace, perfect for remote work or running a small business from home.
Extra Living Space: ADUs can be tailored to meet specific lifestyle needs—such as a home gym, hobby room, game room, art studio, music space, or even a personal retreat.

Advantages of Accessory Dwelling Units

Top Benefits of Building an ADU

Extra Space: Gain additional room for storage, hobbies, guests, or a flexible living area tailored to your needs.
Maximized Property Use: Put underutilized space on your lot to better use by adding a functional dwelling.
Potential Tax Benefits: If used as a short-term rental, certain expenses may be tax-deductible under IRS guidelines.
Increased Property Value: An ADU can enhance your home’s market appeal and overall value.
Ongoing Income Potential: Renting out your ADU can provide a consistent source of long-term income.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building an ADU

Before starting construction on an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), it’s important to establish a clear budget, determine the space requirements, and outline the desired features of the unit. You’ll also need to research local zoning laws, which can vary by neighborhood, city, or county. Partnering with an experienced custom home builder like Elite Homes can simplify the process—they’ll help navigate zoning regulations and ensure your project complies with all local requirements.

Elite Homes is a versatile custom home builder proudly serving South Florida. Our experienced team works closely with homeowners to bring their vision to life. Whether you’re building your dream home or adding features like an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), we offer the flexibility to include the amenities and custom elements that matter most to you.

5-steps ADU process guides

Our ADU Process

1. Request a Consultation

At this stage, you'll share your vision with the builder to develop a plan that aligns with your budget and needs.

2. Initial Design Phase and ADU Plan Selection

We’re here to tailor our home models to fit your preferences. The most efficient and cost-effective approach is to start with one of our existing plans and modify it to meet your needs. If you’re considering major structural changes, the project would shift to a fully custom build, which follows a separate design and approval process. We also offer additional custom home options not shown on our website—so if you have a specific vision or concept in mind, let us know. We’ll be happy to share more floor plans that align with your goals.

3. Building Contract

After finalizing pricing, the house plan, and home specifications, a building contract will be prepared for signing. Once the contract is executed, the final home design will move forward to the engineering phase for completion.

4. Permit Approval

Once your customized plan is finalized with our home and site engineers, it is promptly submitted for permitting.

5. Build Home

Once the building permit is approved and issued, we’ll begin constructing your dream home! From groundbreaking, the build typically takes around 6 months to complete.

We provide you the Highest Quality Work that meets your Expectation

At Elite Homes, we specialize in building high-quality, custom residential properties throughout Florida. Known for our craftsmanship, integrity, and attention to detail, we take pride in delivering homes that stand the test of time. We rise to every challenge and never compromise on excellence.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)