An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a self-contained secondary living space on the same lot as your main home - complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. Whether your specific lot can have one comes down to local zoning, and that's worth checking before you fall in love with a floor plan.
The Three Common Types of ADUs
- Attached ADU - built as part of the main home, often a converted basement, garage, or an addition with its own separate entrance.
- Detached ADU - a standalone structure elsewhere on the property, sometimes called a backyard cottage or granny flat.
- Conversion ADU - existing space (a basement, an attached garage) remodeled into a fully independent unit without adding new square footage to the building's footprint.
Not sure which type fits your property? Schedule a free consultation and we'll walk your lot with you.
Why Demand Is Rising
We're seeing more ADU requests than ever, and it's rarely about just one reason - it's usually some mix of housing an aging parent nearby without moving in together, giving an adult child an independent space, generating rental income, or simply wanting flexible square footage that can change purpose over time.
What Determines If Your Lot Qualifies
This is the part that trips people up, because it varies by city - Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and the other cities we serve each have their own zoning ordinances governing ADUs. The factors that typically matter:
- Lot size and zoning district - some residential zones allow ADUs outright, others require a conditional use permit or don't allow detached units at all.
- Setback requirements - how close a detached ADU can sit to property lines.
- Parking requirements - some jurisdictions require an additional parking space for the ADU.
- Utility connections - whether the ADU can share utilities with the main home or needs separate metering.
We check your property's specific zoning before you invest in design work, so you're never designing something the city won't actually permit.
How the Process Works
- Zoning check. We confirm what your specific lot allows before design begins.
- Design. Layout, finishes, and how the ADU relates to your main home and yard.
- Permitting. We handle the submission and inspections with the city.
- Construction. Built by the same team managing the design, start to finish.
Can I rent out my ADU?
In most of the cities we serve, yes - though some jurisdictions have owner-occupancy requirements for the main home or restrictions on short-term rentals. We'll flag anything relevant to your specific property during the zoning check.
Does an ADU need its own utility meter?
Not always - it depends on the type of ADU and local code. Some jurisdictions allow shared metering with the main home; others require separate service, especially for detached units.
How much livable space does an ADU typically add?
It varies widely by lot and budget - a garage or basement conversion might add 400-600 square feet, while a detached ADU can be built larger depending on setback and size limits in your zoning district.
Thinking about adding an ADU to your property? Schedule a free consultation and we'll tell you what your lot actually allows.