Colorado's Accessory Dwelling Unit Builders

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit located on the same property as the primary residence, typically requiring its own entrance, kitchen, living space and bathroom facilities. Sometimes referred to as granny flats, cottages or studios, ADUs can take various forms including converted garages, basement apartments or standalone cottages.

In the beautiful landscapes of Colorado a tiny home or ADU is indeed possible. Recent years have seen a shift towards embracing these sustainable, efficient spaces, with legislation easing to accommodate the growing tiny home movement. However, it’s crucial to remember that the feasibility of building such a dwelling on your property hinges upon the specific zoning regulations of your county. Each region has its unique rules and restrictions, making it essential to check with local authorities before embarking on your journey.

Fortunately, organizations like Tiny Home Builders are equipped to guide you through this process, helping you understand what’s possible in your area. 

In Colorado, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a welcomed addition to housing options. Colorado law permits ADUs, provided certain criteria are met. These additional living quarters, often referred to as “carriage homes” or “mother-in-law apartments,” are allowed across various residential, agricultural, and mixed-use neighborhood zone districts. 

While each ADU must include a kitchen, bath, and sleeping area, they aren’t considered separate properties that can be sold independently. Each region in Colorado may have its own specific rules and restrictions, including the requirement for a pre-application meeting to discuss the size of the ADU. This underscores the importance of checking with local planning authorities before beginning your ADU journey.

In Colorado, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can typically be placed in residential zones on the same property as a primary residence. They are commonly allowed in the backyard, as long as they meet setback requirements and adhere to local zoning regulations. At Little Home Builders, we are your full-service team- handling the research, planning, permitting and construction to ensure a compliant ADU.

Modular and prefab ADUs are factory manufactured units or panels that are delivered to the property in-tact. Often fully modular units will encounter challenges with financing and appraisals as they are not generally considered real estate.

Prefab units are an efficient solution, however, in addition to the unit price, additional costs that need to be understood include sales tax, shipping, site work, foundation, permitting and taps for sewer, water, electrical and gas, as well as crane installation. A side-by-side cost comparison usually reveals a comparable total investment for stick-built and prefab ADUs.

Building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) begins with an initial consultation to understand your goals, assess your property and discuss options. The next step involves design and plans, translating your vision into a tangible blueprint. This leads us to the crucial phase of securing permits, navigating the complexities of regulations to ensure compliance. Finally, the building process commences.

For those in Colorado, Little Home Builders provides full-service project management from start to finish, simplifying the path to owning your own ADU.