Feasibility depends on zoning, jurisdiction, lot configuration, existing structures, setbacks, utilities, and other local development requirements. The City of Tampa and surrounding counties permit accessory dwelling units, but the rules vary parcel by parcel — get an evaluation before assuming an ADU can be constructed. Our lot evaluation confirms exactly what your property allows before you spend a dollar on design.

Quality ADU projects in Tampa Bay generally start around $175,000, and cost varies with size and configuration, attached versus detached construction, site conditions, sewer versus septic and septic capacity, utility connections, the type, age, and capacity of your electrical panel and service (upgrades are sometimes required), plumbing connections, foundations, structural requirements, site access, finish selections, architecture and engineering, and permitting. An ADU is effectively the construction of a small independent residence — so cost per square foot is often higher than owners initially expect. We provide line-item pricing after a site evaluation.

ADU size is typically capped at approximately 67% of the square footage of the primary residence, but the allowable size can be more or less depending on the jurisdiction, zoning district, lot conditions, and applicable land-development regulations. Rules vary by municipality even within greater Tampa Bay — your lot evaluation includes the exact envelope your property allows.

Yes. An ADU is a permitted residential structure and generally requires architectural and construction documents, applicable engineering, building permits, inspections, and compliance with local zoning and building requirements. Specifics vary by jurisdiction and scope.

Possibly — but the existing septic system must be evaluated for capacity. Depending on the finding, the project may involve septic modification, expansion, replacement, or additional permitting, and those requirements can materially affect design, feasibility, and cost. We evaluate this early, before it becomes a surprise.

Possibly. We evaluate service size, panel capacity, age and condition, available breaker capacity, the new ADU’s load, HVAC, and appliance requirements. Some properties need a new panel, a service upgrade, an additional meter, or other electrical work — which is why it belongs in the budget conversation from day one.

Potentially, depending on zoning and site conditions: lot size, setbacks, building separation, access, existing structures, utility locations, impervious surface limitations, parking requirements where applicable, and flood-zone considerations. A site and zoning review is the right first step.

Yes — when permitted as an independent dwelling unit, an ADU can generally be designed with its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, living space, HVAC, and utilities, subject to jurisdiction and code requirements.

Rental rules depend on jurisdiction, zoning, deed restrictions, HOA requirements, and whether you intend long-term or short-term rental — not every ADU can automatically be rented. We review your parcel’s rules during the lot evaluation so your income plan is built on what’s actually allowed.

Adding an ADU raises your property’s assessed value, so taxes typically increase on the added value — but Florida’s Save Our Homes cap continues to limit annual increases on your homesteaded value. We recommend confirming specifics with the county property appraiser.

An ADU moves through Feasibility → Design → Engineering → Permitting → Construction, and timing varies with jurisdiction, complexity, engineering, owner decisions, permitting, utilities or septic work, and site conditions. Our single-team design-build model removes the usual architect-to-contractor handoff delays, but we’ll give you a realistic schedule for your specific project rather than a one-size-fits-all promise.

Yes — from feasibility and architectural design through engineering coordination, permitting support, budgeting, and construction, one team carries your ADU from idea to keys.

Homeowners often use the terms interchangeably, but zoning and building departments may treat them differently depending on whether the space has a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, separate entrance, and functions as an independent dwelling. Focus on how you intend to use the space — we’ll map it to the right classification for your jurisdiction.