Last updated: September 24, 2026
What affects the price
Building an ADU involves several moving parts that shape your total investment. The final figure depends heavily on whether you choose a prefab unit or a custom build from the ground up. Site conditions are another major factor; if your property requires extensive grading, utility trenching, or foundation work, costs will climb. You also have to consider your choice of finishes, like high-end appliances or custom cabinetry. Navigating local permit fees and impact assessments also adds to the total.
About this service
Building in San Diego requires specific expertise regarding coastal commission rules, fire safety standards, and local density bonuses. A contractor familiar with this area knows how to navigate the city’s unique permitting process to avoid common pitfalls. You need this service if you own property in San Diego and are ready to add a unit that complies with all regional housing ordinances and structural requirements.
Frequently asked in Tempe
What are the disadvantages of ADUs?
Potential disadvantages include the upfront construction costs and the possibility of increased utility usage for the main home. In Tempe, specific lot sizes and zoning might influence design choices. Neighbors could also raise concerns about parking or privacy. Discussing these with a local pro is beneficial.
How much does an ADU cost in Massachusetts?
This service is focused on Tempe, Arizona. ADU costs in Massachusetts would differ due to varying market conditions and regulations. For an accurate ADU cost estimate in Tempe, you'll need to connect with a local professional who understands the Phoenix metro area's construction expenses.
What are the rules for ADUs in California?
Our services are specific to Tempe, Arizona, and we do not have information regarding California's ADU rules. If you are looking to build an ADU in California, you will need to find a local provider in that state. We are experts in the Tempe area.
Is ADU allowed in Maryland?
We do not offer ADU services or information for Maryland, as our focus is on Tempe, Arizona. For ADU projects in Maryland, you'll need to consult with local professionals familiar with that state's specific regulations. Our expertise is within the Phoenix metro area.
Grant availability and eligibility can vary greatly by location. It's advisable to research current local incentives or ask your ADU professional about potential funding in Arizona.
What are the rules for ADU in California?
Our ADU services are specific to Tempe, Arizona, and we cannot provide information on California's ADU regulations. Each city and state has its own unique set of rules for accessory dwelling units, and it's essential to consult with local experts for accurate guidance.
Also serving nearby: Chandler · Gilbert · Mesa · Phoenix · Glendale
More on this: HUD ADU resources — ADU policy and financing research.
Service area details
Serving all of Tempe — population 189,834; about 4,748 residents per square mile across 40.0 sq mi. ZIP codes covered include 85280, 85281, 85282, 85283, 85284, 85285, 85287, 85288.
Neighborhoods served in Tempe: Downtown Tempe, South Tempe, Papago Park, University District, ASU Research Park — and every surrounding area.
Areas we serve
Browse by state, then city.
Alabama (4)
All of Alabama · Birmingham · Huntsville · Mobile · Montgomery
Alaska (1)
Arizona (9)
All of Arizona · Chandler · Gilbert · Glendale · Mesa · Peoria · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Tucson
Arkansas (1)
California (32)
All of California · Anaheim · Bakersfield · Chula Vista · Elk Grove · Fontana · Fremont · Fresno · Garden Grove · Glendale · Huntington Beach · Irvine · Lancaster · Long Beach · Los Angeles · Modesto · Moreno Valley · Oakland · Oceanside · Ontario · Oxnard · Palmdale · Rancho Cucamonga · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose · Santa Ana · Santa Clarita · Santa Rosa · Stockton
Colorado (4)
All of Colorado · Aurora · Colorado Springs · Denver · Fort Collins
District of Columbia (1)
Florida (11)
All of Florida · Cape Coral · Fort Lauderdale · Hialeah · Jacksonville · Miami · Orlando · Pembroke Pines · Port St. Lucie · St. Petersburg · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia (3)
All of Georgia · Atlanta · Augusta-Richmond County · Columbus
Hawaii (1)
Idaho (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (1)
Iowa (1)
Kansas (2)
Kentucky (2)
All of Kentucky · Lexington-Fayette · Louisville/Jefferson County
Louisiana (3)
Massachusetts (2)
Michigan (2)
Minnesota (2)
Missouri (3)
Nebraska (2)
Nevada (3)
New Jersey (2)
New Mexico (1)
New York (3)
North Carolina (4)
All of North Carolina · Cary · Fayetteville · Raleigh · Winston-Salem
Ohio (5)
All of Ohio · Akron · Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus · Toledo
Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (2)
All of Oregon · Eugene · Salem
Pennsylvania (2)
Rhode Island (1)
South Dakota (1)
Tennessee (5)
All of Tennessee · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Knoxville · Murfreesboro · Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Texas (17)
All of Texas · Amarillo · Arlington · Austin · Brownsville · Corpus Christi · Dallas · El Paso · Frisco · Garland · Grand Prairie · Houston · Irving · Laredo · Lubbock · McKinney · Plano · San Antonio
Utah (1)
Virginia (5)
All of Virginia · Chesapeake · Newport News · Norfolk · Richmond · Virginia Beach
