Professional ADU Builders In Reno, NV
Looking for a trusted ADU builder in Reno,NV? Want extra income every month? Need space for aging parents or adult kids? An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) could be your answer!
Popular ADU Services in Reno
ADU Design & Architectural Plans
This is where your dream ADU starts! Professional designers and architects sit down with you to understand what you need — rental income? Space for family? Home office? They create detailed drawings showing exactly what your ADU will look like, where it’ll go on your property, and how everything will work. These plans are super important because the city needs to see them before you can build anything!
Garage Conversion ADUs
Already have a garage? Turn it into a cozy apartment! This is often the CHEAPEST way to add an ADU because the walls and roof already exist. Builders add insulation, plumbing, electrical, a bathroom, a little kitchen, and boom — you’ve got a rental unit! It’s way faster and cheaper than building from scratch. Perfect if you don’t use your garage much or already park in your driveway.
Basement ADU Construction
Got an unfinished basement just collecting junk? Transform it into a beautiful apartment! Basement ADUs are popular because they’re tucked inside your existing house, so they don’t take up yard space. Builders add a separate entrance (usually from outside), install a kitchen and bathroom, make it bright and cozy, and suddenly you’ve got rental income from space you weren’t even using!
Detached Backyard ADUs
This is a brand NEW little house built in your backyard! It’s completely separate from your main home, which means total privacy for whoever lives there. Nevada limits detached ADUs to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling’s size, whichever is less. These look like tiny cottages or small homes and can be super cute! Yes, they cost more than conversions, but you get a completely custom space that doesn’t mess with your main house at all.
ADU Permitting & City Approvals
Reno officially adopted new ADU regulations effective October 2025, making it easier than ever to build! Every city has rules about ADUs — where they can go, how big they can be, what they need to include. Builders who know Reno’s rules will prepare all the paperwork, submit it to the city, answer their questions, and get your permits approved. Without proper permits, you can’t legally build OR rent your ADU, so this step is super important!
ADU Utilities & Plumbing/Electrical Setup
Your ADU needs water, electricity, heat, and sewage just like a regular home! ADUs must be self-sufficient with necessary amenities like a kitchen and may require installation of an additional septic tank depending on design. Professional builders connect your ADU to your existing utility lines (or add new ones if needed). They install all the plumbing for the bathroom and kitchen, wire up the electrical system safely, add heating and cooling, and make sure everything meets building codes.
Full ADU Construction & Project Management
Want someone to handle EVERYTHING from start to finish? That’s what full ADU construction means! One builder manages the entire project — design, permits, excavation, foundation, building, utilities, finishing touches, inspections, everything. You just tell them what you want, and they make it happen. No coordinating between different companies or figuring out who does what. One team, start to finish!
Let's Start Your ADU Project in Reno
Let’s chat about your ideas! Getting started is easy – simply reach out with details about your ADU project, and we’ll connect you with qualified, licensed contractors.
REAL STORIES FROM SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
How We Make Your ADU Dreams Come True
What Makes Our Network Different
We partner with ADU builders who share our values:
- ADU expertise — they’ve built dozens of ADUs and know Reno’s rules inside and out
- Quality construction — proper permits, code compliance, work that passes inspections
- Honest pricing — fair quotes with no surprise charges or hidden fees
- Clear communication — they answer questions, provide updates, and keep you informed
- Respect for your investment — they understand this is YOUR money and YOUR future income
Every builder in our network is licensed, insured, and experienced specifically with ADU construction in Reno. We’ve done the hard work of finding trustworthy pros who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of ADUs in Northern Nevada.
We Serve All of Reno and Surrounding Areas
We help families build ADUs throughout the entire Reno-Sparks metro area, including:
Downtown Reno, Midtown, Old Southwest, South Reno, Northwest Reno, Hidden Valley, Caughlin Ranch, Damonte Ranch, Somersett, Verdi, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, Cold Springs, and everywhere in between.
How Our Connection Process Works
Step 1: Tell Us Your ADU Goals
What are you hoping for? Extra money from renting? A place for your parents or college-aged kids? A home office away from the chaos? Tell us about your property, what you’re dreaming about, and what you can spend. Every ADU project is different, so we need to understand YOUR specific situation and goals.
Step 2: We Match You With Experienced ADU Builders
We connect you with licensed, insured builders in Reno who’ve built TONS of ADUs and understand all the local rules. Reno’s updated ADU ordinance makes it easier than ever to build income-generating units in Northern Nevada’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Our builders know exactly how to navigate the new regulations!
Step 3: Get Free Design Ideas & Quotes
You’ll hear from different builders with their ideas, designs, timelines, and prices. Some might suggest a garage conversion, others a detached unit — you’ll see all your options! Compare their approaches and costs. Take your time. Ask questions. No pressure whatsoever.
Step 4: Choose Your Builder
Pick the builder whose design you love, whose experience feels solid, and whose price fits your budget. Maybe they’ve built ADUs in your neighborhood, or maybe they just seemed really trustworthy and knowledgeable. Go with whoever feels right!
Step 5: Watch Your ADU Come to Life
Your builder handles everything — permits, design finalization, construction, utilities, inspections, and final approval. They’ll keep you updated throughout the process. In a few months (depending on the type), you’ll have a beautiful ADU ready to generate income or house your loved ones!
Types of ADUs You Can Build in Reno
Detached ADU (Standalone Building)
A completely separate little house in your backyard! Nevada regulations limit detached ADUs to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling’s size, whichever is less. This gives maximum privacy for everyone. Your tenants or family members have their own space, and you keep your main house completely to yourself.
Size: Up to 1,200 square feet or 50% of primary home size
Best for: Rental income or family members who want independence
Average cost: $150,000 – $300,000+ depending on finishes
Attached ADU (Connected to Main House)
Like a new wing added onto your house, but it’s a complete separate apartment with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. It shares a wall with your main home but functions independently. Think of it like a duplex — two separate homes that happen to touch each other.
Size: No maximum limit for attached units
Best for: Homeowners wanting a separate space without taking up yard area
Average cost: $100,000 – $200,000+
Garage Conversion ADU
Turn your existing garage into a full apartment! The structure already exists, so builders “just” need to add insulation, utilities, bathroom, kitchen, and finishes. Way faster and cheaper than building new. You lose garage storage, but you gain hundreds or thousands of dollars per month in rent!
Size: Whatever your garage size is (usually 400-600 sq ft)
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners with garages they don’t need
Average cost: $60,000 – $120,000
Basement ADU (Internal ADU)
This is an apartment INSIDE your existing home — usually a basement conversion or repurposing part of your main floor. It shares some systems with your main house (like heating) but has its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. Often the cheapest option because you’re using existing space.
Size: No maximum limit!
Best for: Families wanting to house relatives while keeping them close
Average cost: $60,000 – $100,000 depending on what exists already
What Does an ADU Cost in Reno?
ADU cost per square foot is anywhere between $150 and $600, depending on lot size, location, and personal preferences.
Here’s what you can realistically expect to pay:
| ADU Type | Typical Cost Range | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Basement Conversion (Internal ADU) | $60,000 – $100,000 | $80 – $150 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000 – $120,000 | $100 – $200 |
| Attached ADU (New Construction) | $100,000 – $200,000+ | $150 – $250 |
| Detached ADU (New Construction) | $150,000 – $300,000+ | $200 – $400 |
Additional Costs to Consider:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| ADU Design & Architectural Plans | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Permits & City Approvals | $2,000 – $11,000 |
| Utility Connections (New Lines) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Landscaping & Site Restoration | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Site Preparation & Leveling | Varies by lot conditions |
What affects your cost:
- Type of ADU: Conversions are cheapest, new construction costs most
- Size: Bigger means more materials and labor
- Finishes: Basic = cheaper, luxury = way more expensive
- Site conditions: Difficult access or slopes increase costs
- Utility distance: Far from main house utilities = higher connection costs
- Customization: Unique designs cost more than standard plans
Money-Making Reality Check:
Rising housing costs and rental demand have made ADU construction explode in Reno. Many Reno ADUs rent for $1,200-$1,800+ per month. That’s $14,400-$21,600 per YEAR coming in!
How Much Money Can You Make From an ADU?
Let’s talk real numbers! Here’s what ADUs typically rent for in Reno:
Studio/1-Bedroom ADU: $1,000 – $1,500/month
2-Bedroom ADU: $1,400 – $1,800/month
Luxury/High-End ADU: $1,800 – $2,500/month
Example: Garage Conversion ROI
Let’s say you spend $80,000 converting your garage:
- Monthly rent: $1,300
- Yearly income: $15,600
- Payback period: About 5-6 years
- After that: Pure profit (minus maintenance)!
Plus, your property value increases significantly when you add an ADU, making it worth more if you ever sell.
Example: Detached ADU ROI
Let’s say you spend $200,000 building a detached ADU:
- Monthly rent: $1,600
- Yearly income: $19,200
- Payback period: About 10-11 years
- Long-term: Steady income stream for decades!
Tax Benefits: You might be able to deduct some expenses related to your rental ADU. Talk to a tax professional to maximize your benefits!
Reno’s NEW ADU Rules (Updated October 2025!)
Major Changes Make ADUs Easier to Build!
The City of Reno officially adopted new Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations effective October 2025 — a major win for homeowners and investors seeking new income opportunities! Here’s what you need to know:
Lot Size Requirements
ADUs can only be located on lot sizes of at least 5,000 square feet. This is a compromise that makes ADUs accessible to most Reno homeowners!
Owner Occupancy Requirements
Either the primary residence or the ADU must be owner-occupied. This means YOU have to live in either the main house OR in the ADU — you can’t just own it and rent out both units while living somewhere else.
Parking Rules
One additional parking space is required for the ADU, unless exemptions apply. Your driveway or street parking often counts! Builders handle this during the design phase.
Height Restrictions
ADUs cannot be taller than the primary residence. This keeps neighborhood character consistent.
No Short-Term Rentals (Usually)
ADUs must generally be rented for 30+ days (long-term rentals). The city wants stable, long-term housing, not hotels in residential neighborhoods. Long-term rentals work great anyway — steady income, less turnover hassle!
Permits Are REQUIRED
Nevada ADU regulations require permitting procedures, with associated fees clearly outlined by Nevada county planning documents. Never skip permits — you can’t legally rent an unpermitted ADU, and it causes problems when selling your home!
Why ADUs Are Booming in Reno
The Housing Market is RED HOT
Building ADUs in Reno Nevada has exploded with rising housing costs and rental demand. Northern Nevada’s tech industry and growing population mean home values keep rising and rental demand is through the roof! ADUs help by adding housing without massive apartment buildings.
The City Made It WAY Easier
Reno’s new ADU ordinance represents one of the most flexible and investor-friendly housing updates in the West. After years of discussion, Reno finally adopted rules that make ADUs accessible to most homeowners. Before these changes, ADUs were almost impossible to build. After? Game-changer!
It’s a Smart Financial Move
Think about it: you already own the land. You’re already paying property taxes. Why not make that property work HARDER for you? Rent from an ADU can:
- Pay a big chunk of your mortgage
- Fund your kid’s college
- Build your retirement nest egg
- Give you financial breathing room
Family Needs Are Changing
Commissioner Garcia noted ADUs are critical for aging populations who need social interaction but can’t maintain large properties. More families are choosing multigenerational living — having grandparents or adult kids living nearby but not right on top of each other. ADUs are PERFECT for this!
Your Partner in Finding the Perfect Contractor in Reno
About Us
With our expertise in connecting homeowners with trusted professionals, you’re never alone on this journey. We understand the importance of effective communication and respecting your budget and timeline.
Together with the right contractor, we’ll help turn your dream home into reality with less stress and more joy. Our goal is to ensure your journey is not only successful but also an exciting and fulfilling experience every step of the way.
We believe every home has a story and a vision waiting to be realized. Our commitment is to connect you with contractors who will turn your ideas into reality. We are here to help you find the professionals who will create the home you’ve always dreamed of.
Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, Cold Springs, Lemmon Valley, Verdi, Incline Village, Carson City, Fernley, Dayton, Silver Springs, Minden, Gardnerville, Washoe Valley, Pleasant Valley, Golden Valley, Stead, North Valleys, South Reno, Southwest Reno, Midtown, Downtown Reno, and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions About ADU in Reno
Below are some of the most common questions Our Network get from families about ADU. If you have any other questions contact us!
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Garage/basement conversions: 2-4 months. Detached new construction: 4-8 months. Timeline depends on permits, weather, and project complexity.
Do I need special permits?
Yes! Every ADU needs city permits and inspections. Good builders handle all of this for you. Never skip permits — you can’t legally rent an unpermitted ADU.
What are the new Reno ADU rules?
Reno adopted new rules in October 2025! Main requirements: 5,000 sq ft minimum lot size, owner must live on property (in main house or ADU), one parking space required, ADU can’t be taller than main house. Short-term rentals generally not allowed.
What if my lot is small?
If your lot is at least 5,000 square feet, you can likely build an ADU! Internal and attached ADUs usually work for smaller lots. Your builder will know if your lot qualifies.
Do I have to live on the property?
Yes! Reno requires owner occupancy — you must live in either the main house OR the ADU. You can’t own the property and rent out both units while living elsewhere.
How much rent can I charge?
Studio/1-bedroom ADUs: $1,000-$1,500/month. 2-bedroom ADUs: $1,400-$1,800/month. Actual rent depends on your ADU’s location, condition, and amenities.
Will an ADU increase my property taxes?
Yes, because it adds value to your property. But the rental income usually covers the tax increase many times over!
Can I use my ADU for Airbnb?
Generally no. Reno typically requires ADUs to be rented for 30+ days (long-term rentals). Short-term vacation rentals usually aren’t allowed in ADUs.
What about utilities?
Your ADU will increase utility costs. Many landlords either include utilities in rent or install separate meters so tenants pay their own. Discuss options with your builder.
We provide services in the following cities:
- Montreux, NV
- Virginia City Highlands, NV
- Washoe Valley, NV
- Fernley, NV
- Dayton, NV
- Silver Springs, NV
- Cold Springs, NV
- Stead, NV
- St. James Village, NV
- Steamboat, NV
- Hidden Valley, NV
- Panther Valley, NV
- Wadsworth, NV
- Empire, NV
Start Earning With Your ADU In Reno
You deserve a contractor who understands how important this project is. Someone with ADU experience. Someone who won’t cut corners. Someone who’ll guide you through permits, design, construction, and final inspection.
Your income-generating ADU is waiting. Let’s make it happen.