Understanding the Full Scope
What’s Included in Our ADU Pricing
When comparing ADUs, it’s critical to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Our pricing includes:
Full permitting and zoning compliance with Madison-area regulations
Structural engineering and architectural planning
Utility connections (water, sewer, electric)
High-efficiency HVAC and water heating systems
Quality finishes and fixtures (or allowances to customize them)
Foundation work and site preparation
Other builders often provide estimates that are missing vital aspects of the project—what we call "napkin math." These rough numbers often aren’t based on real-world costs or a full understanding of what’s required to complete the build. We've had customers come to us after receiving these kinds of estimates from other builders—only to discover they were missing critical components that significantly affected the overall budget. We build complete, code-compliant homes with pricing that reflects the full scope of work—no surprises.
Full Home, Just Smaller
Why ADUs Cost More Than You Might Expect
Unlike a large home where square footage includes low-cost areas like bedrooms and hallways, a tiny home condenses all the most expensive parts of a house—kitchen, bathroom, HVAC, plumbing, electrical—into a small footprint. These systems are fixed costs, regardless of square footage.
That means every square foot in an ADU is doing more—more functionality, more complexity, and more value per square foot. This is why the square foot price looks higher, but in reality, you’re investing in a fully self-contained home, not just “space.”
Monthly Payment and Property Value
Thinking Long Term
Monthly Payment Perspective: With financing, your monthly ADU cost can often be less than the cost of rent or assisted living. And unlike rent, an ADU builds equity and adds value to your property.
Assisted Living Comparison: A high-quality facility can cost over $15,000/month. An ADU can often be built for the cost of just a few months of assisted living, and gives your loved ones independence with closeness.
Rental Income Potential: If you’re using your ADU as a rental, many of our clients generate $1,200–$1,800/month in added income—effectively paying off their investment while growing property value.
Flexible Options to Fit Your Goals
Flexible Options to Fit Your Goals
We offer ways to tailor the project to your budget and timeline:
Simplify finish selections to save on up-front costs
Connect you with experienced ADU lenders
Explore designs that meet your needs while staying budget-conscious
Let’s Talk Through the Details
We believe in transparency and education. If you're comparing quotes, we’re happy to walk you through what’s included (and what’s not) in different options. Oftentimes, we find that other quotes are missing key scope items—things like utility hookups, permit fees, architecture, engineering or insulation standards—which can add up quickly. That’s why we provide a detailed estimate upfront that reflects the full scope of work. Most builders don’t.
We’ll never pressure you into a sale—but we will be your advocate to help you make an informed, confident decision.
