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WikEst ADU Intelligence
Plan an ADU with real numbers & real rules
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — a backyard cottage, in-law suite, or garage conversion — can add rental income, space for family, or resale value. WikEst gives you the cost, the return, the financing, and the permit rules for your state, all linked to official sources.
Why build an ADU?
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Rental income
A legal ADU can generate steady monthly rent and improve cash flow.
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Space for family
Aging parents, boomerang kids, or a home office — without moving.
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Resale value
Extra livable square footage typically lifts a home's value.
Tools
ADU rules by state (50 states)
Permit requirement, fee basis, area threshold, setback, and exempt criteria for an ADU in your state — each linked to its official source.
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California
Los Angeles · San Francisco
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Texas
Houston · Dallas
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Florida
Miami · Orlando
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New York
New York City · Buffalo
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Pennsylvania
Philadelphia · Pittsburgh
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Illinois
Chicago · Springfield
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Ohio
Columbus · Cleveland
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Georgia
Atlanta · Savannah
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North Carolina
Charlotte · Raleigh
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Michigan
Detroit · Grand Rapids
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New Jersey
Newark · Jersey City
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Virginia
Virginia Beach · Richmond
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Washington
Seattle · Spokane
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Arizona
Phoenix · Tucson
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Massachusetts
Boston · Worcester
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Tennessee
Nashville · Memphis
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Indiana
Indianapolis · Fort Wayne
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Missouri
St. Louis · Kansas City
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Maryland
Baltimore · Annapolis
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Wisconsin
Milwaukee · Madison
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Alaska
Anchorage · Fairbanks
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Alabama
Birmingham · Montgomery
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Arkansas
Little Rock · Fayetteville
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Colorado
Denver · Colorado Springs
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Connecticut
Hartford · New Haven
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Delaware
Wilmington · Dover
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Hawaii
Honolulu · Hilo
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Iowa
Des Moines · Cedar Rapids
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Idaho
Boise · Meridian
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Kansas
Overland Park · Wichita
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Kentucky
Louisville · Lexington
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Louisiana
New Orleans · Baton Rouge
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Maine
Portland · Lewiston
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Minnesota
Minneapolis · Saint Paul
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Mississippi
Jackson · Gulfport
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Montana
Billings · Missoula
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North Dakota
Fargo · Bismarck
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Nebraska
Omaha · Lincoln
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New Hampshire
Manchester · Nashua
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New Mexico
Albuquerque · Santa Fe
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Nevada
Las Vegas · Reno
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Oklahoma
Oklahoma City · Tulsa
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Oregon
Portland · Eugene
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Rhode Island
Providence · Warwick
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South Carolina
Charleston · Columbia
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South Dakota
Sioux Falls · Rapid City
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Utah
Salt Lake City · Provo
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Vermont
Burlington · Montpelier
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West Virginia
Charleston · Huntington
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Wyoming
Cheyenne · Casper
Guides
ADU planning checklist
A printable, plain-language path from “can I build one?” to “it’s rented.” Rules vary by city — always confirm with your local building department.
- 1 · FeasibilityConfirm your city/zone allows an ADU (by-right, discretionary, or prohibited).
- 1 · FeasibilityCheck lot size, setbacks, and max ADU area vs. your local code.
- 1 · FeasibilityConfirm parking, owner-occupancy, and design-review rules.
- 2 · TypePick type: detached, attached, garage conversion, or prefab.
- 2 · TypeMatch type to your budget using the ADU cost calculator.
- 3 · MoneyCompare HELOC / construction loan / home equity loan / cash.
- 3 · MoneyModel rental ROI and payback at your local rent level.
- 4 · PermitsPull the permits your city requires (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical).
- 4 · PermitsUse pre-approved plans if your city offers them to speed review.
- 5 · BuildGet 2–3 contractor bids; verify license & insurance.
- 5 · BuildSchedule inspections at each required stage.
- 6 · OperateIf renting: register the unit, set lease, budget upkeep & taxes.
Verify locally. ADU rules, fees, and size limits are set by your city or county and change often. Every state page links to its official source — confirm with the issuing building department before you design or build.