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An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a smaller, independent living space built on the same lot as a primary home. In Columbus, this could mean a garage apartment, basement conversion, carriage house, or a detached backyard cottage. ADUs typically include a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and separate entrance, making them ideal for family members, renters, or home offices.
Yes — Columbus has zoning rules that allow certain types of ADUs, but the details depend on your property’s zoning district, lot size, and setback requirements. Some neighborhoods may allow basement or garage conversions, while detached ADUs may require larger lots. Because the rules can be complex, a feasibility study is often the best first step to confirm what type of ADU your property can support.
Homeowners in Columbus typically have a few options for creating an ADU:
Costs can vary widely based on size, design, and whether you’re converting an existing space or building new. On average, ADUs in Columbus range from $80,000 to $250,000+:
Yes — ADUs often boost property value by creating additional livable square footage and rental income potential. National studies show homes with ADUs can sell for 20–35% more than comparable properties without them. In Columbus, where housing demand is high, adding an ADU can make your property more attractive to buyers and provide steady income if rented out.
Yes, many Columbus homeowners use ADUs as rentals, but you’ll need to follow city rules. Columbus requires registration for short-term rentals (like Airbnb and VRBO), including paying a small lodging tax. Long-term rentals are typically allowed but must meet all building code and zoning requirements. Always check local regulations before listing your unit to avoid fines.
Whether your Columbus property qualifies for an ADU depends on factors like zoning, lot size, setbacks, and existing structures. Some neighborhoods allow detached ADUs, while others may only allow conversions of basements or garages. The best way to know for sure is with a feasibility study, which reviews your property and confirms what type of ADU you can legally build.
Columbus has specific zoning codes that dictate where ADUs can be built, how close they can be to property lines (setbacks), and maximum height or size limits. For example, detached ADUs often must be built behind the primary home and within a certain square footage range. Since the rules can vary by zoning district, it’s important to check your parcel’s zoning map or work with an expert to interpret the requirements.
A feasibility study is the first step in any ADU project. It typically includes:
Yes — permitting is often one of the most confusing steps for homeowners, and we help streamline the process. Our consulting service includes guidance on required permits, paperwork preparation, and coordination with the City of Columbus (or surrounding cities) permit office. Having properly prepared plans and applications reduces delays and helps your project move forward smoothly.
Yes, there are several ways to finance an ADU in Columbus, including:
Not always. For smaller ADUs, especially garage or basement conversions, a designer experienced with ADUs can often create plans that meet code requirements. Larger or more complex projects may require a licensed architect. We provide design services tailored specifically for ADUs, helping you avoid overpaying for unnecessary architectural work while still ensuring your plans are code-compliant.
ADUs can be customized to fit your property and lifestyle. Common options include:
Each has different zoning and cost implications. Our design process helps you choose the layout that balances budget, aesthetics, and functionality.
Yes — and we actually offer them. Our pre-designed ADU plans are created specifically for Columbus and surrounding areas, which means they’ve already been adapted to meet local zoning rules, building codes, and permitting requirements. Pre-designed or stock ADU plans you typically find online are not adapted for Columbus so you end up spending extra to modify them. Using our plans can save you significant time and money compared to starting from scratch. If you need something more unique, we also provide custom design options tailored to your property and lifestyle.
Our design process starts with a site assessment to evaluate your lot size, layout, utilities, and existing structures. From there, we create a design that works within your space while complementing the style of your primary home. This ensures the ADU not only meets zoning requirements but also enhances your property’s value and curb appeal.
Yes. A successful ADU design accounts for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC connections. We integrate these into your design so there are no surprises during construction. This also makes the permit process smoother since the City of Columbus requires detailed utility plans for approval.
We don’t swing the hammers ourselves — but we connect you with vetted, licensed contractors in Columbus who specialize in ADUs, garage conversions, and home additions. We also stay involved throughout the process to ensure the work matches the approved plans and is executed correctly.
Most ADUs take between 3 to 6 months from permit approval to completion. Timelines vary depending on the type (garage conversion vs. new build), weather conditions, and contractor schedules. We help keep your project on track by coordinating with contractors and the city.
Yes. We coordinate with contractors and the City of Columbus (or your nearby city) to ensure your project passes all required inspections and meets code. This saves you the headache of navigating city approvals on your own.
Yes — if you already have a trusted contractor, we’re happy to collaborate with them. Our role is to provide the plans, permitting support, and construction oversight to ensure the build is done correctly and in compliance with local requirements.
In Columbus, ADUs can typically rent for $1,000–$1,800 per month depending on location, size, and finishes. That means an ADU can either pay for itself over time or provide consistent supplemental income.
Yes — Columbus is experiencing population growth, rising rents, and limited housing supply. Building an ADU is one of the smartest ways to create affordable housing while generating rental income and long-term equity.
Most general contractors focus on standard remodels or additions. We specialize in ADUs — from consulting and design to connecting you with vetted builders. That means we know the zoning rules, the fastest permitting paths, and the pitfalls to avoid. In short: we save you time, money, and headaches.
The best way to start is with a feasibility consultation. We’ll review your property, confirm what’s possible, and outline your design and financing options. From there, you can decide whether to move forward with pre-designed plans, a custom design, or a full construction package.
You can fill out the form on our website, and we’ll reach out to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your property, answer your questions, and give you a clear next step — whether that’s choosing a ready-to-build plan, moving forward with a custom design, or preparing for construction.
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