As seasoned Denver ADU builders, we build ADUs in all suburbs of Denver as well as other areas of Colorado, and we’ve seen a big surge in the popularity of the building ADUs.
So we’re going to go through the aspects you need to know when it comes to ADUs and Denver ADU builders because, like many states, Denver has its own rules and regulations. Let’s start with a quick summary.
Denver ADU builders are licensed general contractors that are permitted to assess properties for ADUs, navigate through zoning requirements, design, and project manage the build. Ultimately meeting client expectations. Contractors in Denver have prior experience in building ADUs in the Denver area.
Such is the popularity and desire to build an ADU, that residents in numerous areas around Colorado have lobbied for city officials to rezone their properties in order to allow the development of ADUs.
Currently, only about 30% of homes in Denver have this sort of construction zoned, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for all homeowners. After all, ADUs are legal in Colorado, but as we discuss in that article, there are things you need to understand.
Many families have benefited from Ridge constructions experience, having them build newly detached or extended Accessory Dwelling Units for them.
What constitutes an ADU in Denver
Quite simply, in addition to the main structure, an ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a separate living area built on a single-family property lot.
Employing Denver ADU builders is a perfect option for families and property owners who want to add additional living space to their property, or their lot, but don’t have the expertise.
ADU buildings include:
Accessory Dwelling Units are known by a number of names, here are some common terms and uses you may have heard of…
⦁ ADU
⦁ Granny flat
⦁ Carriage house
⦁ Art studio
⦁ Home office
⦁ Guesthouse
⦁ Casita
⦁ Clubroom
All the above are simply different names for what is essentially the same type of building.
Accessory Dwelling Units are great for families. They can serve almost anything the family needs.
ADU uses in Denver
Let’s expand on this list a bit more to provide some uses and reasons why families and property owners we work with choose to invest in an ADU.
⦁ Airbnb Rental – An investment for seasonal renting
⦁ Long-term Rental – A long term rental investment
⦁ Studio – A space for hobbies and pursuits
⦁ Granny Flat – To bring elderly family members closer to where you can assist them
⦁ In-Law Suite – A suitable place to accommodate in-laws or other family members
⦁ Guest Suite – Providing the ability to invite all your guests to stay, popular where lots of out-of-town visitors are likely to visit you.
⦁ Remote Work – For those in need of a separate office or work location
⦁ Distance Learning – Ideal for setting up a homeschool or college learning space
Building an ADU in Denver: requirements
Building an ADU in Denver may seem straightforward but there are pitfalls which if not detected and dealt with early on can cause issues down the line.
It appears on the surface to simply be a construction of a new building or the expansion of an existing building. But there are a number of regulatory procedures and checks required along the way in order to adhere to the codes for a dwelling in your neighborhood and on your lot.
Here are a few of the broader terms that you and your Denver ADU builders need to be aware of:
⦁ Properly Zoned Lot – based on where you fall in the Denver zoning map
⦁ Allowable square footage – based on current property specifications
⦁ Allowable bulk plane space – Essentially the volume capacity of the new or extended building.
⦁ Permits – Necessary building permits required at stages alongside the building project
If you’re looking to expand on your existing property or simply looking to maximize your space – then an ADU construction is often the best solution.
And Denver ADU builders are the most appropriate choice …as they will understand the above-mentioned zones, square footage requirements, allowable volumes, and necessary permits within Denver, and potentially other areas of Colorado.
Understanding the project: scale
It can be a challenge to create an entirely new and independent living unit.
Homeowners should understand that embarking on an ADU project is typically more expensive and lengthy than simply remodeling a room or even knocking a wall through.
Aspects like site access, site conditions, the scope of work, and finishing selections can vary widely and impact a project. We approach every project as a unique and bespoke dwelling. We bring the skills and experience to overcome on-site challenges and create your dream second home.
Denver has a lot of viable homes that are capable of housing an accessory dwelling unit, and oftentimes more than one.
Historical areas and zoning
Another factor to consider when building a home is whether or not it is located in a Historic Landmark Protected Neighborhood.
Structures within these designated areas will require additional steps and checkpoints before construction can commence.
The zoning aspect can be dealt with at least in principle pretty easily.
The fastest way to check whether your home falls into a historic district is to view the city and county of Denver’s property map click here.
Three simple steps to checking your zone
Step One: Click the property map link. https://denvergov.org/maps/map/zoning
Step Two: Enter your address in the search bar for details on the current district.
Step Three: Return to the Ridge Construction site to check that your zoning is listed.
Once back on this page, then below, we’ve added the list of Denver Zoning Codes that permit ADU construction in neighborhoods around Denver.
Start by matching your home’s zoning area with the codes below. If it’s there then great, but don’t panic if your code does not show, we’re able to help with this situation
| S-SU-F1 | E-SU-B1 | U-SU-A1 | U-TU-B | G-RH-3 | M-RH-3 |
| S-RH-2.5 | E-SU-D1 | U-SU-B1 | U-TU-C | G-MU-3 | M-RX-3 |
| S-MU-3 | E-SU-G1 | U-SU-C1 | U-TU-B2 | G-MU-5 | M-RX-5 |
| S-MU-5 | E-SU-D1x | U-SU-E1 | U-RH-2.5 | G-MU-8 | M-RX-5a |
| S-MU-8 | E-TU-B | U-SU-H1 | U-RH-3A | G-MU-12 | M-GMX |
| S-MU-12 | E-TU-C | U-SU-A2* | G-MU-20 | ||
| S-MU-20 | E-RH-2.5 | U-SU-B2* | G-RO-3 | ||
| E-MU-2.5 | U-SU-C2* | G-RO-5 |
* Some Limitations May Apply – Call us for details
If your property does fall within this zoning, it doesn’t mean you cannot build your ADU, it may just mean there will be additional design requirements that need to be met.
Again, understanding the mapping can sometimes be difficult to gauge, so give us a call and we can help you to navigate this easily.
Here are the two main outcomes, for any questions regarding this just give us a call.
| Zoning District Listed | ADU Build permitted | Next step |
| Yes | The likelihood is you are permitted to build an ADU on your property | Determine how big your ADU can be. Request a feasibility study with us |
| No | Assess your options ask us to conduct a feasibility study | Assess and commence a rezoning process |
The key here is not to panic regarding zoning. Ridge construction’s experienced team and resources mean we understand the options available to you and can assist in obtaining the information needed to assess your ADU project.
We have expertise with new residential construction and all local municipalities’ development services approval procedures, thus ensuring that you obtain accurate information on your ADU build – throughout your ADU project. Why not just call us now and ask.
Denver city regulations
In alignment with Denver city regulations, and like many other cities and states, Denver requires that your ADU has its own address.
If you’re in a single-unit zone district – meaning you live in a standalone property, then you, as the owner will need to live on-site, in either the primary residence or in the ADU.
Utilities must be shared with the primary dwelling wherever feasible.
As annoying as it may seem, you will also be required to pay all the same permitting fees as you would if the ADU were a primary residence.
In single-unit zone districts – again where there is a single and existing habituated dwelling, you would be unable to separately sell the ADU within the lot unless you’re also selling the main property.
This includes any family members or via other means. Simply put, the ADU cannot be split from the primary property and treated individually.
Building your own ADU in Denver
You may want to look at the option of building your own ADU. You can only undertake this work however if you’re a licensed general contractor. Only General Contractors are licensed to construct an ADU in Denver.
It may sound simple in practice, but to homes such as an ADU, that needs to be of both good quality and cost-effective, requires a high level of detailed planning and constant checks with regulatory bodies, and extensive communication with the owner.
Remaining on time, and on budget, while adhering to all the regulations – yet still maintaining quality and satisfaction is something that can only be achieved by an experienced contractor like Ridge Construction.
Denver city regulations
Often we consider the cost of building an ADU as a project-based budget and not on a per square foot basis.
What you need to remember is that you’re building a small home in your backyard or an extension to an existing established property.
When considering what’s involved, you are going to need many aspects that the home includes. It will need a kitchen, a bathroom, and other rooms, involving structures, electrical, plumbing, and a wealth of other building trades.
The average price for an ADU in Denver
Based on our years of working in and around Denver as licensed Denver ADU builders. You can expect to budget for a cost of around $240,000 to $325,000 [EDIT PRICE TO SUIT].
This is the typical, expected price range for an ADU built by Ridge Construction. But of course, there are a plethora of variables to keep in mind. The extent of groundwork, the size, volume, complexity, and finish quality, etc.
The process with Denver ADU builders
Every build is different, and as a Denver ADU builder, we will want to understand your goals in order to fulfill your needs. In general, the process of building your ADU looks something like this…
Consultation
Every project starts with a consultation where we will discuss your desired outcome and the path to get you there. We’ll create a conceptual design and estimate that fits your vision and budget. As well as navigate the regulations and zoning requirements.
Concept and Design
With our experienced team of designers and engineers, we’ll develop your plans for a fully permitted drawing, based on conceptual designs.
Project Management
The whole project is managed to ensure quality control during the building of your ADU. It’s important to maintain your vision and provide real-time budget and project tracking. Some of this also applies to a home remodel.
Thoughts before building your ADU
⦁ Ask yourself what do you want your ADU to achieve for you, be specific in your detail, how will it change or expand your family’s needs.
⦁ Whether it’s to generate revenue or not, how would the financials around this project look? What finance would you need to have, or secure, and what are the long term financial benefits
⦁ Assess the layout of your property. How can an ADU be accommodated that provides the correct style and space you need, but doesn’t compromise on the current use and aesthetics of your property, or your neighborhood.
⦁ Check your area, gauge what you can do by what you see in other people’s lots and backyards. Draw ideas from ADU’s you see in your neighborhood.
⦁ Are you able to properly manage and finance the ADU as an ongoing element of your property assets?
⦁ Thinking ahead, and gauging the challenges and potential pitfalls for the long term can save you a lot of time and effort in the short term.
More Help from Denver ADU builders
In our wider community of Denver, Ridge construction has an outstanding reputation for completing any building task, on time, and on budget. We have a track record of achieving the goals that our clients are looking for.
Why not contact us today and we’ll help you navigate towards a successful ADU build on your property.