What It Takes to Build an ADU in Asheville

A lot of people like the idea of adding an ADU. It’s a flexible option—guest space, rental income, family use—but the process is more involved than most homeowners expect. It’s not just a matter of drawing up a plan and getting a permit.

Interior of a completed basement ADU project, showing open living space and full kitchen.

The city has eased some zoning rules around ADUs in recent years, but the permitting process is still complex. It’s very common for people to get stuck before they even get to the construction phase.

What Makes It Complicated

Before you can build, you need to determine:

• Whether your zoning district allows an ADU

• What type of ADU is allowed (attached, detached, internal)

• How much lot coverage you’re using

• Where utilities are and whether upgrades are needed

• What your setbacks are

• What code requirements apply to things like energy, plumbing, and structure

Then you need to:

• Create a site plan that shows the proposed ADU in context

• Submit architectural drawings (to scale)

• Address energy compliance

• Coordinate MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) details

• Respond to reviewer comments and resubmit if needed

All of this has to happen before a permit is issued. And that’s assuming everything goes smoothly.

How We Help You Build an ADU in Asheville

We manage the entire pre-construction and permitting process. That includes:

• Reviewing zoning and feasibility before we start

• Creating or coordinating all required drawings

• Submitting the permit application through the city portal

• Responding to review comments and making plan updates as needed

• Coordinating with the city, utilities, and any third-party reviewers

If engineering is required, we’ll work with the appropriate consultants and integrate their work into the permit set.

Why This Matters

Many contractors don’t want to touch this part. It’s time-consuming, and the requirements shift depending on the scope and location. But it’s where a project can succeed or fail before construction ever begins.

We take it seriously because it directly affects the cost, timeline, and buildability of the project. We’ve done enough of these to know what to expect and how to keep the process moving.

Next Step

If you’re thinking about building an ADU in Asheville or the surrounding area, we can help you figure out if your property is a good fit, what the process will look like, and how to get started.

We don’t charge for an initial conversation. If it makes sense to move forward, we’ll outline the scope and cost for the preconstruction phase up front.

Reach out if you want to talk through through your project and see if we can help.