ADU Builder in Orlando, Florida — Licensed, Permitted, Done Right
An accessory dwelling unit is one of the highest-ROI projects a Central Florida homeowner can build. A well-designed ADU adds usable square footage to your property, can generate rental income from day one, and increases your home's assessed value. TEK Construction Group is a licensed general contractor and ADU builder in Orlando with 50+ completed ADU projects across Central Florida. We handle everything: design, permits, construction, utilities connections, and final inspections. When we hand over the keys, your unit is move-in ready.
What Is an ADU?
An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a complete, self-contained living space built on the same lot as a primary single-family home. It has its own entrance, living area, kitchen, and bathroom. ADUs are sometimes called guest houses, in-law suites, mother-in-law suites, backyard cottages, or granny flats. Legally, they are a separate dwelling unit that can be occupied independently from the main home.
In Orange and Osceola counties, ADUs have become increasingly common as homeowners look for ways to generate income, house family members, or add value to their property without selling or moving. Florida's ADU regulations have become more permissive over the past few years, making more properties eligible to add one than before.
ADU Types TEK Builds
Detached ADUs
A detached ADU is a fully separate structure built in the backyard or side yard of your property. It does not share any walls with the main home. Detached ADUs offer the most privacy for both the primary resident and the occupant of the unit. They are popular for rental use because tenants feel like they have their own home rather than an attached apartment. Building a detached ADU requires a minimum lot size (6,000 sq ft in most Orlando jurisdictions) and adherence to setback requirements: typically 10 feet from the rear property line and 5 feet from the side lines. TEK designs detached ADUs to match the architectural style of the main home, which is a requirement in most Central Florida municipalities.
Attached In-Law Suites
An attached in-law suite is built as an addition to the primary home, sharing at least one wall. It has its own private entrance from the exterior and full kitchen and bathroom. Attached units are popular for multi-generational households where family members want to be close but still have independent living space. They are slightly less expensive to build than detached ADUs because you share some foundation, framing, and roofline. However, they require the same permitting and must still meet all ADU-specific code requirements.
Garage Conversions
A garage conversion transforms an existing attached or detached garage into livable space. Because the structure already exists, garage conversions are typically the least expensive ADU option. The key requirements are adding insulation, HVAC, proper egress windows or doors, electrical upgrades, and a kitchen. The garage door opening is infilled with a new wall and window or door combination. TEK handles garage conversions in St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Note that converting your garage may affect your parking requirement, and some HOAs restrict this type of conversion, so TEK reviews feasibility before committing to a scope.
Above-Garage ADUs
An above-garage ADU adds a full living unit on top of an existing or new garage. This is an efficient way to add significant square footage without touching your backyard. The structural load requirements are more complex, and TEK works with a structural engineer on these projects. Above-garage ADUs are popular on properties where backyard space is limited or highly valued.
Why Orlando Homeowners Are Building ADUs
Rental income is the most common driver. A 1-bedroom ADU in the Orlando area can generate $1,200 to $1,800 per month in long-term rental income. At $1,500 per month, a $200,000 ADU pays for itself in approximately 11 years, and the structure itself continues to add value to the property indefinitely.
Multi-generational housing is the second most common reason. Adult children returning home, aging parents who need proximity but not full integration, or family members visiting long-term all benefit from having a private, separate living space on the property.
A properly permitted and constructed ADU can increase a home's assessed value by 20 to 30 percent. In a market like Central Florida where property values remain high, that equity impact is significant.
Orlando ADU Requirements
Requirements vary slightly between Orange County, Osceola County, and individual municipalities like Orlando City, Winter Park, and Kissimmee. TEK is familiar with the requirements across all the jurisdictions we work in. General requirements that apply across most of our service area include:
- Minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet
- ADU cannot exceed 50% of the primary home's living area
- 10-foot rear setback, 5-foot side setbacks for detached ADUs
- One additional parking space required per ADU unit
- Architectural style must match the primary home
- Owner occupancy may be required depending on jurisdiction
TEK reviews your specific parcel and zoning during the free consultation. We will tell you clearly what is possible and what is not before you commit to anything.
ADU Costs and Timeline
Studio ADUs (400 to 500 sq ft) typically run $145,000 to $175,000. One-bedroom ADUs (600 to 700 sq ft) run $175,000 to $225,000. Two-bedroom ADUs (800 to 900 sq ft) run $225,000 to $275,000. Garage conversions tend to be less expensive because the structure exists. Above-garage units and detached ADUs on complex sites may run above these ranges.
Most ADU projects with TEK take 5 to 6 months total from contract to certificate of occupancy. Permitting typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Construction runs 16 to 20 weeks. Weather and change orders can affect the timeline.
ADU Locations We Serve
TEK builds ADUs across Central Florida. We have dedicated location pages for St. Cloud, Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Winter Park, Windermere, and Orlando.
FAQs
Yes. All ADUs require building permits regardless of type or size. Permits cover the structure itself as well as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. TEK handles the full permit process including applications, plan review coordination, and scheduling all required inspections. Operating an unpermitted ADU creates serious liability and can complicate a future home sale.
Costs range from approximately $145,000 to $275,000 depending on size, type, and finishes. A studio ADU typically runs $145,000 to $175,000. A 1-bedroom runs $175,000 to $225,000. A 2-bedroom runs $225,000 to $275,000. Garage conversions can be less depending on the existing structure's condition. TEK provides free, detailed estimates based on your specific property and goals.
Yes, properly permitted ADUs can be rented for long-term tenants. TEK ensures your unit meets all requirements for rental use and obtains the certificate of occupancy, which you will need for rental compliance. Depending on your city or county, short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) may have additional licensing requirements.
Most ADU projects take 5 to 6 months total from contract to certificate of occupancy. Permitting typically takes 4 to 6 weeks depending on current county timelines. Construction runs 16 to 20 weeks. Weather delays and any change orders can affect the timeline. TEK gives you a realistic schedule upfront.
TEK has an in-house design team that works with you on layout, material selections, and renderings. For complex custom projects, we collaborate with architects and outside designers as needed. Most homeowners work directly with our team without needing to hire separately.
Yes. Adding an ADU increases your home's assessed value, which increases property taxes. However, in most cases rental income more than offsets the tax increase within 2 to 3 months annually. TEK recommends discussing the tax implications with your property tax advisor before starting a project.
TEK provides a complete, turnkey service. That includes design, permit applications and management, site preparation, foundation, framing, MEP rough-in, insulation, interior finishes, exterior finishes, utilities connections, all required inspections, and final certificate of occupancy. Your ADU is move-in ready at handover.
A home addition expands your main home and remains part of the primary structure, sharing the same address, utilities hookup, and living space. An ADU is a separate, self-contained dwelling with its own entrance, address, and utility connections. ADUs can be rented independently and are counted as a separate unit by the county. Both add value, but they serve different purposes. TEK builds both and can help you figure out which is right for your property and goals.
Some HOAs restrict ADU construction, detached structures, or certain exterior modifications even if your county permits them. TEK reviews HOA restrictions as part of our feasibility assessment. If your HOA prohibits an ADU, we will tell you before you spend any money on plans or permits.
