Home Additions & Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Construction in Central Texas

Addition costs vary significantly based on size, type, and finishes. Simple room additions (200-400 sq ft) typically range $40,000-80,000. Master suite additions (400-600 sq ft) range $80,000-150,000. Complete ADUs (600-800 sq ft) typically cost $150,000-250,000. These ranges represent standard construction with mid-range finishes in Central Texas. Your specific cost depends on your project’s details, finish selections, site conditions, and complexity. We provide detailed, customized estimates after property consultation and design development.

Timeline depends on project type and size. Simple room additions take 6-10 weeks from permit approval to completion. Master suites take 8-12 weeks. Complete ADUs take 12-18 weeks. Second story additions take 12-16 weeks due to complexity. These timelines begin after permit approval—add 2-6 weeks for permitting depending on jurisdiction. Our systematic approach and in-house team allows faster completion than contractors relying entirely on subcontractors.

Making additions look original is our specialty. We carefully match your home’s existing architecture, roof pitch, materials, and details so additions blend seamlessly. This requires experience and attention to detail most contractors lack. We study your home’s proportions and character, source matching or complementary materials, and execute finish work that creates cohesive results. When done correctly, visitors can’t tell where original home ends and addition begins.

Yes, most families remain in homes during addition construction, though it requires some accommodation. For attached additions, we seal off construction zones with dust barriers, maintain clear pathways through your home, and minimize disruption to daily routines. For detached ADUs, construction occurs away from living areas with minimal home impact. Some families temporarily relocate during particularly disruptive phases, but most remain in homes throughout construction.

ADU regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction. Your property’s location determines applicable rules: Bastrop County, Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, or cities within those counties each have unique regulations. We build additions and ADUs throughout Central Texas within approximately 75 miles of our Red Rock base. This includes Bastrop County, Williamson County, Hays County, Travis County, and portions of surrounding counties. Our primary service areas include Bastrop, Buda, Kyle, Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Manor, Smithville, Elgin, and Dripping Springs. Generally, ADUs require existing primary dwellings on property, minimum lot sizes, setback compliance, and adequate utilities. Some jurisdictions restrict ADU use (long-term rental only, owner-occupied property requirement, family member restriction). During initial consultation, we research your specific property’s zoning and applicable ADU regulations, provide honest assessment of what’s permitted, and handle all permitting. If your location isn’t listed, contact us—we regularly serve additional areas based on project specifics.

Utility requirements depend on jurisdiction and ADU configuration. Some jurisdictions require separate electrical meters for ADUs; others allow sharing with primary dwelling. Water service is typically shared (single meter serving both dwellings). Septic systems must have adequate capacity for additional dwelling—we evaluate and design appropriate solutions. HVAC is always separate system for ADU. We coordinate with utility companies, handle all utility permitting, and ensure systems meet capacity needs and code requirements.

In most Central Texas jurisdictions, yes—ADUs can be rented long-term for income. However, regulations vary by location. Some jurisdictions allow short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO); others restrict ADUs to long-term rentals only. Some areas require property owner live on-site (either main home or ADU). During consultation, we research rental restrictions for your specific property location. Rental ADUs provide consistent income (typically $800-1,500+ monthly in Central Texas), helping offset construction costs.

Additions expand existing home’s living space—extra bedrooms, family rooms, master suites—connected to and part of primary dwelling. ADUs are complete, independent living spaces: separate entrances, complete kitchens with cooking facilities, full bathrooms, living areas, and often separate utilities. ADUs can be attached or detached but function as self-contained dwelling units. The distinction matters for permitting, zoning, and utility regulations.

We handle architectural design for most additions and ADUs in-house as part of our full-service approach. For simple additions, we create construction drawings meeting permit requirements. For complex additions, second stories, or large ADUs, we coordinate with licensed architects and engineers as needed (typically included in project cost). This full-service approach means you deal with one point of contact—us—rather than managing separate relationships with architects, engineers, and contractors.

Surprises occasionally occur during construction, especially with older homes: hidden water damage, outdated wiring needing replacement, foundation issues, or unexpected utility complications. When we discover issues, we communicate immediately with you about the problem, explain implications for project timeline and budget, present solution options with associated costs, and let you decide how to proceed. We never proceed with significant additional work without your approval. Our transparent communication ensures no surprise bills at project end.