ADU Construction Denver
Denver Metro ADU Specialists

Denver's ADU Builder — Backyard Cottages, Garage Conversions & More

303 Construction has been building in Denver's backyards since before ADU was a buzzword. Over 20 years of Denver builds. Full permit handling. One team, start to finish.

WHAT IS AN ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a second, self-contained living space on the same lot as your primary home. Denver City Council voted in November 2024 to allow ADUs in all residential neighborhoods — and Colorado's HB24-1152 requires every city in the metro to comply.

If you own a home anywhere in the Denver metro area, you can almost certainly build one now. ADUs can generate $1,500–$2,500/month in rental income, house family members, or simply add lasting value to your property.

ADUs come in many forms — detached backyard cottages, garage conversions, basement units, and attached additions. Each type has different costs, timelines, and requirements. 303 Construction has been building in Denver for over 20 years, and we handle everything from initial lot assessment and design through permits, construction, and final inspection — one team, one contract, one point of contact.

TYPES OF ADUs WE BUILD

Four ADU configurations to fit your property, goals, and budget.

Detached Backyard ADU

$180,000 – $350,000

A fully separate structure in your backyard. Maximum privacy and rental value. Typically 400–1,200 sq ft.

Best for: Homeowners with larger lots who want to maximize rental income or create fully independent living space for family.

Garage Conversion ADU

$80,000 – $130,000

Transform an existing detached garage into a livable space. Most cost-effective ADU option. Works best with alley access.

Best for: Properties with detached garages and alternative parking. The fastest, most affordable path to a rentable unit.

Basement ADU

$100,000 – $180,000

Convert your basement into a legal separate unit with its own entrance. Lowest disruption to your property footprint.

Best for: Homes with full unfinished basements and sufficient ceiling height. No change to your yard or exterior.

Attached Addition ADU

$150,000 – $280,000

An addition connected to your home with a private entrance. Good for homes with limited yard space.

Best for: Smaller lots where a detached unit won't fit. Ideal for multigenerational living with proximity to the main home.

THE 303 ADU BUILD PROCESS

1

Site and Zoning Review

We assess your specific lot, confirm ADU eligibility under your city's current zoning (every Denver metro city now allows ADUs under HB24-1152), and identify constraints before you spend a dollar.

2

Design and Planning

We develop your ADU design to maximize space, match your home's architecture, and meet all local building code requirements.

3

Permit Submission

We handle all permit applications with your city's planning department. We know what reviewers want and how to avoid the delays that trip up other builders.

4

Construction

Our crews build your ADU on schedule. We handle every trade — framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, finishes. One point of contact throughout.

5

Final Inspection and Handover

We walk through the completed unit with you, pass all required city inspections, and hand over the keys.

ADU INVESTMENT AND ROI

Typical Cost

$80K–$350K

Depending on type, size, and finishes

Rental Income

$1.5K–$2.5K/mo

For a well-finished Denver ADU

Timeline

9–14 months

Permitting + construction

Vacancy Rate

Extremely Low

Denver's housing shortage

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ADU costs vary by type and size. Garage conversions: $80,000–$130,000. Basement ADUs: $100,000–$180,000. Detached backyard ADUs: $180,000–$350,000. These are ranges — actual cost depends on your specific lot, utility connections, and finish level. 303 Construction offers free consultations with honest ballpark estimates before you commit.
From first consultation to move-in, most projects take 9–14 months total. Permitting with Denver Community Planning and Development (or your city's equivalent) typically takes 8–14 weeks. Construction on a detached ADU runs 4–6 months. Garage and basement conversions are often faster.
Yes. All ADU construction requires permits. 303 Construction handles the full permit process as part of every ADU project — including plan submission, responding to reviewer comments, and coordinating inspections.
As of June 30, 2025, Colorado's HB24-1152 requires every city in the Denver metro to allow ADUs wherever single-family homes are allowed. Denver, Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Aurora, Broomfield, and all other subject jurisdictions must comply. Most homeowners across the metro are now eligible. The best first step is a free lot and zoning review.
Long-term rentals (30+ days) are generally allowed. Short-term rentals (Airbnb-style) require a city license and typically require owner-occupancy on the property. Rules vary by city — we'll explain what applies to your specific situation during consultation.
Yes, ADUs typically increase your property's assessed value, which can modestly increase property taxes. Most homeowners find rental income far exceeds any tax increase.
No. Under Colorado's HB24-1152, HOAs cannot ban ADU construction outright. They can apply reasonable design standards to maintain neighborhood character, but they cannot prohibit you from building one.

Start with a Free ADU Consultation

Not sure if your lot qualifies? Not sure which ADU type makes sense for your property? That's exactly what our free consultation is for. We'll assess your property, walk through your options, and give you a straight answer — no pressure, no obligation.

CALL (303) 915-3575