ADU Questions,
Answered.

Our catalog models start at $80,000 for the Backyard Office (~300 SF), $140,000 for The Ewing (~500 SF), and $175,000 for The Crockett (~650 SF). These are starting prices for the base build. Larger custom projects are quoted individually. Final cost depends on site conditions, utility connections, finish selections, and local permitting requirements.

The starting price covers the structure itself — the cold-formed steel frame, exterior envelope, roofing, and the standard finish package for that model. Site preparation, foundation work, utility connections, permit fees, and any custom upgrades are quoted separately based on your property.

Beyond the base price, plan for site preparation and grading, foundation work, utility connections (water, sewer, electrical), permit and impact fees charged by your municipality, and any finish or appliance upgrades you select. We provide an itemized quote after reviewing your property so there are no surprises.

Material costs for steel framing can be comparable to or slightly higher than wood depending on lumber market conditions. However, steel offers longer service life, resistance to termites, rot, and fire, and far less risk of warping or settling — which typically means lower maintenance and repair costs over the life of the structure.

Adding permitted, livable square footage generally increases property value, and an ADU can also generate rental income. The exact impact depends on your local market, the size and quality of the unit, and how appraisers in your area treat accessory dwellings. We recommend speaking with a local real estate professional for an estimate specific to your neighborhood.

Yes. Our catalog models are the fastest and most cost-effective path, but they aren’t a ceiling. Our steel framing systems are engineered to specification, so we design and build custom configurations — including footprints considerably larger than our catalog models. Contact us to discuss what you have in mind and we’ll advise on feasibility and pricing.

Most homeowners reach completion in about 3–6 months. That typically breaks down as 2–3 weeks for design and planning, 6–12 weeks for permit review depending on your city, and roughly 8 weeks of construction once permits are issued. Permitting is the least predictable stage because it depends entirely on your local jurisdiction.

Our steel components are precision-manufactured and panelized off-site while site work and permitting proceed in parallel. Because every piece is cut to exact specification, on-site assembly is faster and there’s far less measuring, cutting, and rework than with stick-built framing.

The most common cause is permit review at the municipal level, which can range from 6 to 12 weeks depending on how busy your jurisdiction is. Other factors include inspection scheduling, utility connection coordination, and unexpected site conditions such as poor soil or difficult access. Weather affects site work but has less impact on steel framing than on wood, which can be damaged by moisture exposure during construction.

In most cases yes. Because an ADU is a separate structure, your primary residence typically remains fully livable throughout the build. There may be short periods of noise, equipment access, or brief utility interruptions during connection work, and we coordinate those with you in advance.

Common options include home equity loans (HELOC), cash-out refinancing, renovation or construction loans, and dedicated ADU financing products that some lenders now offer. Cash is also common for the smaller models. The right choice depends on your equity position, credit, and how you plan to use the unit.

Some lenders will consider projected rental income from a permitted ADU when underwriting, though policies vary considerably between lenders and loan products. Ask any lender you’re speaking with directly, since this can meaningfully change what you qualify for.

Contact us to discuss current financing options and any lending partners we work with. We’re happy to point you toward lenders experienced with accessory dwelling projects.

Projects are structured around milestones. A deposit is due after design approval and before permits are submitted, a second milestone payment is due when construction officially starts, and final payment is due at certificate of occupancy or the final punch walk. Your specific schedule is set out in your contract before work begins.

Yes. Any permanent habitable structure requires building permits, and most jurisdictions also require zoning approval for an accessory dwelling unit. Requirements vary significantly city to city, which is why we handle permitting as a dedicated stage of the process.

Yes — permitting is a built-in stage of our process. We compile the architectural, engineering, site, and compliance documents into one coordinated package aligned to local requirements. Once plans are ready, submission typically takes about a week, and city review commonly runs 6–12 weeks depending on jurisdiction workload. Permit and impact fees charged by the municipality are passed through to you at cost.

Eligibility depends on your lot size, zoning district, setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and whether your city permits ADUs at all. Some cities also limit ADU size relative to the primary residence. We review your property and confirm what’s allowed before design begins.

Setbacks are the minimum distances a structure must sit from your property lines, and sometimes from the main house. They’re set by your local zoning code and directly affect where an ADU can be placed — and occasionally which model will fit. We verify these during the site review.

HOA rules are separate from city zoning and can be more restrictive. If your property is in an HOA, review your covenants and submit for architectural approval early — it’s worth doing before you get far into design.

In most jurisdictions that permit ADUs, yes — but rules vary. Some cities restrict short-term rentals, require the owner to occupy one of the units, or impose registration requirements. Check your local ordinance, and confirm your HOA rules if applicable.

Requirements differ depending on whether a structure is classified as habitable living space. Because the Backyard Office has no bathroom or kitchen, some jurisdictions treat it differently from a full dwelling unit — but it still requires permitting. We confirm the classification with your city during review.

Cold-formed steel framing uses sheet steel shaped into structural members at room temperature. The result is a lightweight, dimensionally precise framing system used widely in commercial construction and increasingly in residential builds — each member is manufactured to exact specification rather than cut on site.

Steel does not rot, warp, split, or attract termites. It’s non-combustible, dimensionally stable over time, resistant to moisture and mold, and fully recyclable. Because it’s manufactured to precise tolerances, walls stay straight and square — which shows up in finish quality and long-term durability.

No. Properly detailed steel-framed buildings use insulation and thermal break assemblies that address conductivity, and standard insulation and drywall assemblies handle acoustics. Once finished, a steel-framed ADU feels no different inside than a conventionally framed home.

Structural steel framing is galvanized — coated in zinc — which protects it from corrosion. Inside a properly built and sealed wall assembly, the framing is not exposed to the moisture conditions that would cause rust.

Steel is non-combustible — it does not burn or contribute fuel to a fire. This is one of the significant safety advantages of steel framing over wood, and in some areas it can also affect insurance considerations.

Yes. Standard drywall goes over the framing just as in a wood-framed home, and appropriate fasteners are readily available for hanging shelving, cabinetry, TVs, and artwork. Heavier items should be anchored to framing members, same as in any construction.

Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world and is fully recyclable at end of life. Precision manufacturing also produces significantly less jobsite waste than conventional framing, where offcuts routinely end up in a dumpster.

Water, sewer, and electrical are typically extended from your existing service to the ADU, with trenching between the main house or street connection and the new structure. Distance and site conditions are the main cost drivers, which is why we assess this during the site review.

It can, depending on your goals and what your utility provider allows. Separate metering is often preferred for rental units so tenants are billed directly; shared metering is simpler and less expensive up front. We’ll walk through the tradeoffs with you.

Foundation type depends on soil conditions, local code, and the model. A concrete slab is common, and site grading may be required. Soil conditions across North Texas — particularly expansive clay — can affect the design, which we account for during engineering.

Access is one of the first things we evaluate. Narrow side yards, fences, trees, and overhead lines all affect how materials and equipment reach the build site. Panelized steel framing is often an advantage here, since components can be moved into tighter spaces than large prefabricated modules.

Sometimes. Existing sheds, patios, or slabs may need to be removed, and some cities have tree protection ordinances that restrict removal or require mitigation. We identify anything like this during the site review so it’s in the budget from the start.

Consultation, design approval, permitting, site preparation, construction, inspections, and move-in. Site prep and foundation typically take about 3 weeks, the structure is usually weather-tight about 2 weeks after framing begins, and interior finish-out follows. Fabrication of your steel frame happens off-site while site work proceeds, which is part of why the schedule compresses compared to conventional construction.

Accurate Steel Fab manages the project from design through completion, coordinating fabrication, site work, subcontractors, and inspections so you have a single point of contact rather than juggling multiple trades yourself.

Typical inspections include foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, and a final inspection. We coordinate the required city inspections, which usually take 1–2 weeks, address any inspection notes for sign-off, and obtain the certificate of occupancy where applicable. Exact requirements and sequencing are set by your local building department.

Yes. Each model comes with a standard finish package, and upgrades to flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and exterior finishes are available. Selections are made during the design stage so they’re reflected in your quote and schedule.

Warranty coverage is detailed in your contract, and manufacturer warranties apply to installed products such as roofing, windows, and appliances. Contact us for the current terms on your specific project.

Request a quote through our contact form or call 972-975-9871. We’ll discuss your goals, review your property, and recommend the model and configuration that fits your lot and budget.