The ADU Advantage
Building Value into New Construction Homes
Explaining the New ADU Law
The Florida housing landscape is evolving, and one of the biggest changes impacting new construction homes and existing properties is the new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law. As the owner of Jason Boutwell Construction, and a builder specializing in both new custom homes and major additions, my team and I are already helping homeowners navigate this exciting opportunity.
Here is my perspective on the new law, what it means for your property, and how we’ve already applied innovative ADU design in new home construction.
About Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary, self-contained living space that is located on the same lot as a primary residence. My clients often call them in-law suites, granny flats, guest houses, or carriage houses.
Think of an ADU as a smaller, independent home. It must include:
The Types of ADUs We Build
ADUs are not one-size-fits-all. They fall into three main categories, all of which Jason Boutwell Construction has experience building:
Detached ADUs
A completely separate structure on the property, like a backyard cottage or a unit above a detached garage.
Attached ADUs
A unit that is an addition to, or built onto, the main house.
Converted ADUs
Repurposing existing space within the main house or converting a garage into a separate dwelling.
The New Florida ADU Law: Why It Matters to Us
The recent statewide legislation (part of Florida Statute § 163.31771) is a game-changer designed to encourage the creation of more housing units and provide flexibility to homeowners.
Before this law, local city and county zoning regulations often made building an ADU difficult or impossible. The new law strips away many of those local barriers by essentially requiring local governments to allow ADUs in most single-family residential zones.
What the New Law Means for Your Project:
It’s Now State-Mandated: Local governments must now allow ADUs on residential lots, eliminating many of the old, restrictive local ordinances.
No Excessive Parking Rules: Cities can no longer enforce extra parking requirements that were often used to block ADU construction.
Focus on Long-Term Housing: The law prevents ADUs from being used as short-term vacation rentals (like Airbnbs), ensuring they serve as longer-term housing for residents.
Streamlined Process: While local governments can still regulate things like setbacks and height, the law prevents them from using excessive “red tape” to make the permitting process overly difficult.
Simply put, if you are planning a new construction home or a major addition, my team and I believe it is now easier than ever to incorporate a flexible living unit right onto your property.
Innovative ADU Experience: My Approach to New Construction Homes
My experience as a builder has shown me how invaluable a thoughtfully designed ADU can be, both as an investment and as a functional space for multigenerational living.
We’ve completed diverse ADU projects, from a detached, separate dwelling to a pioneering new construction home with an integrated ADU.
Seamless Integration: A Smart Attached ADU Solution
In one of my recent new construction homes, we were able to seamlessly integrate the main house and the ADU to maximize efficiency and function. This project highlights how smart design can overcome common construction challenges, like fire separation requirements:
My team was able to design the attached ADU with a single fire wall that met all of the Florida Building Code requirements for separation. This saved on construction costs and space. What makes this design truly unique is the inclusion of an internal hallway that connects the main residence to the ADU. This space is designed to be highly adaptable: it can remain open to join the dwellings, or it can be easily closed off and turned into extra storage by simply adding drywall and a set of doors on either side, if the homeowner ever needs to completely separate the units.
This type of innovative, future-proof design is key to maximizing the utility and value of your new construction home. Whether you need a space for aging parents, a college student, or a long-term rental unit to offset your mortgage, an ADU offers unparalleled flexibility.