Beat the rush — get a personal Casita review.

Designing the perfect ADU next to your home can seem overwhelming. From choosing layout, flooring, countertops and accent pieces, there can be a lot of options to decide. A review of your lot and available allowances is what Carson Custom Homes & Remodeling provides.

Scale and Layout

Before designing, we review your specific property. ADU’s are allowed in certain areas with certain constraints.

A classic dwelling unit permitted on a property owner’s primary residence. Carson Custom Homes & Remodeling review helps you determine the scale and layout of your secondary unit. This includes reviewing your property and city restrictions for:

• Square Footage: In San Antonio, ADUs are generally capped at certain square feet or 50% of the main house size (whichever is larger) with a maximum square footage.
• Setbacks: Structures must maintain side and rear yard setbacks in most residential zones.
• Height Limits: Detached units are typically restricted to 2 stories or 25 feet in height.

Owner Occupancy and Parking

Local municipalities may tie ADU permits to the property owner’s primary residence and parking availability.

Parking: Generally, 1 off-street parking space is required per ADU. Reductions or waivers may apply if your property falls within designated transit corridors.

Owner-Occupancy: You must reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU. In San Antonio, you must record a restrictive covenant with the Bexar County Clerk affirming this.

Utilities and Infrastructure

Utility connections can represent unexpected costs in an ADU build.

Capacity & Plumbing: We ensure your existing sewer line and electrical panel can handle the increased capacity, as outdated lines may need to be upgraded to code.

Metering: We review whether you will share utility meters with the primary house or install separate meters, which affects installation costs.

Navigating the regulatory process

Application Process: In San Antonio, building plans must be submitted to the Development Services Department (DSD). .
Review Timeline: Expect a plan review period that typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, with construction stretching anywhere from 4 to 12 months.

Add to your existing property

Design and Long-Term Use

ADU designs should fit the neighborhood aesthetic while being highly functional.

Budget Buffer: Set realistic expectations. We recommend adding a 10% to 20% contingency fund to your budget for unexpected surprise issues.

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to discuss your perfect additional dwelling unit, call Carson Custom Homes. Our team will help you bring your dream ADU to life!

Request a Feasibility Review for your ADU