An ADU builder in Dallas is a licensed contractor who designs and constructs accessory dwelling units — detached backyard units, garage conversions, attached additions, and junior ADUs (JADUs). Because an ADU is a complete second dwelling, the builder coordinates foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work and pulls it through Dallas's permit process and utility connections. Not every general contractor has built one, so the right builder is one with ADU-specific experience in Texas.
What ADU Builders Cost in Dallas [16][17][18]
Based on our Dallas cost data, expect the following ranges from local ADU builders. Quotes for the same scope typically vary 20-40% between contractors, so getting at least three bids is the single best way to control cost.
| New Detached ADU (all-in) | $130,000-$320,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $250-$400 |
| Garage Conversion | $30,000-$100,000 |
| Prefab / Modular ADU (installed) | $150,000-$300,000 |
| City Permit & Plan Review | $1,200-$1,400 building permit for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit: Table A-I ($1.07 per sq ft up to 700 sq ft; $0.34569 per sq ft plus $300 above) plus $577 plan review, $25 handling and $15 technology fee (fee schedule of July 1, 2025); Board of Adjustment special exception $600 (Ch. 52 Sec. 303.12.1.4). |
| Impact Fees | None listed. No water, wastewater or transportation impact fee appears in the city's Permit Fee Schedule (July 1, 2025) or in Ch. 52 Sec. 303; a unit on the house's existing meter pays no connection charge. A separate water or sewer tap and meter is billed by Dallas Water Utilities at its own rates, so ask before adding a second service. |
For a full line-item breakdown, see our Dallas ADU cost guide. To confirm what you're allowed to build before you hire, review the Dallas ADU rules (max detached size: Greater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main structure's floor area, minimum 200 sq ft (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(C)(i), overlay lots). Outside an overlay the general accessory-structure cap applies: one structure may not exceed 25% of the main building's floor area and all accessory structures together 50%, excluding parking (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(vii)(dd)-(ee)).; owner-occupancy: Required while either unit is rented: the owner must live in the main house or the ADU during the tenancy, with up to one year's absence by director approval (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(4)). Board of Adjustment approvals add a recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction and annual registration in the single-family rental program, $74 a year from Oct 1, 2025 (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)(cc); Sec. 27-31(e)(3)).).
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How to Vet an ADU Builder in Dallas
- License: Confirm a current contractor's license in Texas and that it's in good standing. Ask for the license number and verify it with the state board.
- ADU-specific experience: Ask how many ADUs they've completed in or near Dallas and request addresses or photos. ADU permitting and setbacks differ from a kitchen remodel.
- Portfolio & references: Get references from recent ADU clients and, if possible, visit a finished unit.
- Insurance: Verify general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- Written, detailed bid: Insist on an itemized, fixed-price or clearly-scoped bid — not a verbal estimate. It should state whether permits ($1,200-$1,400 building permit for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit: Table A-I ($1.07 per sq ft up to 700 sq ft; $0.34569 per sq ft plus $300 above) plus $577 plan review, $25 handling and $15 technology fee (fee schedule of July 1, 2025); Board of Adjustment special exception $600 (Ch. 52 Sec. 303.12.1.4).), plan check ($577 minimum residential plan review ($0.046 per sq ft, Ch. 52 Sec. 303.5.1.2), included in the permit figure above; each plan revision after issuance $100 per hour per trade; completeness check within 10 business days (Sec. 302.1.1).), and impact fees (None listed. No water, wastewater or transportation impact fee appears in the city's Permit Fee Schedule (July 1, 2025) or in Ch. 52 Sec. 303; a unit on the house's existing meter pays no connection charge. A separate water or sewer tap and meter is billed by Dallas Water Utilities at its own rates, so ask before adding a second service.) are included.
- Permit handling: Confirm they manage Dallas's permit process ("Two routes, both discretionary. (1) Board of Adjustment special exception for a rentable ADU (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)): application and checklist at Building Inspection, Oak Cliff Municipal Center, 320 E. Jefferson Blvd, Room 105; $600 filing fee plus $10 per notification sign; the board hears the case on its monthly docket and, if it approves, requires the deed restriction and rental registration. (2) A lot inside an adopted ADU Overlay (Sec. 51A-4.510) skips the hearing. Either way the unit then needs a residential master permit (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing; Ch. 52 Sec. 303.2.2) filed through the DallasNow portal, with site plan, floor plan and construction drawings; Development Services 214-948-4480.", typically Not published. Ch. 52 Sec. 302.1.1 requires a completeness check within 10 business days of filing; a Board of Adjustment case goes on a monthly docket after acceptance, so allow one to two months on that route before permit review. Confirm review times with Development Services, 214-948-4480.) and who is responsible if revisions are required.
- Payment schedule: Avoid large upfront payments. A reasonable schedule ties payments to completed milestones.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- How many ADUs have you built in Dallas in the last two years?
- Is your bid fixed-price, and what would trigger a change order?
- Are permits, plan check, and utility connection fees included?
- What's a realistic timeline, including permit review (Not published. Ch. 52 Sec. 302.1.1 requires a completeness check within 10 business days of filing; a Board of Adjustment case goes on a monthly docket after acceptance, so allow one to two months on that route before permit review. Confirm review times with Development Services, 214-948-4480.) and construction?
- Who is my point of contact and how are delays communicated?
- What warranty do you provide on workmanship?
- Can you share three recent Texas ADU client references?
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