An ADU builder in Orlando 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 Orlando's permit process and utility connections. Not every general contractor has built one, so the right builder is one with ADU-specific experience in Florida.
What ADU Builders Cost in Orlando [12]
Based on our Orlando 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) | $150,000-$260,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $200-$260 |
| Garage Conversion | $40,000-$80,000 |
| Prefab / Modular ADU (installed) | $90,000-$200,000 |
| City Permit & Plan Review | Building permit: $64.94 for the first $1,000 of construction cost plus $4.32 per additional $1,000, plus about 10% in surcharges (fee schedule eff. Jan 2023); the city says ADU building-permit fees typically total $450-$1,050. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are extra. |
| Impact Fees | $1,300-$3,100 typical (city estimate, Feb 2026). Sewer benefit fee $1,319.50 flat; transportation and parks fees only if house plus ADU crosses a size tier (e.g. $1,424 transportation for 1,800 + 500 sq ft); school impact fee exempt (Orange County Ord. 2020-35). |
For a full line-item breakdown, see our Orlando ADU cost guide. To confirm what you're allowed to build before you hire, review the Orlando ADU rules (max detached size: 500 sq ft on a lot meeting the base minimum, or 1,000 sq ft on a larger lot in the R-1 districts (Sec. 58.501(C)); no code minimum size. House plus ADU floor area is capped at 0.50 FAR (0.40 in Colonialtown R-2A/T/SP), the ADU must be smaller than the house, and it may cover at most 35% of the backyard. Historic districts: 700 sq ft max by Certificate of Appropriateness. Lake Nona PD: 1,000 sq ft on any lot.; owner-occupancy: Not required. The city states the main house and the ADU may each be owner-occupied or rented to a long-term tenant. Both must stay under one owner; the ADU cannot be sold separately unless the lot is split under the tandem rules (Sec. 58.516).).
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How to Vet an ADU Builder in Orlando
- License: Confirm a current contractor's license in Florida 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 Orlando 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 (Building permit: $64.94 for the first $1,000 of construction cost plus $4.32 per additional $1,000, plus about 10% in surcharges (fee schedule eff. Jan 2023); the city says ADU building-permit fees typically total $450-$1,050. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are extra.), plan check (Not published; ask Permitting Services (407.246.2271). Allow for pre-screen, routing and review of each trade permit.), and impact fees ($1,300-$3,100 typical (city estimate, Feb 2026). Sewer benefit fee $1,319.50 flat; transportation and parks fees only if house plus ADU crosses a size tier (e.g. $1,424 transportation for 1,800 + 500 sq ft); school impact fee exempt (Orange County Ord. 2020-35).) are included.
- Permit handling: Confirm they manage Orlando's permit process ("Confirm zoning and lot size in the Orlando Information Locator, get a topographic survey and a site plan with ISR and FAR calculations, pass Appearance Review (Sec. 58.501(D); required for any corner lot), then file building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits through the Digital Permitting Portal; pay impact fees, pass inspections and get a certificate of occupancy. Historic districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness first.", typically The city does not publish a fixed review time for ADU permits; check status in the Permitting Services portal. Budget extra time for Appearance Review, which must be approved before building permits (Sec. 58.501(D)).) 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 Orlando 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 (The city does not publish a fixed review time for ADU permits; check status in the Permitting Services portal. Budget extra time for Appearance Review, which must be approved before building permits (Sec. 58.501(D)).) 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 Florida ADU client references?
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