An ADU builder in Plano 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 Plano'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 Plano [4]
Based on our Plano 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-$260,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $150-$275 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$145,000 |
| Prefab / Modular ADU (installed) | $90,000-$200,000 |
| City Permit & Plan Review | Building permit and plan review fees are valuation-based — Confirm current amounts with Plano Building Inspections |
| Impact Fees | Confirm with Plano Engineering — no ADU-specific impact fee schedule found in a city source |
For a full line-item breakdown, see our Plano ADU cost guide. To confirm what you're allowed to build before you hire, review the Plano ADU rules (max detached size: 1,100 sq ft, or 50% of the gross habitable floor area of the main dwelling unit, whichever is more restrictive — and not exceeding the maximum lot coverage of the governing zoning district; minimum 400 sq ft (Plano Zoning Ordinance §15.1800.2.D and §15.1800.2.E); owner-occupancy: Not required — §15.1800 imposes no owner-occupancy condition, and the city's own fact sheet contemplates renting either the cottage or the main house. What is required instead is a recorded covenant putting future buyers on notice that the cottage cannot be sold separately (§15.1800.4.A)).
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How to Vet an ADU Builder in Plano
- 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 Plano 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 and plan review fees are valuation-based — Confirm current amounts with Plano Building Inspections), plan check (Standard residential plan review — Confirm timing with Plano Building Inspections), and impact fees (Confirm with Plano Engineering — no ADU-specific impact fee schedule found in a city source) are included.
- Permit handling: Confirm they manage Plano's permit process ("By-right building permit — no rezoning, public hearing, or special exception. Before the permit is issued you must record a covenant with Collin or Denton County stating the cottage cannot be sold separately from the main house, and provide proof of recording (Plano Zoning Ordinance §15.1800.4.A)", typically Confirm with Plano Building Inspections (972-941-7140) — no published review timeline for Backyard Cottages found in a city source) 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 Plano 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 (Confirm with Plano Building Inspections (972-941-7140) — no published review timeline for Backyard Cottages found in a city source) 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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