Complete 2026 cost breakdown: construction, permits, financing, and expected rental ROI.
Calculate your Salt Lake City ADU cost →Building an ADU in Salt Lake City costs between $180,000-$350,000 for new construction, with per-square-foot costs averaging $300-$350. These figures include design, permitting, site preparation, and construction. The most affordable option is a garage conversion at $120,000-$200,000, while prefab/modular ADUs fall in between at $100,000-$180,000.
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Architectural Plans | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Permits & Fees | $2,000-$4,000 estimated |
| Impact Fees | Utility connection fees apply |
| Site Prep & Foundation | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Framing & Structure | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| Plumbing | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Electrical | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| HVAC | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Interior Finishes | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Quotes for the same ADU commonly vary 20–40% between builders. Get up to 3 free quotes from ADU builders serving Salt Lake City — no obligation.
Get Salt Lake City builder quotes →Permit fees in Salt Lake City are $2,000-$4,000 estimated. The review timeline is 2-8 weeks for approval; 7-9 weeks for construction after permit issued; 3+ months total typical, with plan check: Included in 2-8 week timeline. Impact fees are Utility connection fees apply. Pre-approved plans: City offers ADU standard plans; ADU Handbook available.
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $1,200-$1,600/month |
| 2-Bedroom Rent | $1,600-$2,200/month |
| Annual Rental Income (est.) | $16,800/year |
| Payback Period (est.) | 15.8 years |
| Short-Term Rental | Restricted; long-term preferred |
| Overall ROI Estimate | 8-12 year payback; property value increase 20-35% |
A typical ADU in Salt Lake City generates approximately $16,800 per year in rental income based on average 1-bedroom rents. At an average construction cost of $265,000, the estimated payback period is 15.8 years — before accounting for the resale value the ADU adds, which an appraiser determines from comparable sales in Salt Lake City and varies by market (often less than build cost).
1. Garage conversions save 40-60% vs new construction since the shell already exists. Average cost in Salt Lake City: $120,000-$200,000.
2. Prefab/modular ADUs offer predictable pricing and faster timelines. Average: $100,000-$180,000.
3. Pre-approved plans — available in Salt Lake City, which can save $3,000-$10,000 in design costs and 2-3 months in review time.
4. State grants — California's CalHFA ADU grant (up to $40K) is currently paused; check calhfa.ca.gov/adu for status and your state for active programs.
5. Get multiple bids — ADU contractor pricing varies 20-40% for the same project. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes.
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