ADU Calculator
Estimate ADU Costs & Evaluate Investment Potential
Planning to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? Use PropStream’s ADU Calculator to estimate potential construction costs based on the property, ADU type, size, build quality, and selected features.
Get a quick cost estimate before you invest in an ADU project.
Calculate Your ADU Costs in Minutes
Use the ADU Calculator to build a customized estimate based on the property and ADU you’re considering.
Choose your ADU type: Detached, attached, above living area, above garage, or garage conversion.
Select square footage: Compare common ADU sizes from 200 to 1,200 square feet.
Adjust build quality: Estimate costs across different construction quality levels.
Add features: Account for options such as HVAC, laundry, and more.
Review your costs: See an estimated total along with a detailed breakdown of individual project components.
The calculator uses the property’s ZIP code and common square-footage sizes to provide an estimate, helping you build a more informed starting point for your investment analysis.
ADU Cost & Rental Income Quick Calculator
Estimate the cost to build or convert an accessory dwelling unit and its potential rental income. When you are ready to put the real power of PropStream calculators to work for you, sign-up for a free trial.
ADU project
Choose the type and estimated size of the ADU.
Permits and reserves
Add estimated soft costs and an unexpected-expense reserve.
Rental income
Estimate monthly rent and potential vacancy.
Operating expenses
Estimate the ongoing monthly cost of maintaining the rental.
Estimates are for informational purposes only. Construction costs, rent, expenses, permitting requirements, and returns vary by property and location.
Pair the ADU Calculator With PropStream Intelligence
Take your property analysis a step further with PropStream Intelligence, PropStream’s AI-powered property intelligence engine.
Use AI-powered insights and aggregated data to better understand the property you're evaluating before deciding whether an ADU project makes sense.
Property Value & Market Insights
Review property value, ARV, equity, comparable properties, market trends, and historical data to help put your ADU investment analysis into context.
AI-Powered Property Condition Analysis
See an AI-generated assessment of the property's overall condition, including its exterior, interior, kitchen, and bathroom, based on available MLS photos. A property's current condition can help provide additional context when evaluating the total scope of an investment project.
Ask the PropStream Intelligence Assistant
Have questions about the property? Ask the PropStream Intelligence Assistant for property-specific insights, such as:
- What is this property's estimated value?
- How does this property compare with nearby comps?
- What risks should I consider?
- What could make this property a stronger investment?
- How could an ADU affect the property's investment potential?
The Assistant brings PropStream's aggregated property data and AI-powered insights together to help you research and evaluate opportunities faster.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADU Costs & Investment
What is an ADU Calculator?
An ADU Calculator is a real estate investment tool that estimates the potential cost of adding an accessory dwelling unit to a property. PropStream's ADU Calculator allows users to adjust the ADU type, square footage, build quality, and optional features to create a customized cost estimate.
How much does it cost to build an ADU?
The cost of building an ADU varies based on factors such as location, size, construction type, build quality, materials, labor, permits, and additional features. PropStream's ADU Calculator provides an estimated starting point based on the property's ZIP code and selected project specifications.
How do I calculate the cost of an ADU?
To calculate an estimated ADU cost, select the type of ADU, square footage, build quality, and optional features such as HVAC or laundry. PropStream's ADU Calculator then provides an estimated total and cost breakdown.
Is building an ADU a good investment?
An ADU can potentially create additional rental income, increase usable living space, or add value to an investment property. Whether it is a good investment depends on the property's purchase price, ADU construction costs, local regulations, rental income potential, financing, and expected property value.
Can I use an ADU Calculator to estimate ADU ROI?
An ADU cost estimate can be used as part of an investment analysis to evaluate potential ROI. In PropStream, investors can pair the ADU Calculator with property data, rental analysis, comparable properties, and other investment calculators to evaluate the broader financial potential of a project.
What types of ADUs can I calculate?
PropStream's ADU Calculator supports several common ADU types, including detached ADUs, attached ADUs, above-living-area ADUs, above-garage ADUs, and garage conversions.
Can AI help me evaluate an ADU investment?
Yes. PropStream Intelligence combines AI-powered property analysis, valuation data, comparable properties, predictive insights, and the PropStream Intelligence Assistant. Investors can use these insights alongside the ADU Calculator to better understand a property's condition, value, comps, and overall investment potential.
Start Evaluating Your ADU Investment
Don't guess whether an ADU could work for your investment property.
Use PropStream's ADU Calculator to estimate construction costs, explore different ADU scenarios, and pair your analysis with property data and AI-powered insights.
ADU estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual costs vary based on location, labor, materials, permitting, site conditions, and project specifications.
