Detached ADU
Free-standing structure on the same lot as the primary residence. Most flexibility for design and orientation; typically the strongest rent or family-housing optionality. Setbacks and lot-coverage drive feasibility.
Specialty · FBC Residential 2023 · Owner & Investor
Accessory dwelling units. Design, code, permit-ready.
ADUs unlock revenue or family-housing flexibility on existing residential lots — when the design respects zoning, the structure meets FBC code, and the permit package gets approved cleanly. Apice handles all three for homeowners and investors across Central Florida.
ADU configurations
Three primary configurations.
Each has a different code path, cost profile, and zoning conversation.
Attached ADU
Addition or in-law-suite physically attached to the primary residence. Often the easiest entitlement path under jurisdictions that limit detached units. Requires fire-rated separation per FBC.
Garage conversion
Conversion of an existing garage into a habitable accessory unit. Lower construction cost, but careful code attention required for ceiling height, egress, energy, and parking-replacement.
What's included
Code-path through permit issuance.
End-to-end scope from zoning screen through construction administration.
Zoning & eligibility
Site-specific zoning analysis — whether the jurisdiction allows ADUs, setback requirements, FAR / lot-coverage caps, occupancy limits, and parking-replacement requirements.
Design
Floor plan, exterior elevations, site plan, finish coordination. Designed for the actual end-use — short-term rental, long-term rental, or family-member housing — not generic templates.
Structural & code documentation
FBC Residential 2023 structural drawings, energy compliance (FBC EC + ResCheck), accessibility where required, fire-rated separation if attached, and FBC HVHZ where applicable.
Permit-ready package
Complete submittal package ready to file. Pre-application meeting with the jurisdiction where helpful. Comment response and revision support through approval and inspection.
Construction support
RFI response, field consultation, and CA through Certificate of Occupancy. The same team that drew the project answers for it during construction.
Investor framing
For investors — ROI context, typical ADU cost per SF, expected rent (LTR + STR), payback timeline, operating-cost realism, and tax / depreciation considerations.
Typical economics
Realistic numbers — not pitch-deck math.
Numbers vary by site, finishes, and jurisdiction. These are typical Central Florida ADU bands as of recent project work.
SF
400-900 SF
Typical detached ADU footprint — 1BR or large studio. 800-1,200 SF for 2BR family / mid-term-rental configurations.
$/SF
$220-$340 / SF
All-in cost band including soft costs, permit fees, utilities. Detached typically higher; garage conversion typically lower.
Rent
$1,400-$2,400 / mo
Long-term rent range in Central Florida ADU submarkets. Short-term-rental potential 30-80% higher where allowed.
Payback
6-12 yrs
Cash-on-cash payback typical — varies with finance structure, end-use, and base-property tax appreciation.
Have a lot you're considering an ADU on? Send the address — zoning screen takes 24-48 hours.
Explore an ADU FBC Residential 2023 · Code-Path to CO · (407) 674-2415