Serving Central Texas
ADU Construction in Georgetown, Texas: Add a Legal Dwelling to Your Property
Bayside Home Builders handles design, permits, and construction for accessory dwelling units in Georgetown, so you get a finished, code-compliant unit without managing three separate contractors.
adu project · GeorgetownGeorgetown Lots Look Big Until You Start Laying Out the Rules
A property that looks like it has plenty of room for a backyard cottage can get complicated fast once you account for setbacks, lot coverage maximums, utility easements, and HOA restrictions that many Georgetown subdivisions carry.
What you are living with
Homeowners who skip the research phase often find out mid-design that their HOA prohibits rentals or that the city's rear setback leaves them with a footprint too small to build a livable unit. That costs money in wasted design fees and time you do not get back.
What you get instead
We start every Georgetown ADU project with a site and covenant review before anyone draws a single line. You find out early what is actually buildable on your lot, what permits the city will require, and what the realistic cost range is for your specific situation. No surprises four months in.
Our Recent Work
Accessory Dwelling Units Built to Code, Built to Last
An ADU adds livable square footage to your property without buying a new lot. Whether you need a rentable unit, a guest suite, or a place for family, we handle the full project from permit drawings to final walkthrough.
Permit-Ready Design and Drawings
We produce the architectural drawings your local building department requires, sized and formatted to meet current zoning and setback rules for your property. You do not have to coordinate a separate architect.
Foundation and Structural Work
Detached ADUs get a properly engineered foundation matched to your soil conditions. Garage conversions and attached units get any required structural reinforcement so the finished space meets code for habitable square footage.
Full Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Rough-In
We rough in all systems, coordinate inspections at each required phase, and use licensed trade partners for electrical and plumbing so every system is signed off before walls close.
Insulation and Energy Compliance
ADUs must meet the same energy codes as a primary residence. We install insulation, windows, and HVAC equipment that pass inspection and keep utility bills reasonable for whoever lives in the space.
Interior Finishes and Kitchen or Kitchenette
Flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and trim are all included in our scope. We work from a finish schedule you approve before construction starts so there are no surprises at the end.
Site Work and Utility Connections
We coordinate water, sewer, and electrical tie-ins to the existing property service, handle any required utility upgrades, and restore disturbed landscaping so the finished ADU looks intentional, not tacked on.
Why Homeowners Choose Bayside for Their ADU
ADUs involve zoning research, permit coordination, and trade scheduling that most remodelers are not set up to handle well. Here is what we actually bring to the project.
We Pull the Permit, Period
We do not hand you a permit application and wish you luck. Our team prepares the drawings, submits to the building department, responds to plan review comments, and tracks the approval through to issuance. You stay informed without having to manage the process yourself.
Design-Build Under One Roof
Design and construction are handled by the same company, so the drawings we produce are priced by the crew that builds them. There is no gap between what the designer planned and what the builder can actually execute or afford to include.
Over 500 Projects Completed, Insured and Bonded
We carry full general liability insurance and are bonded on every project. With more than 500 completed projects behind us, we have encountered and solved the structural surprises, utility conflicts, and zoning edge cases that come up on real properties.
Fixed Scope Before We Break Ground
We do not start construction on a vague allowance budget. Before any work begins, you have a signed contract with a defined scope, a finish schedule you reviewed, and a timeline that accounts for permit lead time. Change orders happen when the scope changes, not because we underquoted to win the job.
How an ADU Project Works with Bayside
Most homeowners have never built an ADU before. Here is the straight sequence from your first call to handing you the keys.
Step 1: Site and Zoning Review
We start by reviewing your property, lot dimensions, existing structures, and local zoning rules to confirm what you can build and where. This step identifies setback requirements, size limits, utility connection points, and any restrictions that affect your options before you spend anything on design.
Step 2: Design, Pricing, and Contract
We develop a floor plan and scope of work based on what your site allows and what you need the space to do. You review the drawings, the finish schedule, and the project cost before signing. Nothing moves to permit submittal until you have approved the full plan.
Step 3: Permitting and Pre-Construction
We submit your permit package, respond to any plan review comments, and schedule trade partners once approval is in hand. Permit timelines vary by jurisdiction, and we set your expectations at the start based on current local lead times so the wait is not a surprise.
Step 4: Construction, Inspections, and Closeout
We build to the approved plans, schedule each required inspection, and do not close up walls until the rough-in phases are signed off. At completion, we walk the project with you, address any punch-list items, and hand you the final certificate of occupancy so the unit is legally habitable.
ADU Contractors Serving Georgetown, Texas
Georgetown is one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Texas, and a lot of homeowners here are looking at ADUs to house family, generate rental income, or add long-term value to a lot that already has room to build. We handle the full process, from city permit applications through finished construction.
Permits & review
The City of Georgetown requires a permit for any accessory building or habitable ADU within city limits. That means a full permit application, site plan review, and inspections before you get a certificate of occupancy. Georgetown has been updating its development code to keep pace with growth, so setback rules, lot coverage limits, and utility connection requirements are worth verifying before you finalize a design. We pull and manage permits for every project we build.
Housing stock
Georgetown's housing stock runs from older lots in the historic downtown area to large-acreage properties in master-planned communities on the north and east sides. Newer subdivision lots often have HOA covenants that layer on top of city rules, and those covenants may restrict or prohibit ADUs regardless of what the city allows. We review both sets of rules before drawing anything up. Budget range for a smaller ADU in this market runs roughly $85,000 to $135,000 for a compact unit, with per-square-foot costs in the $200 to $400 range depending on finish level and site conditions.
Areas we serve
We serve Georgetown and the surrounding Central Texas corridor, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, and Leander. If your property is within a reasonable drive of Georgetown, call us and we will tell you straight whether the project pencils out.
Common questions
What does it cost to build an ADU in Georgetown, Texas?
For a detached ADU in Georgetown, budget $85,000 to $150,000 for a unit in the 400 to 700 square foot range. Larger units with higher-end finishes run $150,000 to $250,000 or more. Costs climb when your lot requires significant grading, a new utility connection, or a larger septic system. Any contractor quoting well below $85,000 for a fully permitted, finished ADU is leaving something out of their number.
Does Georgetown, Texas require a permit to build an ADU?
Yes. The City of Georgetown requires a building permit for any habitable accessory dwelling unit, as well as for accessory structures like garages and carports. You will go through Georgetown's Development Services department for zoning review and building permits. We handle the permit application and city coordination as part of our process, so you are not dealing with that on your own.
Is it cheaper to add on to my house or build a separate ADU?
A home addition is usually less expensive per square foot because it shares an existing foundation and roof line. A detached ADU costs more to build but functions as a fully independent unit, which matters if your goal is rental income, a private space for family, or future resale value. The right answer depends on your lot, your goal, and how your property is zoned. We will walk you through both options before you commit to anything.
What is the cheapest way to build an ADU in Georgetown?
The lowest-cost path is usually a garage conversion or a studio-style attached ADU that uses your existing foundation and utilities. Prefabricated or modular ADU shells can also reduce framing costs, though Georgetown still requires full permits and inspections. Be realistic: even a modest conversion with a proper kitchen, bathroom, and electrical service runs $50,000 to $80,000 once permits and finishes are included. Cutting corners on plumbing or electrical to save money upfront creates problems when you go to rent or sell.
What are the real disadvantages of building an ADU?
A few honest ones: upfront cost is significant and most homeowners finance it through a cash-out refinance or HELOC. Your property taxes will increase once the ADU is assessed. If you plan to rent it, you are taking on landlord responsibilities. Smaller lots in Georgetown may have setback or impervious cover limits that restrict where and how large you can build. And construction takes time, typically 6 to 12 months from design through final inspection for a detached unit. None of these are reasons to avoid an ADU, but they are worth knowing before you start.
How large can an ADU be in Georgetown, Texas?
Georgetown's ADU size limits depend on your zoning district and lot size. Generally, detached ADUs are capped at a percentage of the primary dwelling's square footage or a fixed maximum, and must meet setback requirements on all sides. Rules can vary by subdivision or overlay district, so we pull the specific zoning details for your address before we draw a single line. Do not rely on a general answer here since Georgetown's code has been updated and your specific lot conditions matter.
How long does it take to build an ADU in Georgetown?
From signed contract to a finished, permitted ADU, plan on 8 to 14 months for a detached unit. Design and engineering typically take 6 to 10 weeks. Georgetown's permit review adds several more weeks depending on current workload at the city. Construction on a modest detached ADU runs 4 to 6 months once permits are in hand. Garage conversions and attached ADUs are often faster. We give you a project schedule at the start so you have realistic dates, not optimistic ones.
Keep exploring
Other services in Georgetown
Bathroom Remodeling→Kitchen Remodeling→Home Renovation→Home Addition→Home Builder→
Planning your remodel?
Bayside gives free, itemized estimates with no pressure to sign.