Process · Atlanta, GA

How an ADU project runs, from zoning check to final inspection.

What happens at each stage, what you decide, and what we take care of. The order matters: zoning comes before drawings, and the price comes before construction.

  1. Step 1Lot checkCity, district and limits for your parcel.
  2. Step 2Site visit and quoteMeasurements, then a written, itemized quote.
  3. Step 3Design and permitDrawings, engineering and the city review.
  4. Step 4Build and close outConstruction, inspections, final approval.

What do you look at in the lot check?

Whether the parcel is inside the City of Atlanta or another city or county, its zoning district, and whether that district allows the unit you want. Then the limits: size, height, coverage, setbacks. We also flag historic district status, likely tree issues and any covenants you share with us. You get a plain answer: possible, possible with changes, or not possible.

What do you look at on site?

We measure the yard and any garage or basement, find the sewer cleanout, water line and electrical panel, check slope and drainage, and look at how equipment can reach the back of the lot. After the visit, you get a written, itemized quote and a proposed schedule. Nothing is owed for design until you decide to go ahead.

What happens during design?

  • Layout. A floor plan built around how the unit will be used: rental, family or office.
  • Exterior. Elevations and roof, matched to the house, and to HOA or historic guidelines where they apply.
  • Engineering. Foundation and framing design for Georgia soils and slopes.
  • Utilities. Sewer, water and electrical routing, and load calculations.
  • Selections. Finishes chosen before submittal, so the quote does not drift.

How do permits work here?

We file with the city that has jurisdiction. In Atlanta that is the Department of City Planning; Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta and East Point have their own departments. Georgia does not set a state review deadline for ADUs, so timing depends on the city and on how many comment rounds come back. We answer comments until the permit is issued.

What happens during construction?

  1. Layout, tree protection and site preparation
  2. Foundation
  3. Framing, roof and windows
  4. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-in, then inspections
  5. Insulation and drywall
  6. Cabinets, flooring, fixtures, paint
  7. Final inspection

The city inspects at required stages. We book the inspections and tell you what each one covers.

How does the project wrap up?

Once the final inspection passes, the unit is approved for occupancy. We walk it with you, finish any punch-list items, and hand over manuals and manufacturer warranties.

What will you need from me?

  • The address, and any survey, plat or old permits you have
  • Your HOA declaration and design guidelines, if the property has them
  • Decisions on layout and finishes before we submit
  • Access to the property for the visit, construction and inspections

Updated October 2026.

Find out what your lot allows.

Give us the property address and the kind of unit you have in mind. We read the zoning for that parcel, flag anything that could stop the project, and reply before any design work starts. Serving Atlanta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta and East Point.

The lot check is free. You get a written, itemized quote only after a site visit.