The UP Craftsmen
ADU Design and Build Process
Have questions about how UP Craftsmen deliver accessory dwelling units in Montgomery County Maryland and Washington, DC.? Here is a peek into our design and build process for ADUs. Keep in mind that every project is unique and will have varying needs and requirements. The good news for our clients, we partner with not only super creative talent, but they are experts in their respected fields. We handle the stress of navigating a complex municipal code system while delivering state of the art green building materials and design. Have questions after you read about our process? Request an UP Craftsmen Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Feasibility Study
Step 1: Decide the Type of ADU You Want to Build
ADUs can be used for various purposes, such as generating rental income, accommodating guests, or providing a separate living space for family members. It is important to consider your needs and goals before building an ADU.
Step 2: Budget
The most important details are to come up with a budget and estimate the cost of the project. We work with our architects and sub-contractors to get the most accurate estimate of cost, timeline of the project, and permits needed to continue with building the ADU. Additionally, it is important to account for any unexpected expenses. Contact UP Craftsmen today and we can discuss budget options.
Step 3: Design the Blueprint
In this step, we work with you and our architects to help you design a plan or blueprint of your ADU. This is where you can start visualizing what you want your ADU to look like. We will also design any electrical and plumbing work the ADU may need.
Step 4: Permits
Once everything is agreed upon, UP Craftsmen will request any permits needed for a smooth construction process. Keep in mind of this process can take some time to acquire since we must go through the Montgomery County, MD or Washington, DC permitting departments. Once we have all your permits in hand, we are ready for the building process of your ADU.
Step 5: Foundation Footings
When building a foundation, we want to make sure you have a clear and flat surface to build on. The purpose of a foundation is to provide a level surface and to make sure the weight of the structure is distributed to the ground evenly. We use slab-on-grade typically. Once your site is cleared and the foundation has been made, we add the footing into the foundation, and we are ready for the next step.
Step 6: Underground Utilities
At this point in the building process, we run any underground utilities that will run underneath the foundation slab. This means installing plumbing lines, gas pipes, and electric power lines, cables, etc.
Step 7: Structural Rebar & Concrete
At this point in the build, we are ready to add structural rebar. Rebar is structural steel that is placed inside the concrete footings which provides the concrete with strength. Once the rebar is placed into the footings, the slab is to be reinforced with wire mesh, as well as a vapor barrier over the soil to prevent any moisture from the ground soaking into the slab. We then call an inspector so they could inspect the rebar, vapor barrier, and wire mesh. Once the inspector gives us the okay, we’re ready to place the concrete over the slab, now then wait for the concrete to dry to progress into the next step.
Step 8: Rough Framing
Now we’re ready for the rough framing part of the ADU construction, this is where it gets fun and you can see your ADU forming from the ground up! Keep in mind that the rough framing step can take up to 14-30 working days.
Step 9: Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing
At this step, UP Craftsmen plumber, electrician, sprinkler, and HVAC subs to start with the installation process. This is where all the water supply lines, electric outlets and utility hook-ups get installed. This part of the building process might take up to four weeks or more.
Step 10: Roofing, Siding, & Exterior
Now we can move forward to roofing, siding, and exterior paint. At this step in the process all the rough electrical, plumbing, and HVAC should be complete, and the interior electrical panel should be done. At this point we call the inspector to ensure is up to the local building code. Once the inspector gives us the clear we’re ready for the next step.
Step 11: Insulation & Drywall
Once the exterior is completed and the inspector gives us approval to move forward, we’re ready to start adding insulation and drywall. We ensure that there are no air leaks through your exterior walls.
Step 12: Finishing Touches
Once the exterior of your ADU is complete and all inspections have been passed, now is the time to focus on personalizing the inside of your ADU! This is when we can move on to interior painting, installing the floors, and adding cabinetry that may be necessary for your newly built ADU.
Step 13: Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
The final stage of your completed UP Craftsmen accessory dwelling unit is to do a final walk through with you to make sure we have everything to completed to your expectations. The county or city then give us an approved final inspection along with a certificate of occupancy for your new dwelling. We clean all our traces of us being there and happily hand you your keys.
Montgomery County Maryland | ADU FAQs
Can I build an ADU on my property in Montgomery County Maryland?
Accessory apartments, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed today in virtually all residential zones in Montgomery County. They can be built by converting part of an existing home, building an addition, or in some zones by constructing a free-standing unit in the back yard.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Montgomery County Maryland or Washington, DC?
The average cost of an ADU can come in anywhere between $150,000 and $300,000 – much less than the cost of a single-family home, but with all of the same amenities.
How is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Defined in Montgomery County Maryland?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a residential unit that is either: 1) in or added to an existing one-family dwelling, or 2) in a separate accessory structure on the same lot as an existing one-family dwelling and used as a complete, independent living facility with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping. Accessory Dwelling Unit without a Special Exception approved before May 20, 2013 must apply for a Class 3 Accessory Dwelling Unit License with the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Licensing and Registration.
Can I rent out my ADU as a Short-Term Residential Rental?
Yes you can in Montgomery County, MD. A short term residential rental is unit/room in a single-family home, apartment or condominium that is available for rent for less than 30 consecutive days through online sites such as Airbnb, Flipkey, Home Away and VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner). The dwelling unit used as a short-term residential rental must be the property owner’s or owner authorized resident’s primary residence. All short term residential rentals must be licensed thru Montgomery County Health and Human Services.
“We used UP Craftsmen to build our yoga studio in downtown Silver Spring. It was a very smooth process and the creative designs delighted us.”
- Erin McNamara | Yoga Studio Owner