CHapel Hill ADU BUILDERS
BOLD Construction
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a fully independent living space on your property, complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Whether attached to your main home or built as a separate structure, an ADU offers flexibility for a variety of needs.
In Chapel Hill, ADUs have become popular for multi-generational living to guest accommodations, home offices, or rental income opportunities. ADUs are a smart, long-term solution for maximizing your property’s potential.
Can You Build an ADU in Chapel Hill or Chatham County?
Yes. Local zoning laws in Chapel Hill and surrounding areas like Chatham County allow for ADUs, both attached and detached, on qualifying properties. Size, setbacks, and height restrictions vary by jurisdiction. BOLD Construction specializes in designing and building unique ADUs and will guide you through every step—from feasibility and permitting to design and construction.
We understand the local requirements and will ensure your ADU meets all code regulations while still aligning with your vision.
Ideas for Your Chapel Hill ADU
- Multi-Generational Living
- Secondary Suite
- Home Office
- Studio
- Guest House
- Pool House
HOW MUCH DOES AN ADU COST IN CHAPEL HILL?
Contrary to what you see on HGTV, ADUs are not super inexpensive. At BOLD Construction, we build ADUs in a wide range of sizes and scope of work, so it’s difficult to give a precise cost. However, a good starting range could be:
How Big Can an ADU Be?
ADU size limits are determined by local zoning:
- Chapel Hill: Typically up to 850 sq ft
- Chatham County: Up to 1,700 sq ft or 50% of the main home’s square footage—whichever is greater
ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main residence but can significantly increase property value and function.
Is building an ADU worth it?
Absolutely. Between the value an ADU brings to your property and the incredible flexibility in its use, an ADU can be the answer to many of your space needs.
If you have an older relative moving in soon, frequent weekend guests, lack space in your main home for a private home office, or many other reasons for adding an independent space to your home, an ADU will serve you very well.
If you have questions or want to discuss your ADU ideas with us, get in touch! We’d love to hear about your design goals.
OUR DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS
Step 1: Discovery Meeting
We start by getting to know you and your vision for the project. We’ll discuss your budget, timeline, and overall goals. Whether you already have land or need help finding the perfect lot, our team will evaluate feasibility, zoning, views, and construction potential. We’ll also thoroughly inspect your site, whether it’s a new build or remodeling project, and clearly walk you through our custom home building process and contract details.
Step 2: Design Agreement
Once you’re ready to move forward, our team works directly with you to develop a personalized design that truly captures your vision. Using the latest design technology and project management tools, we’ll create detailed plans for your custom home or renovation. At this stage, you’ll get a clear idea of how your project will look and an initial cost estimate.
Step 3: Architectural Design Development & Pricing Proposal
This is where your vision really starts to come to life. You’ll work closely with our Architectural team to design a home that reflects your style, fits your lifestyle, and stays within your budget.
Once the design is finalized, we present a clear, fixed-price proposal outlining the full scope and cost of the project. That means no surprises, no inflated invoices, and no confusing “cost-plus” arrangements. Your total cost is locked in before construction begins.
Behind the scenes, we go through a meticulous pricing and planning process so that your final invoice aligns with your approved budget—unless you decide to make changes along the way. We’ll work with you to fine-tune the Statement of Work (SOW) until everything feels just right. Then, once you’re confident in every detail, we’ll move forward with signing the final contract.
Where We Work
BOLD Custom Homes & Renovations proudly serves Chatham County and Orange County. This includes Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough. If you’d like to find out if your project is in our service area, reach out to us!