Accessory Dwelling Units in Summerville, South Carolina
Expanding Your Living Space with Quality and Craftsmanship
As the demand for flexible, affordable, and versatile housing solutions grows across Summerville and surrounding parts of Dorchester County, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming a popular choice for homeowners seeking to optimize their property’s value and functionality. At Coastal Carolina Finishes, we specialize in building custom ADUs that blend seamlessly with existing homes while meeting your specific lifestyle needs. Whether you're looking to accommodate aging parents, generate rental income, or create a private home office, an ADU provides a smart, forward-thinking solution.
With over 50 years of general contracting experience, our team brings unmatched expertise, attention to detail, and local insight into every project.
We understand the zoning regulations, architectural styles, and community preferences unique to Summerville and the Lowcountry region, ensuring your ADU complies with local codes while enhancing your property’s aesthetic and value. From concept to completion, our team collaborates closely with homeowners to design and build ADUs that suit a wide range of purposes—granny flats, backyard cottages, garage conversions, or standalone units. By choosing us, you benefit not only from our experience but also from a deep commitment to quality, communication, and customer satisfaction.
Let us help you unlock the full potential of your property with a custom-built Accessory Dwelling Unit, thoughtfully designed to enhance your lifestyle and investment. We proudly serve the greater Summerville area, including nearby rural and suburban communities where space and growth go hand-in-hand.
Benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units
Additional Income Opportunities
An Accessory Dwelling Unit allows homeowners to generate passive income by renting the space long-term or short-term. With housing in high demand, an ADU can serve as a lucrative rental option. It’s an effective way to offset mortgage costs or finance home improvements, turning unused space into a smart financial investment.
Multi-Generational Living
ADUs provide private yet connected spaces for aging parents, adult children, or extended family members. This arrangement supports close family ties while preserving personal independence. It offers a compassionate and practical solution to modern housing challenges, especially when elder care or flexible living arrangements are needed within the family unit.
Increase in Property Value
Professionally built ADUs often boost the overall market value of a home. As an additional livable space, an ADU enhances the property's functionality and appeal. Prospective buyers view it as a bonus feature, which can significantly improve resale value and give your property a competitive edge in today’s real estate market.
Private Home Office or Studio
A detached or converted ADU offers a quiet, focused environment ideal for remote work, art, or study. It separates work life from home life, improving productivity and well-being. This dedicated space is perfect for professionals, creatives, or students needing consistent access to a private, functional, and distraction-free workspace.
Sustainable and Efficient Living
ADUs are compact and energy-efficient, requiring fewer resources to build and maintain than a traditional home. This makes them environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. Designed with sustainability in mind, they offer a smaller carbon footprint, especially when paired with energy-efficient appliances, solar options, or green building materials.
Flexible Use Over Time
The use of an ADU can evolve with changing family needs or lifestyle goals. It might begin as a guest suite or office and later transition to housing for elderly parents or a rental unit. This flexibility ensures your investment remains valuable and relevant through every stage of homeownership and life transitions.
Our Services
Custom ADU Design & Planning
We offer personalized ADU design and planning services tailored to your property and lifestyle. From the initial concept to architectural drawings, our team ensures that every detail meets your goals and complies with local zoning and building codes. We focus on optimizing space, function, and aesthetic value to bring your vision to life.
Garage Conversions
Turn your existing garage into a fully functional living unit. Our garage conversion service includes structural adjustments, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and finish work. We maximize square footage while maintaining curb appeal and utility. Whether it’s for rental income, guests, or home offices, we ensure a comfortable and code-compliant transformation from start to finish.
Detached ADU Construction
Detached ADUs are perfect for added privacy and independence. We handle all aspects of construction, from site prep to final finishes. These freestanding structures are built with full amenities and can match or complement your home’s exterior design. Ideal for rentals, in-law suites, or personal use, they’re an excellent long-term property investment.
Basement & Attic ADU Buildouts
We convert unused basement and attic space into livable ADUs that meet all safety, ventilation, and lighting standards. These conversions offer a cost-effective way to increase living space without expanding your home's footprint. Our team ensures the transformation includes everything needed for comfort—bathroom, kitchenette, sleeping area, and modern finishes.
Permitting and Regulatory Guidance
Navigating ADU permits can be complex. We manage the entire regulatory process, including zoning compliance, building permits, HOA approvals, and inspections. With extensive local experience in Summerville and nearby areas, we streamline approvals and ensure everything is built to code—saving you time, avoiding delays, and minimizing legal risks throughout your project.
ADU Renovations and Upgrades
Already have an ADU that needs updating? We specialize in renovating and modernizing existing units to improve layout, energy efficiency, and functionality. Whether it’s new fixtures, updated finishes, expanded floor plans, or system upgrades, we enhance your current ADU to better serve your evolving needs and increase its long-term value.
Building More Than Just Space—We Build Possibility
Choosing to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit is a significant investment in your property and future, and finding the right general contractor is essential. At Coastal Carolina Finishes, we pride ourselves on bringing over five decades of experience and dedication to every project, big or small. We understand the unique characteristics and growth patterns of Summerville, SC, and the surrounding Lowcountry region, allowing us to offer tailored solutions that align with local building codes, lifestyle demands, and community aesthetics.
Our proven process includes comprehensive planning, clear communication, skilled craftsmanship, and ongoing support—from the first blueprint to the final nail. We’re not just builders; we’re your long-term partners in creating meaningful, functional spaces that enhance both quality of life and property value. Whether you're in the heart of Summerville or a nearby town like Ladson or Knightsville, we’re here to help you bring your vision for an ADU to life.
Accessory Dwelling Units offer a world of opportunity—financial, practical, and personal. With the right guidance and execution, your ADU can serve as a valuable asset for years to come. Trust our expertise, local knowledge, and commitment to excellence to ensure your investment delivers long-term benefits.
Take the next step toward smarter living and expanded space. Let Coastal Carolina Finishes help you build an ADU that fits your goals and complements the charm and character of your Summerville home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ADUs legal in Summerville, South Carolina?
Yes, ADUs are legal in Summerville, provided they meet local zoning requirements and building codes. Our team at Coastal Carolina Finishes helps ensure your ADU is compliant with Dorchester County regulations, guiding you through the permitting and approval process from start to finish.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
ADU construction in Summerville typically takes 3 to 6 months. This timeline includes planning, permitting, and building. Factors like unit type, size, and weather can affect duration. We provide detailed schedules and keep you informed every step of the way.
Can I rent out my ADU for extra income?
Yes, you can rent your ADU in many Summerville neighborhoods. Short- or long-term rental is permitted depending on zoning and HOA rules. We’ll help you navigate regulations so you can legally generate rental income from your new unit.
How much does an ADU cost in Summerville, SC?
The average cost to build an ADU in Summerville ranges from $100,000 to $300,000. Price depends on size, design, materials, and site conditions. We offer tailored estimates based on your property and goals to help you budget accurately.
Do ADUs affect my property taxes in Dorchester County?
Yes, building an ADU increases your property’s assessed value, potentially raising taxes. However, many Summerville homeowners offset this with rental income. We recommend speaking with a local tax advisor to fully understand how an ADU will impact your tax bill.
Is it possible to convert an existing structure into an ADU?
Absolutely. Many Summerville homeowners convert garages, basements, or sheds into ADUs. We evaluate your structure, ensure code compliance, and make necessary upgrades to transform it into a safe, functional living space with full amenities.
What utilities are needed for an ADU?
Your ADU will need water, electricity, sewer or septic, and possibly gas. Our team handles utility planning and ensures all connections meet Summerville’s building standards. We coordinate with local providers to integrate services efficiently and cost-effectively.
Will building an ADU require changes to my main home?
Not always. Detached and garage-converted ADUs generally don’t require changes to your main home. However, interior conversions may involve minor upgrades. We design with minimal disruption in mind while ensuring both spaces meet building codes and function properly.
What our customers have to say...
Testimonials
Justin and his team did an awesome job completely painting the interior and exterior of our new home. They paid every attention to detail, filing in gaps in wood joints before painting. He also arranged for his crew to repair our roof, add some gutters, replace light fixtures. All work was top quality and finished when promised. I give Coastal Carolina Finishes my highest recommendation!
Info R.
We hired Justin and his team to do interior painting of our newly constructed home. Justin provided guidance on paint finishes and came out to the house for the estimate. They painted all bedrooms, living and kitchen area, mudroom, and hallways and stairwell. The crew of Roy and Brandon were very professional, punctual, and polite. They produced a clean, tight paint job. The pricing was fair and I would not hesitate to use this crew again for future paintwork.
David L.
We had the opportunity to work with Justin and his team. We added a room within the existing FROG, and redid new flooring everywhere. The quality of the work is very professional, Andrew is amazing! Justin is responsive and on-point!
Chanel S.
Justin is very professional and great to work with. His team did a great job, and he went way above my expectations when he helped me find a renter for the townhouse he just renovated for me. I highly recommend using his team for your Renovations. 5 stars in all categories
Colleen W.
Coastal Carolina Finishes did a great job painting the exterior of my home. They were easy to work with and were very professional. They finished on time, even with one day of rain. Everything went smoothly. I highly recommend them for your painting needs.
Monica P.
Excellent experience. Justin and staff are all very professional. They get the job done right! Ceilings and walls look amazing. Justin helped with choosing the paint color and made sure project was done correctly.
Irma C.