DC Structures

Why ADUs Are Booming in Maryland

It’s no secret: Maryland is dealing with rising home prices and tight inventory, especially in metro areas around Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Recent data shows the statewide median sales price reached about $430,000 in May 2024, up 4.6% from the year before, while active inventory remains constrained, making it harder for many buyers to enter the market. In response to broader housing needs, Maryland adopted new statewide ADU legislation in 2025, setting a state policy to support accessory dwelling units and requiring many local governments to adopt ADU-friendly zoning for single-family lots by October 1, 2026.

Built for longevity and designed with intention, our accessory dwelling units offer a practical way to expand a property’s potential without dramatically changing neighborhood character or sacrificing main-home living space. Under Maryland’s new framework, an ADU is treated as a smaller, self-contained dwelling on the same lot as a single-family home—with its own sleeping, cooking, and sanitation facilities—making it a flexible option for a guest house, a small rental, or additional space for family. 

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Our prefabricated ADU kits give Maryland homeowners a more streamlined path to high-quality construction, with clear details on models, features, and site requirements to help navigate local permitting and make informed decisions from the start.

Our ADU Kits

Our prefab ADU kits provide a faster, more efficient way to build a backyard accessory dwelling unit on your Maryland property. Each model is engineered to adapt to local climates, zoning requirements, and lifestyle needs, so you can fine-tune the design to fit your lot and goals.

With our customizable ADU models, you can tailor everything from layout and bedrooms to finishes and storage, with clear plan details, flexible options, and dedicated services for every kit. Whether you’re prioritizing an open-plan kitchen, added storage space, or a private bathroom layout that works with local regulations, you can create a compact, practical living space that feels like a natural extension of your home and property.

Average Cost to Build an ADU in Maryland

An accessory dwelling unit in Maryland often falls in a similar cost range to many ADU projects nationwide, with typical builds landing around $250,000 to $300,000, depending on size, scope, and site conditions. 

Broader 2025 construction breakdowns commonly place ADU projects between $180 and $400 per square foot, with variables like site access, foundation work, utility hookups, and whether you’re building a new detached unit or converting an existing space significantly influencing the final price. Finish selections, such as adding a full kitchen, an additional bathroom, or expanded storage, can also shift the overall budget, so it’s always best to get an accurate estimate tailored to your property and project details.

ADU Incentives, Grants & Financing in Maryland

Maryland doesn’t currently have a widely advertised, dedicated statewide homeowner accessory dwelling unit grant or fee waiver program the way some other states do, so most ADU projects rely on a mix of personal financing, home equity, or local housing resources. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development administers several loan and grant programs, such as the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program and other special loan programs, that help eligible homeowners fund health, safety, accessibility, and energy-efficiency work, while counties like Frederick and Baltimore County operate housing rehabilitation and repair programs that can sometimes support broader home improvements connected to an ADU project when the scope aligns with program goals.

Best Cities & Counties to Build an ADU in Maryland

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Baltimore

Baltimore regulates accessory dwelling units through its zoning code and permitting process, treating ADUs as secondary housing units on single-family lots and applying standards for use, size, and placement—giving homeowners a clearer framework when planning a backyard unit.

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Rockville

Rockville has been updating its rules for accessory buildings and dwelling units, including recent changes that allow attached accessory dwelling units by conditional use and refine standards for accessory structures, making it easier for homeowners to pursue smaller secondary units within established neighborhoods.

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Frederick

Frederick’s accessory dwelling unit ordinance clearly outlines where ADUs are allowed, which zoning districts qualify, limits of one ADU per lot, and parking and permitting requirements, providing homeowners with a defined process and expectations when adding a secondary unit.

DC Structures

ADU Project Gallery

North Carolina McKenzie Cabin
North Carolina McKenzie Cabin
Based on our McKenzie Cabin Kit, this adorable studio-sized structure in Arden, North Carolina, is truly something out of a storybook.
Magnolia Modern Rogue
Magnolia Modern Rogue
Modeled after our Modern Rogue Cabin Kit, this custom ADU in Magnolia, Texas, offers an interior unlike any other.
Virginia Cabin Kit
Virginia Cabin Kit
Based on our Rogue Cabin Kit, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin utilizes an efficient floor plan that offers all the comforts of a traditional family home.

How ADUs Can Boost Property Value in Maryland

Accessory dwelling units can make your Maryland property more valuable in multiple ways, especially in areas with rising home prices and strong housing demand. ADUs add functional living space and can attract a broader pool of buyers because they offer rental income potential or flexible multigenerational living options, which many prospective homeowners find appealing when appraising a property. 

In addition to potential rental income, having an ADU can increase the overall resale value of your home. Many homeowners see a higher market value because the property now includes an additional independent living unit—a feature that can be especially attractive in competitive or high-demand markets.

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A wooden cabin with a covered balcony and metal roof sits among tall evergreens on a gravel lot under a clear blue sky. A blue car is parked nearby.

Start Your Maryland ADU Journey

Ready to bring your ADU vision to life in Maryland? Our team handles design, permitting support, engineering, and prefab delivery across the state, making it easier to plan and build a backyard accessory dwelling unit with confidence—whether you’re in a suburban neighborhood, a tight infill lot, or a more rural setting.

With expert services, clear project details, and guidance on the best ADU kit and options for your property’s practicality and compact living goals, you can move forward with a design that feels right for your home, your budget, and your long-term plans.