DC Structures

Why ADUs Are Booming in Missouri

It’s no secret: Missouri is facing rising home prices and housing supply constraints that are reshaping what homeowners can realistically build and afford across the state and in many local communities. As of 2025, the median home value in Missouri is approximately $255,000, reflecting steady price growth over the past several years in both metro and non-metro markets. In high-demand areas like Kansas City and St. Louis, limited inventory and affordability pressures have made homeownership increasingly difficult for first-time buyers and families seeking practical housing solutions. Statewide data also shows that a significant share of Missouri renters are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting ongoing affordability challenges.

Built for longevity and designed with intention, our Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) kits offer a practical way to expand a property’s potential without changing neighborhood character or sacrificing main-home living space. Missouri does not have a single statewide accessory dwelling unit law, so accessory dwelling units are regulated at the local level through city and county zoning codes—creating a patchwork of rules that can vary widely by location.

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Our ADU Kits

Our pre-engineered ADU kits provide a faster, more efficient way to build a backyard house in Missouri: Each kit is designed to be custom-tailored to local climate conditions, zoning requirements, and lifestyle needs, and through our customizable ADU models you can tailor everything from layout to bedrooms to finishes, with full plan details and flexible options to create the perfect structure that fits your property and local zoning requirements.

Average Cost to Build an ADU in Missouri

An accessory dwelling unit in Missouri often lands in a similar range as many accessory dwelling unit projects nationwide—frequently around $150,000 to $350,000 depending on size, scope, and site conditions—but it’s always best to request an estimate based on your property details and build options.

On a per-square-foot basis, 2025 cost breakdowns commonly place ADU construction at roughly $180 to $400 per square foot, with pricing shifting based on design complexity, labor, and finishes. Variables like site access, foundation work, utility connections, and whether you’re building detached new construction vs. converting an existing space (like a garage or basement) can significantly change the final price, along with finish selections like a full kitchen, added bathroom, or expanded storage.

ADU Incentives, Grants & Financing in Missouri

Missouri doesn’t have widely advertised, standing statewide homeowner accessory dwelling unit grants or fee waivers in the same way some other states do, but there are housing-support programs that can indirectly move accessory dwelling unit projects forward. The Missouri Housing Development Commission administers programs that fund local and community housing work such as the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, which provides awards to eligible organizations for activities that can include housing development, and the HOME Repair Opportunity Program, which supports non-cosmetic repairs for income-qualifying homeowners through local sub-recipient.

Best Cities & Counties to Build an ADU in Missouri

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St. Louis

St. Louis updated its zoning code to define and regulate accessory dwelling units, including attached and detached ADUs, and the ordinance states they are permitted by right in all residential zones with specific site requirements.

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Kansas City

Kansas City’s Zoning and Development Code includes a formal accessory dwelling unit definition and ADU provisions.

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Columbia

Columbia allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential districts and outlines standards like setbacks, size limits, and parking.

DC Structures

ADU Project Gallery

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.
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 Deschutes
Magnolia Modern Deschutes
Adapted from our Modern Deschutes Cabin Kit, this stilted retreat in Magnolia, Texas, showcases the incredible design flexibility of our pre-engineered building models.

How ADUs Can Boost Property Value in Missouri

In high-demand parts of Missouri, especially metro areas like Kansas City and St. Louis, rental market conditions can make accessory dwelling units an attractive option for homeowners seeking flexibility and potential rental income. Beyond monthly income, an accessory dwelling unit can help offset housing costs and support long-term property value in a market where the average home value in Missouri is about $255,937 as of late 2025. Adding a functional, independent living space, such as a backyard guest house or compact rental unit, can increase a property’s overall appeal and usefulness for future buyers, which can support resale value in competitive markets.

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Bright, spacious interior of a wooden barn-style building with large windows, high ceilings, exposed beams, staircase and bar area.

Start Your Missouri ADU Journey

Ready to bring your ADU vision to life in Missouri? Our team handles permitting support, engineering, and delivery statewide, making it easier to build your pre-engineered ADU with confidence—especially in a state where accessory dwelling unit rules are set locally and can vary by city. With expert services, clear project details, and guidance on the best ADU kit model and options for your property, you can make a decision you feel great about.