ADU Builders Austin
Welcome! Small House Solutions Offers a wide variety of residential design and construction services. Click the video and scroll down to learn more.
SERVING AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, HOUSTON
And Surrounding Areas
Small House Solutions Offers the Following Services at NO COST to You
Transforming Austin Living with Expert ADU Builders
Empower Your Vision of Space and Comfort with Small House Solutions, Austin’s Premier ADU Builders
Are you eager to elevate your property to new heights by incorporating an accessory dwelling unit? Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), renowned by various monikers such as granny flats or secondary residences, redefine the concept of living by offering an autonomous, fully equipped space on single-family lots. These versatile units, whether attached or detached, establish fresh benchmarks for living standards and community dynamics, promising not just comfort but multifaceted functionality.
Crafting Austin’s Vision: Complete Community Living
Imagine Austin, a visionary comprehensive plan shaped by the collaborative input of thousands, aspires to create an inclusive and affordable city accessible to all. Small House Solutions stands as the embodiment of this vision, ensuring not only compliant main house designs but also adeptly navigating the intricate labyrinth of local building codes and zoning ordinances. Our design-build firm assumes expert oversight of every phase of the process, guaranteeing a seamless journey from the inception of initial concepts to the fulfillment of post-construction living. Let’s together raise the bar for intelligent and harmonious living experiences.
Empowering Your Vision through ADUs
ADUs play an integral role in translating the dream of affordable housing and community stability into reality. These adaptable units possess a proven track record of preserving family legacies while accommodating diverse demographics in San Antonio. Whether offering housing solutions for the elderly, supporting students, or aiding others in need, ADUs—also recognized as carriage houses or granny flats—flexibly cater to a range of housing requirements, underscoring their versatility.
Unlocking ADU Integration into Austin’s Landscape
Austin’s Unified Development Code (UDC) serves as a catalyst for facilitating the seamless integration of ADUs across various landscapes. Be it internal, attached, or detached, these units secure their place across rural and residential districts by adhering to stringent standards relating to owner occupancy, utilities, size, parking, and setbacks.
Embracing Changes: Empowering ADU Development
In a momentous stride toward progress, the City Council of Austin embraced transformative changes to ADU regulations in 2015. These pivotal modifications streamlined the construction process and incentivized more ADU constructions by reducing minimum lot sizes, easing building separation requirements, and introducing other crucial alterations that have significantly reshaped Austin’s housing terrain.
Custom Design Packages Tailored to
your Project’s Specific Requirements.
Our custom design packages are tailored to your project’s specific requirements. We also offer a multitude of various 3D modeling and rendering services to give you unique perspectives of your new space before it is built.
Our full-service approach provides our clients with a smooth transition from a desire to build, to a completed development.
We handle everything under the Small House Solutions roof.
Let’s start designing, Today!
Redefining Austin’s Landscape with ADU Builders
Streamlined Permitting for Your ADU Construction
Navigating the complex landscape of permits in Austin demands precision. Beyond the fundamental building permit, your project might require additional approvals, such as the “Industrial Waste Plan Review” outlined in the Austin City Code Section 15-10-004, ensuring comprehensive compliance with city regulations.
Our streamlined process encompasses:
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- A site utility plan highlighting connections and water meter locations
- Detailed plumbing or floor plans
- Equipment layouts and vent riser diagrams
- Specifications for any pretreatment equipment
- Records of utility wastewater taps
Elevating Living Spaces: ADU Innovations by Small House Solutions
Revolutionize Your Property with Custom ADUs in Austin
Welcome to a realm of endless possibilities with Small House Solutions! Our expertise extends far beyond conventional housing. We specialize in crafting diverse living spaces that transcend the ordinary—ranging from cozy backyard homes and innovative tiny houses to the iconic Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) nestled in the vibrant community of East Austin, TX.
ADUs redefine the very essence of modern living. They promise unmatched versatility and privacy, whether they stand as independent units or are seamlessly integrated with your existing property. Partner with us to bring to life the perfect home tailored precisely to your family’s needs or designed to captivate future tenants.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our comprehensive offerings, which cover every facet of ADU creation. From the initial consultations and conceptual design phase to the meticulous coordination of the entire project, we ensure a hassle-free experience for you. Your vision is our priority, and we guarantee its translation into a reality without any compromise.
In a city where affordability often poses challenges, ADUs emerge as a beacon of promise. These fully equipped living spaces cater to a spectrum of needs, offering an ideal option for rental properties and contributing significantly to the establishment of a sustainable and thriving community.
Your ADU Builder Partner: Small House Solutions
Experience the transformative power of ADUs with Small House Solutions as your trusted partner. Beyond crafting dream homes, we simplify the often daunting permitting process, allowing you to effortlessly elevate your living standards. Let us redefine what it means to dwell in Austin’s evolving landscape, together creating spaces that echo your lifestyle and aspirations.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a building permit?
A: Yes, within Austin’s zoning jurisdiction, any construction, alteration, or demolition of buildings or structures requires a permit. The permit is necessary even within Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) if the consent agreement mandates it. Each project involving work on a building or structure mandates a separate permit.
Permits expire on the 181st day without an inspection scheduled or received. “Canceled” or “Failed/No Work Performed” inspection results don’t extend the expiration date.
Q: Do I need a permit to build a fence?
A: Most fences don’t need a permit if they’re at or below 8 feet in height and not in a floodplain hazard area. Solid fences between 6 and 8 feet high have specific requirements or require a variance from the Board of Adjustment. Fences over 8 feet high must be ornamental and need a permit.
Materials used for the fence aren’t regulated by the City of Austin. Contact the Development Assistance Center for more fence-related queries.
Q: How do I find permitting requirements for Austin?
A: Inside Austin’s full-purpose annexation, various permits (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) are required depending on the project. Limited-purpose annexation follows similar rules. For areas outside the city limits (ETJ), site plan approvals or exemptions, plumbing, and electrical permits may be needed.
Approvals from Austin/Travis County Health Department, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Water Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Corps of Engineers, among others, may also be required depending on the project.
Q: What are the regulations for a Home Occupation?
A: A home occupation, a commercial use linked to a residential space, must adhere to Section 25-2-900 of the Austin City Code. Advertising home occupations on premises is restricted, except as specified under Section 25-10-156.
Certain businesses like animal hospitals, contractors’ yards, massage parlors (without licensed therapists), and automotive repair services are prohibited as home occupations.
For more information on home occupations, residential tours, or garage sales, contact the Development Assistance Center at (512) 974-6370.
Additional and Backyard House – New ADU in Austin
These are often known as the Backyard Home, mother-in-law Suites Guest Houses, Casita Houses, and Other structures. These buildings are built according to local building codes and the International Residential Codes (IRC). Permanent structures have been allowed within the neighborhood boundaries in Austin Texas.
Small House Solutions offers high-demand custom homes, guest houses, tiny homes(small homes), backyard homes, adus, and large residential designs. We provide full service that helps us satisfy the little details and meet your expectations. Our small dwelling building package includes.
Site visits and site analysis from highly experienced members of our staff Sit-down for the initial design consultations or Zoom videoconferencing with screen sharing. A fixed pricing quote for having your new tiny house built and co-ownership of your tiny house plans and renderings. Our turnkey project-build coordination process may include geotechnical engineering, civil engineering structural engineering, septic engineering construction project, permit process services, HOA collaboration, and garage conversion adu building.
If you’re looking for the right one-stop-shop, full service ADU builder in East Austin TX, Small House Solutions specializes in a variety of home types, certain features, and structures including All Types and Sizes of Custom Homes, Backyard Homes, Tiny Homes, ADU’s, Accessory Structures (Studios, Pool Houses, Detached Offices, Home Office), Mother-In-Law Suites, Man-Caves, She-Sheds, Tiny Homes on Wheels, and Park Models. Our in-house custom design services include Site Due-Diligence / Feasibility Study, Site Plan Creation, Floor Plan, Drafting, Electrical Layout, Exterior Elevations, and new ADU Construction Project.
Homeowners can opt either for a detached backyard unit(detached adu) or an attached Accessory Dwelling Unit(attached adu)—we are comfortable with building ADUs in Austin Texas. Backyard ADUs and detached adus provide help address housing problems, improve your rental prospects, and are a great privacy feature if you have in-laws or other family members living with you. Give your family members and loved ones their own dining area, additional living space(living area) square footage, new adu separately, personal, and private space.
We can help you tear down the old and build the new construction of your property, main house(original house) and build classy new custom homes from scratch and garage conversion for better real estate and property value. Our role as a one-stop-shop Austin ADU Builder company in the Austin TX area is to ensure that you have a flawless experience with minimum worry or fatigue as our small home adu builder Austin does what they do best.
Most people benefit from ADUs by giving them for rent. Since they’re made fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, flexible living space, bedrooms, and often garages, the perfect way for small families or students to rent out in most cases. In Austin Area, particularly, where there is a shortage of affordable housing, new ADU construction is very useful for tenants as well as landlords.
Accessory Dwelling Unit in Austin TX You know them as Austin Granny Flat, Garage Apartments, Mother-in-Law Dwellings, Man Caves, and Guest Houses, but they are now officially known (according to the City of Austin) as ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs). The Austin Area is currently experiencing an affordability crisis. Many homeowners are struggling to afford their upward spiraling property taxes.
Small House Solutions
Our team of professionals and general contractors specializes in new adu, custom homes, backyard homes, building in East Austin the Best Accessory Dwelling Unit. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small dwellings right on the same property attached to your regular single-family house, main house, secondary unit, or existing home structure. ADUs go by a lot of names: accessory apartments, secondary suites, in-law units, backyard units, and Austin granny flats. Their uses also vary, ranging from creative and meditative property to full tiny homes made for sustainability.
Small House Solution’s portfolio features both custom homes, tiny homes(small homes) and Building ADUs. The team is well-versed in new construction and building in your own backyard, accessory dwelling unit in the last few years that generate new, affordable living spaces that can save money. Working with several ADU(Accessory Dwelling Unit) projects has helped the firm create your dream home and streamline home design is the perfect adu that quickly get your property approved for building permits and taking care for other fees.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS THINK ABOUT US
Real feedback from our valued customers
Peter Ruehlen
August 2023
Amazing company all around. Hands down some of the best contractors I have ever worked with. High quality top tier construction, incredible management and subs.
Brendan Turrell
February 2024
The project was done ahead of schedule and exceeds our expectations. I have already recommended this company to friends and will use them again whenever I have a construction project.
David Ferragut
August 2023
The team was so responsive and just overall great partners. If you are looking to add more living space to your property, highly recommend!
ADU PROJECT
Accessory Dwelling Units / ADU’s
Tiny House On Wheels
Park Models
Single Family Residential
Accessory Structures
Miscellaneous
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit?
The City of Austin requires a permit for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert, move or demolish any building or structure within the City’s zoning jurisdiction or in a Municipal Utility District (MUD) if the consent agreement between the MUD and the City requires insurance of a permit prior to construction. Unless specifically exempted by the City Code, permits are required within the City’s zoning jurisdiction; in MUDs or for electrical and plumbing work in other areas outside the City’s zoning jurisdiction where City utilities are provided. A separate permit is required for each building or structure where work occurs.
A permit expires on the 181st day if the project has not scheduled nor received an inspection. A “Canceled” and/or “Failed/No Work Performed” inspection result does not extend the expiration date.
Do I need a Permit to build a Fence?
Questions regarding fences are common. This page has some helpful information on fencing and its regulation in the Austin City.
How do I find permitting requirements for the City of Austin?
Inside the City Limits (full purpose annexation) – Zoning, Subdivision, Site plan, Building, Trade, and Concrete permits are required.
If your property is totally within Austin City and you are erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, moving, demolishing any building or structure, you are required to obtain an Austin City Building Permit, a site plan (development permit), or a site plan exemption. Depending on the extent of your work, you may be required to obtain one or more of the following permits
- Building
- Electrical
- Mechanical (heating/air conditioning)
- Plumbing
- After Hours Concrete Pouring (Applicable in Central Business District Only)
Inside the City Limits (limited purpose annexation) – The same rules above apply. In addition, Travis County requires development permits, building permits, and driveway permits.
Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (not limited purpose annexation) – The extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is that area extending five miles outside the Austin City corporate limits. All development in the ETJ is required to obtain a site plan (development permit) approvals or site plan exemptions from the City. In addition, plumbing and/or electrical permits may be required if the project is served by City utilities (ETJ fees will be assessed in addition to the permit fees). Development and driveway permits are required by Travis County and Hays County.
All areas inside the city limits and/or ETJ (other commonly required approvals):
- Austin/Travis County Health Department permits, if the project needs a septic system or if it is a sanitary landfill or salvage yard. LCRA has jurisdiction for permits for septic tanks adjacent to Lake Travis.
- US Fish and Wildlife Service permits for endangered species habitats.
- Texas Water Commission permit for projects over the Edwards Aquifer.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Corps of Engineers approval for drainage modifications.
- Projects involving single-family boat docks, earthwork, site clearing, utilities, and street and drainage improvements require a site plan (development permit) or site plan exemption. Boat docks also require building and electrical (if lighted) permits along Lake Austin.
What are the regulations and limitations for a Home Occupation?
A home occupation is a commercial use that is accessory to a residential use. A home occupation must comply with the requirements of Section 25-2-900 of the Austin City Code.
Advertising a home occupation by a sign on the premises is prohibited, except as provided under Section 25-10-156 (Home Occupation Signs). Advertising the street address of a home occupation through signs, billboards, television, radio, or newspapers is prohibited.
The following are prohibited as home occupations:
- animal hospitals, animal breeding;
- clinics, hospitals;
- hospital services;
- contractors yards;
- dance studios;
- scrap and salvage services;
- massage parlors other than those employing massage therapists licensed by the state;
- restaurants;
- cocktail lounges;
- rental outlets;
- equipment sales;
- adult oriented businesses;
- recycling centers;
- drop-off recycling collection facilities;
- an activity requiring an H-occupancy under Section 25-2, Article 5, Home Occupations (Building Code);
- automotive repair services; and
- businesses involving the repair of any type of internal combustion engine, including equipment repair services.
For information about Residential Tours and Garage Sales, please visit sections 25-2-902 and 25-2-903 of the code.
For more information contact the Development Assistance Center, (512) 974-6370.
We offer free consultation services for ADU Builders Austin.
Have a specific question for us? We’ll chat about your project and see if we are a good fit.
Small House Solutions serves the following Texas Towns, Counties and nearby Areas for Tiny, Small, Large Custom Homes, Tiny Homes on Wheels, ADU’s, Accessory Structure and Park Models:
Custom Home Builder Austin
Custom Home Builder Bastrop County TX
Custom Home Builder Bell County TX
Custom Home Builder Bexar County
Custom Home Builder Blanco TX
Custom Home Builder Boerne TX
Custom Home Builder Burnet TX
Custom Home Builder Cedar Park TX
Custom Home Builder Caldwell County
Custom Home Builder in Cibolo TX
Custom Home Builder Comal County TX
Custom Home Builder Converse TX
Custom Home Builder Copperas Cove TX
Custom Home Builder Fredericksburg TX
Custom Home Builder Georgetown TX
Custom Home Builder Guadalupe County TX
Custom Home Builder Harker Heights TX
Custom Home Builder Hays County TX
Custom Home Builder Houston
Custom Home Builder Hutto TX
Custom Home Builder Kendall County TX
Custom Home Builder Killeen
Custom Home Builder Kyle TX
Custom Home Builder Lakeway
Custom Home Builder Leander TX
Custom Home Builder Leon Valley TX
Custom Home Builder Live Oak TX
Custom Home Builder Lockhart TX
Custom Home Builder McLennan County TX
Custom Home Builder New Braunfels
Custom Home Builder Pflugerville TX
Custom Home Builder San Antonio
Custom Home Builder San Marcos TX
Custom Home Builder Seguin TX
Custom Home Builder Schertz TX
Custom Home Builder Taylor TX
Custom Home Builder TX
Custom Home Builder Universal City
Lake Travis Texas Custom Home Builder
Custom Home Builder Waco TX
Custom Home Builder Williamson County TX
Custom Home Builder Round Rock TX
