Chicago Granny Flats: ADU Design and Build Services
Chicago Granny Flats specializes in designing, building, and delivering accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — specifically Coach Houses and Backyard Cottages, commonly known as Granny Flats. Their focus is on providing stylish, cost-effective structures through a streamlined, turnkey process aimed at making the experience straightforward for property owners.
Adding an ADU to a residential or investment property can serve a range of practical purposes, including:
- Creating a dedicated home office, gym, or studio space
- Providing housing for guests, aging parents, or adult children
- Generating rental income from a backyard cottage or in-law suite
Large construction projects can be time-consuming and complex to coordinate. Chicago Granny Flats positions itself as a single point of contact by offering 100% turnkey design/build services, handling the project from initial consultation through to completion. They operate as a licensed general contractor and offer guaranteed set pricing, which can help property owners plan budgets with more certainty.
Construction Approach and Materials
Each Granny Flat built by Chicago Granny Flats features a private entrance and no shared walls with the main structure. The units are constructed using proprietary structurally insulated light gauge steel wall panels, made from 95% recycled steel with 100% recyclable insulation. Energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact are central to their building method.
Following an initial consultation, their in-house architectural team develops personalized floor plans and elevations tailored to the specific property, the owner's preferences, and their intended use for the unit.
Their ADU designs are engineered to fit within the footprint of a 2, 3, or 4-car garage, making them adaptable to a wide range of lot sizes and neighborhood styles. Options include interior or exterior staircases, along with various add-ons to customize the finished unit.
Each completed Granny Flat comes fully finished and includes:
- All utility connections
- Curated interior packages with full kitchens
- All-electric, energy-efficient appliances
- Single-hung energy-efficient windows
- VTAC HVAC units or Mini Splits upon request
Available Floor Plan Models
Chicago Granny Flats offers several distinct floor plan options to accommodate different lot sizes and needs:
- The Nanna — Designed to fit on any standard Chicago lot at least 24 feet wide. Features a 2-car garage and vaulted ceilings. Also available with 1st floor bedroom options through their Backyard Cottage plans.
- The Abuela — Suited for extra-wide or extra-deep lots. Includes a 2 or 3-car garage and offers one or two-bedroom floor plan options.
- The Big Granny — Designed for larger city lots and suburban locations. Features a 4-car garage footprint and up to a 1,000 square foot, 2-bedroom apartment layout.
Chicago Granny Flats is based in Glenview, IL, and serves the broader Chicago area. For property owners exploring granny flat builder options, backyard cottage construction, or detached ADU development, Chicago Granny Flats offers a structured, design-build approach with defined product lines and transparent pricing.