Excell Homes: Turnkey ADU Builder in Northern Virginia
Excell Homes is a Northern Virginia-based construction company with over 20 years of experience and more than 2,500 completed projects. Operating primarily in Annandale, Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria, they specialize in fully managed accessory dwelling unit construction — handling everything from architectural design through permitting to final build completion.
As an ADU contractor and accessory dwelling unit builder, Excell Homes offers a turnkey approach under a single contract. Their services cover custom architectural design, structural engineering, 3D renderings, permit filing, and complete construction. Homeowners work with one team and one point of contact throughout the entire process.
Navigating Northern Virginia's ADU Permitting Process
Permitting for ADUs in Northern Virginia varies significantly by jurisdiction. Fairfax County refers to them as "Accessory Living Units" and limits them to 800 square feet or 40% of the primary home's size. Arlington County applies different setback rules, while Alexandria has its own design standards. Each jurisdiction uses separate review portals and processes — Fairfax PLUS, the Arlington County Board, and Alexandria's DSP review system.
Excell Homes has experience navigating these specific offices across hundreds of Northern Virginia projects. Their process is structured to avoid common pitfalls such as incorrect form submissions, permit resubmissions, and unexpected fees that can delay a project by months.
Their fixed-price ADU guarantee means the quoted price is the price paid — no surprise change orders or hidden costs. The contract is signed before any ground is broken, and it includes all design, permitting, and construction work.
Their three-phase process typically runs as follows:
- Phase 1 — Custom ADU Design (2–3 weeks): Plans are optimized for the specific lot, with structural engineering and 3D renderings included.
- Phase 2 — Permitting: Excell Homes handles all form submissions and inspections across the relevant county or city portals.
- Phase 3 — Build and Key Delivery (12–16 weeks): Full construction including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finishes under the fixed-price contract.
The average total timeline from design to completion is approximately 5–7 months.
ADU Types and Rental Income Potential
Excell Homes builds a range of ADU types, including detached ADU structures, garage conversion units, in-law suites, backyard cottages, and granny flats — also referred to as Casitas in some markets. Each project is designed to meet local zoning requirements while maximizing usable space.
For homeowners considering rental income, Northern Virginia's rental market provides relevant context. According to Apartment List data from February 2026, the median rent for a 2-bedroom unit in Annandale is approximately $2,211 per month, with year-over-year rent growth of 7.5% — the highest in Fairfax County.
A sample ROI estimate for a 600 square foot detached ADU in Annandale or Fairfax looks like this:
- Turnkey build cost: $150,000 – $200,000
- Monthly cash flow (1BR): approximately $1,938
- Monthly cash flow (2BR): approximately $2,211
- Annual gross income: $23,256 – $26,532
- Estimated property equity increase: $100,000 – $175,000
- Estimated break-even: 5–7 years
Note: Rent data sourced from Apartment List, February 2026. Virginia law effective July 2025 requires a minimum 30-day lease term for ADU rentals.
Excell Homes is licensed, bonded, and insured in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. All projects include a full warranty on labor and materials.
