AVL Contractor

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Asheville, NC — AVL Contractor

AVL Contractor is an Asheville-based general contractor that specializes in the design and construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). For property owners in Asheville, North Carolina looking to add a secondary dwelling to their lot, AVL Contractor manages the full process — from initial feasibility assessment through to final inspection and approvals.

Whether the goal is a guest house, rental unit, in-law suite, or garage apartment, AVL Contractor works as an experienced ADU builder to coordinate every phase of the project.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An ADU is a secondary housing unit located on the same residential lot as a primary home. In Asheville, these units are commonly used for:

1. Long-term rental income
2. Short-term rentals where local regulations permit
3. Guest houses or in-law suites
4. Home offices or flexible living arrangements

Types of ADUs AVL Contractor Builds

AVL Contractor works on several types of ADU projects, depending on the property and the owner's needs:

1. Detached ADUs — Standalone structures separate from the main home, offering privacy and independent rental potential. These are sometimes referred to as backyard cottages or granny flats.
2. Attached ADUs — Additions connected to the primary residence, often suited for multi-generational living or in-law suite arrangements.
3. Garage Conversions and Garage Apartments — Existing garages can be converted into livable space, or new garage apartments can be constructed. AVL Contractor serves as a capable garage conversion contractor for these projects.
4. Basement ADUs — Basements can be converted into fully functional, independent living units.

With over 10 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, AVL Contractor brings a working knowledge of Asheville's local zoning regulations, permitting processes, and building codes to each ADU project.

Building an ADU in Asheville requires compliance with several local and state requirements, including:

1. Asheville zoning and land use regulations
2. Lot size, setbacks, and height limitations
3. Utility connections including water, sewer, or septic capacity
4. North Carolina Residential Code (IRC-based construction standards)

For properties located within Asheville's historic districts, additional steps are involved. ADUs are permitted in these areas, but a Major Work Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required, along with review by the Historic Resources Commission (HRC). Design must align with historic district guidelines regarding materials, scale, and placement. Early planning is particularly important for these projects, as the review process can affect both timeline and design decisions.

The ADU Construction Process

AVL Contractor follows a structured process for each ADU project:

1. Property Evaluation — Reviewing the site to confirm zoning compliance and overall feasibility.
2. Design and Planning — Coordinating with architects and engineers to develop plans that meet all applicable requirements.
3. Permitting — Assisting with plan submissions and navigating approvals through the City of Asheville's Development Services.
4. Construction — Building the ADU with attention to quality, durability, and efficiency.
5. Inspections and Completion — Managing all required inspections and delivering a finished, ready-to-use space.

In addition to ADU construction, AVL Contractor provides broader residential and commercial construction services, including upfits and ground-up projects. This range of experience means ADU projects benefit from the same level of precision applied to larger-scale developments.

For property owners in Asheville considering an accessory dwelling unit, AVL Contractor offers local expertise, a clear process, and a track record of completed projects across the city.