ABQ ADU — Albuquerque's Casita Design/Build Specialists
ABQ ADU is Albuquerque's dedicated accessory dwelling unit builder, specializing in the thoughtful design and construction of casitas, guest houses, and backyard cottages. With projects starting at $69,000, they offer housing solutions to fit a range of budgets, making ADU construction accessible to more homeowners across the region.
In response to the growing housing shortage facing Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the nation as a whole, ABQ ADU helps homeowners create smart, sustainable solutions right in their own backyards. Adding an ADU is a practical way to expand housing options while preserving the character of established neighborhoods — and it can add meaningful value to a property at the same time.
What Is an ADU and Can You Build One?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a dwelling unit other than the primary residence on a property. These units go by many names, including casitas, granny flats, in-law quarters, and carriage houses. As a trusted granny flat builder and in-law suite builder, ABQ ADU works with homeowners throughout Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
The City of Albuquerque has become increasingly proactive about encouraging ADU development, meaning most homeowners in the area are likely eligible to add one to their property. ABQ ADU offers free on-site consultations to assess each property and determine the scope of the project.
Their team is equipped to handle a variety of construction scenarios, including:
- Slab on grade foundations
- Stem wall with crawlspace
- Basement foundations
- Matching existing siding and roofing to the main home
- Custom architectural design for unique home styles
If a homeowner's primary residence has a flat roof but the standard models feature a pitched roof, ABQ ADU can take the custom design route to ensure a cohesive look across the property.
The Team Behind ABQ ADU
ABQ ADU is the result of a collaboration between Ian Wilson of Fifth Element Design and Construction and Steve Miller of Steve Miller Architecture. Together, they bring complementary expertise to every project — Ian contributes high-quality craftsmanship while Steve focuses on maximizing space usage within compact footprints.
Their office is located at 131 Madison NE, Albuquerque, NM. As an experienced ADU contractor and detached ADU builder, the ABQ ADU team believes that the demand for small housing in the Albuquerque area is not yet reflected in the volume of new construction currently underway — and they are working to change that.
For homeowners exploring financing options, ABQ ADU maintains a connection with Charles Edington, known as The ADU Finance Guy, who specializes in ADU lending. Homeowners are also encouraged to check with their local bank regarding ADU financing and HELOCs as part of their planning process.
Whether a homeowner is looking to add a backyard cottage, a detached guest house, or a casita for extended family, ABQ ADU provides a streamlined design-build process from initial consultation through to completed construction.