About ADU Advisory
ADU Advisory is a New York City-based organization that guides property owners and professionals through the process of planning, permitting, funding, and building accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The organization is led by former NYC Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri and is backed by the Copper Beech Project. Their team includes former city officials and professional experts with direct experience navigating New York City's regulatory environment.
ADU Advisory serves homeowners with one- or two-family properties across the five boroughs, as well as specialized service providers looking to grow their practice in the ADU space. Their focus covers the full development process — from initial feasibility through to construction — helping clients understand what is possible on their specific property before committing to any course of action.
What ADU Advisory Offers
ADU Advisory provides structured guidance across several key areas of the ADU development process:
- Feasibility Assessment: An evaluation of a property's potential for an ADU, including building and lot restrictions, flood zone considerations, and zoning compliance. They offer an ADU score tool that allows owners to check their NYC address instantly.
- Funding Guidance: Helping owners understand the financial implications of building an ADU, including rough cost estimates, financing options, and projected monthly cash flow.
- Permitting Support: Navigating municipal approval processes, including the recently enacted City of YES regulations in New York City.
- Builder and Design Connections: Connecting property owners with architects, interior designers, and ADU contractors suited to their specific project needs.
- Legal Guidance: Advising owners to seek legal counsel before signing contracts with any design or construction service provider.
ADU Advisory also operates a membership community — the ADU Advisory Club — where property owners can access online courses, connect with others going through similar processes, and work with a personal ADU advisor throughout their project.
For those considering a garage conversion, backyard cottage, granny flat, or an in-law suite, ADU Advisory helps owners understand the regulatory and financial landscape before engaging an ADU builder or detached ADU builder.
Understanding ADUs in New York City
An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary, independent residential unit located on the same lot as a primary home. ADUs — sometimes called granny flats, in-law suites, backyard cottages, or Casitas — can take several forms:
- Detached ADUs: Standalone structures separate from the main home, such as a backyard cottage.
- Attached ADUs: Units connected to the main home as an addition or extension.
- Interior ADUs: Conversions within the existing structure, such as a finished basement, attic, or garage conversion.
Each ADU type includes its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Local zoning laws regulate size, setbacks, height, parking, and occupancy requirements, which is why understanding the regulatory framework before proceeding is a key part of what ADU Advisory emphasizes.
With New York City's adoption of the City of YES regulations, residents in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island now have expanded opportunities to add an ADU to their property. ADU Advisory positions itself as a resource for owners who want to understand those opportunities clearly — and make informed decisions about whether building an ADU makes sense for their situation.
For property owners considering the process, ADU Advisory recommends a structured five-step approach: defining a vision, conducting a property assessment, completing a financial review, making a go/no-go decision, and then selecting the right team for design and construction — including a qualified ADU contractor or accessory dwelling unit builder.