ADU Construction Services by Tell Projects in Houston
Tell Projects is a licensed and insured construction company based in Houston, TX, with over 20 years of experience building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for residential and commercial clients. They serve Houston and surrounding areas including Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Cypress, and Memorial, handling projects from initial design through to final inspection and certificate of occupancy.
An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary housing structure on an existing property. This can take the form of a detached backyard cottage, a garage conversion, or an attached in-law suite with a separate entrance. Homeowners typically pursue ADU construction for a range of reasons, including providing housing for aging family members, generating rental income, creating a dedicated home office, or adding a guest space.
Tell Projects manages the full scope of ADU development, including design, permit acquisition, zoning approval, HOA coordination, and construction. Given Houston's specific regulatory environment — including Harris County zoning rules, lot coverage limitations, setback requirements, and utility connection standards — having a contractor familiar with local permitting processes can make a meaningful difference in project timelines and outcomes.
Types of ADUs Tell Projects Builds
Tell Projects works on several types of ADU projects:
- Detached ADUs — Stand-alone backyard cottages, studios, or guest houses with full kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
- Garage conversion contractor services — Existing garages are converted into livable units, making use of an existing foundation and utility connections.
- Attached ADUs — Connected to the main house but with a separate entrance, suitable for in-law suites or multigenerational living arrangements.
- Basement ADUs — Converting existing basement space into a self-contained unit.
- Commercial ADUs — Multi-unit ADU developments intended for rental properties and investment portfolios.
Each project is customized to the client's lot size, budget, and intended use. Tell Projects offers fully tailored designs, whether that's a compact studio or a more spacious granny flat or casita-style structure.
In terms of cost, ADU construction in Houston typically ranges from $150 to $300 per square foot, depending on size, materials, and finishes. A 600 sq ft detached ADU generally falls between $90,000 and $180,000, while garage conversions tend to start around $60,000. Tell Projects provides free, itemized estimates that include permits, design, construction, and utility connections.
Permits, Timelines, and Local Expertise
All ADU construction in Harris County requires building permits, zoning approval, and inspections. Tell Projects handles the full permitting process on behalf of their clients, including architectural plans, HOA coordination, and compliance with local building codes. This is particularly relevant in areas with stricter municipal regulations or active HOA oversight.
Typical ADU construction timelines in Houston run from 6 to 12 months from design to completion. This generally includes 2 to 3 months for permits and approvals, followed by 4 to 8 months of construction. Garage conversions tend to move faster, often completing within 3 to 6 months, while custom detached ADU builds take longer depending on complexity.
Beyond the construction itself, ADUs in Houston are reported to increase property values by approximately $80,000 to $150,000, and can generate rental income in the range of $1,200 to $2,000 per month, depending on location and unit size. Tell Projects designs each unit with both functionality and long-term value in mind.
With over two decades of local construction experience, Tell Projects brings familiarity with the specific permitting processes and regulatory requirements across the Greater Houston metro area, which can help keep projects on schedule and within scope.