Elbowroom: ADU Builder Serving San Antonio and Austin
Elbowroom is a Central Texas-based ADU contractor specializing in the design and construction of accessory dwelling units across the San Antonio and Austin areas. With over five years of experience and more than 100 ADUs completed, they offer a structured, turnkey process from initial design through to move-in.
One of the defining aspects of Elbowroom's approach is fixed pricing. Clients receive transparent cost information upfront, with the goal of avoiding unexpected charges during the build. They also manage permitting, engineering, and approvals on behalf of the client, handling the administrative side of the process so homeowners don't have to.
ADU Models and Configurations
Elbowroom offers a selection of pre-designed ADU models, each available in a range of sizes and configurations. These include:
- Lynda – Modern Shed Roof: A contemporary design with clean lines and an efficient footprint. Available from 128 to 960 square feet, and configurable as a studio, suite, or full residence.
- Austen – Rooftop Deck: A compact unit featuring a rooftop outdoor living area. Ranges from 128 to 320 square feet and is suited for use as a studio or suite.
- Charles – Hill Country Cottage: A more traditional Texas aesthetic with optional stone accents. Also available from 128 to 320 square feet as a studio or suite.
- Jane – Internal Loft: Designed to maximize vertical space through a mezzanine level. Available from 320 to 960 square feet, configured as a suite or residence.
These models are intended to cover a range of property types and client needs, from smaller backyard studios to larger detached ADU residences.
Common Uses for an ADU
Homeowners work with Elbowroom for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common use cases include:
- Guest house: Providing family or visitors with a private, comfortable space separate from the main home.
- Home office: Creating a dedicated workspace that is physically separate from the primary residence.
- Rental income: Using the unit as a long-term or short-term rental to generate additional income.
- Aging parents: Allowing family members to live nearby while maintaining their own independence — a setup sometimes referred to as an in-law suite or granny flat.
The construction process follows four stages: selecting a design and finishes using their online configurator, permit and engineering management, the build phase with weekly progress updates, and finally, handover of the completed unit.
Elbowroom positions itself as a backyard cottage builder and accessory dwelling unit builder focused on making the process manageable for homeowners who may be unfamiliar with construction. Their configurator tool allows prospective clients to explore model options and get pricing information before committing to a project.
