ADU & Guest Houses
Detached and attached accessory dwelling units designed and built as one project.
About Our ADU & Guest Houses Services
Accessory dwelling units are the smartest investment in Northeast Florida real estate right now. Whether you need a detached guest house, a garage-top apartment, an in-law cottage, or a backyard studio, Wilson & Co designs and builds ADUs as complete, permitted, livable spaces — not glorified sheds. Jay Wilson brings a designer's eye to every ADU: these aren't afterthoughts bolted onto your property, they're thoughtfully designed structures that complement your main home and add serious value. As a design-build firm, we handle architecture, engineering, permitting, utilities, and construction under one contract. Founder & Design Builder · License #CGC1532295 · AK Rising.
What's Included
- Detached guest houses and backyard cottages (400-1,200 sq ft)
- Garage conversions and garage-top apartments
- Attached in-law suites with private entrance
- Full kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry in compact layouts
- Impact-resistant windows and hurricane-rated construction
- Independent HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Custom architectural design matching your main home
- Zoning research and setback analysis before design begins
- Site planning for utilities, drainage, and access
- Rental-ready finishes for income-producing ADUs
Our Process
- Site & Zoning Review: We evaluate your lot for setbacks, impervious surface limits, utility access, flood zone status, and HOA restrictions. Not every lot qualifies for a detached ADU — we tell you upfront before you spend money on design.
- Design: Jay designs your ADU to complement your main home's architecture — matching rooflines, materials, and proportions. We produce full architectural plans, 3D renderings, and interior layouts optimized for the unit's footprint.
- Permitting: ADU permitting in Florida involves building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and sometimes septic/sewer approvals. We prepare and submit all applications and coordinate with St. Johns, Duval, or Flagler county building departments.
- Construction: Our crew builds the ADU from foundation to finishes. For detached units, we handle site prep, foundation, framing, roofing, utilities, and all interior buildout. Timeline is typically faster than main-home construction because we're working on a clean site.
- Completion & Inspection: Final inspections, CO (Certificate of Occupancy), utility activation, and walkthrough. Your ADU is move-in ready with all systems tested and operational.
Benefits
- Generate rental income ($1,200-$2,500/month in NE Florida markets)
- House aging parents nearby without sacrificing anyone's privacy
- Add 20-30% to your property value with a permitted, appraised structure
- Avoid selling your home to accommodate a growing or changing family
- Home office or creative studio separate from the main house
- Guest accommodations that feel like a real home, not a spare bedroom
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ADU cost to build in Northeast Florida?
ADU costs typically range from $150-$350 per square foot depending on size, finishes, and site conditions. A 500 sq ft studio cottage might cost $75,000-$125,000. A 1,000 sq ft one-bedroom guest house with full kitchen runs $150,000-$300,000. Detached units with independent utilities cost more than garage conversions. We provide detailed estimates after our site review.
Does my property qualify for an ADU in St. Johns County?
ADU eligibility depends on your zoning district, lot size, setback requirements, and impervious surface ratio. St. Johns County allows ADUs in many residential zones but has specific requirements for size, height, parking, and owner-occupancy. We research your specific property before design begins and advise you on what's permitted.
Can I rent out my ADU?
In many St. Johns and Duval County zones, yes — but regulations vary by district. Some areas require owner-occupancy of either the main house or the ADU. Short-term rental rules (Airbnb/VRBO) differ from long-term rental rules. We help you understand the rental regulations for your specific property before you invest.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Typical ADU construction takes 3-6 months after permitting. Permitting itself can take 4-10 weeks depending on the county and complexity. Garage conversions are faster (2-3 months construction). Detached units with new foundations and independent utilities take longer. We provide a detailed timeline during the design phase.
Will an ADU increase my property value?
Yes. A permitted, appraised ADU typically adds 20-30% to property value in Northeast Florida markets — often more than the construction cost. The key is building a permitted, code-compliant structure with its own Certificate of Occupancy, not an unpermitted conversion that creates liability and appraisal issues.