Three Types of Return
ADUs can produce cash-flow return through rent, equity return through higher property value, and life-planning return through family housing or flexibility. The best project usually has more than one return path.
Detached vs Conversion ROI
Detached cottages cost more and may create stronger rental and resale value. Garage and basement conversions cost less and can reach a payback point faster, but they may have lower rent, less privacy, and more impact on how the main home lives.
Costs People Forget
Include vacancy, maintenance, utilities, furnishing, increased insurance, property tax reassessment risk, management time, repairs, snow removal, and future capital expenses. Conservative math beats rosy math.
Use the Quiz First
The quiz gathers the basic property, budget, and goal inputs that shape ROI. From there, the right next step may be lender modeling, rental comps, zoning review, or builder pricing.
Start with the ADU quiz. It captures your property type, goals, budget range, and readiness questions so the next step is focused. Take the ADU readiness quiz.