For many homeowners, building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a great choice for expanding their homes. Often, these expansions are required for caretaking needs. But an ADU is also a good investment for increasing the value of your property.
We’ve compiled a list of the best accessory dwelling unit builders in Washington, District of Columbia who can help homeowners with the particular intricacies of building an ADU. These builders were chosen for their backgrounds, their experience, and their ability to customize an ADU to the specific needs of homeowners.
Case Design/Remodeling
1327 14th St, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005
With design studios in Washington, DC, Bethesda, MD, Falls Church, VA, and Alexandria, VA, Case Design/Remodeling is a home builder and remodeler that has been serving homeowners in the Washington DC metro area since 1961. The firm works with an in-house team of skilled craftsmen, designers, project developers, and managers in order to create homes that suit the lifestyles of their owners.
The firm has built thousands of projects for a wide variety of clients. An example of its work on an addition is pictured below. For this project, the homeowners desired more casual living space, as well as increased bedroom size. They also wanted to maintain the existing farmhouse character of their home. The result of their collaboration with the firm is an addition that blends seamlessly into the original structure.
CARNEMARK design + build
7550 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 120, Bethesda, MD 20814
CARNEMARK design + build is a remodeling and construction company that specializes in whole-house remodels, kitchen, bathroom, and condo renovations, and additions. Through its expert team of craftsmen and builders— including owner and founder—Jonas Carnemark, the firm uses modern, sustainable solutions that meet clients’ practical needs for their contemporary lives.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on an in-law suite. The owners of this 1920s Tudor home wanted to put their 674-square-foot attic to use. The space was converted into a well-appointed, completely accessible retreat, complete with a space-conscious elevator to take the unit’s aging residents up to the top floor with ease.
Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
8630A Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22031
Michael Nash Design Build & Homes is a team of residential building and home remodeling professionals. The firm is led by owner Michael Nash, who oversees the company’s operations and projects. In the span of 16 years, the firm’s prolific practice has earned it more than 300 awards from various local, regional, and national industry associations and award-giving bodies such as Chrysalis, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), Qualified Remodeler, Professional Remodeler, Pulse of the City, and Sun-Gazette.
Below is a 2020 NARI Capital Cottage Of The Year (COTY) Merit award-winning in-law suite that the firm completed in Haymarket, VA. The client was a couple who had recently moved into a five-acre lot. The couple wanted an addition constructed as quickly as possible for their father-in-law. The father-in-law wanted to have his independence despite living just next door. The firm was able to accomplish this and more. The in-law suite was complete with a workshop, a master suite and closet, an aging-in-place bathroom, kitchen, and living room. His suite also includes a front porch, from which he can sit on his rocking chair and watch his grandkids getting off the bus stop.
Glickman Design Build
15757 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855
Glickman Design Build was founded by Russ Glickman in 1975 with the goal of offering home remodeling, home additions, custom-crafted aging-in-place- accessible design and universal design solutions to the DC Metro area. Russ himself is more than qualified to offer these services, with certifications such as Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Green Professional (CGP), and Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), among other related certifications.
For in-law suite ADUs in particular, the firm provides open floor plans with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, sitting areas, and in general, limited mobility considerations such as lever-type door handles. Pictured below is an example of an in-law suite kitchen area. The room is simply laid out, with the dining table near the glass doors that lead out to a terrace. This location is bright and airy, allowing the occupants the option of eating with the doors open or closed. The kitchen also only has the simplest amenities, such as a sink, cabinets, and a refrigerator, to satisfy the basic needs of the in-law suite’s occupants.
FineCraft Contractors
104 Summit Hall Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
FineCraft Contractors has been building and remodeling houses, additions, kitchens, and baths since 1985. The firm was founded by George and Dagmar Papaheraklis who shared a vision of reimagining spaces. Seven hundred completed projects later, the firm continues to operate on this philosophy, working with clients to create and build spaces collaboratively.
When it comes to ADUs, the firm believes that these units are less defined by their form than they are defined by their function as a secondary housing unit on the residential lot. Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a modern addition and remodel in Arlington. Completed in collaboration with RunningDog Architects, this home was transformed into an open concept that brings a lot of natural light into the house. Catering to the needs of the homeowners, the home flows well and is suited to the movement of its occupants.
Four Brothers Design + Build
4009 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011
Four Brothers Design + Build is a family-owned and operated full-service company offering full home renovations, home additions, and kitchen and bathroom design. The firm primarily serves the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including Maryland and Virginia. The company is run by four brothers: Alfred, Ben, Kent and Leroy Johnson, who each have their specializations in design and production, sales and estimating, and large-scale jobs.
Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on an in-law suite. Located in Washington, DC, this modern loft is perfect for the owners’ in-laws and can even be an aging-in-place unit. The ADU’s functional spaces include a spacious bedroom and bathroom, and a kitchen with all the basic amenities available. The layout is simple and clean, and from the outside, the unit looks compact and structured.
Ideal Construction & Remodeling
8200 Greensboro Dr, Suite 900, McLean, VA 22102
Ideal Construction & Remodeling is a family-owned design-build and remodeling company with a decade of experience in the construction industry. The firm is based in McLean, VA and serves the surrounding Northern Virginia area as well as Washington, DC and Maryland. Led by Samar and Zenad Jarrar, the firm offers home remodeling services at the highest quality and value of any remodeling contractor in the area.
When it comes to building ADUs and in-law suites, Ideal Construction understands that the units will be unique to every family and urges them to think about what’s important to the family members that will be residing in the new space. Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on an in-law suite. This bedroom is a cozy and cool corner of the unit, with a neutral color palette and a matching sheet and carpet combination. The small chandelier above the bed adds a touch of grandiosity to the otherwise simple room and the adjacent window and door give the room just the right amount of light and air. Overall, the room is perfect for rest and relaxation, able to offer a hideaway from the rest of the unit.
