Building ADUs in Florida: What You Need to Know

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), like garden cottages or guesthouses, are slowly gaining prominence in Florida. They have the potential to increase your property value further or even generate some rent. However, constructing one can be stressful with so many rules in place.

But Mesocore makes it simple.

Mesocore, West Palm Beach is a company that produces modular residential homes and accessory dwelling units that comply with Florida construction regulations. In fact, we are the only ADU-compatible company in Florida. That’s a guarantee that you are in good hands.

So, for those who wish to build ADUs in Florida, this article will discuss building ADUs in Florida with Mesocore ADUs, how to make them compliant with Florida jurisdictions, and why they are a significant investment. 

Keep on reading!

Understanding ADUs in Florida

ADUs or Accessory Dwelling Units are extra homes built in a factory and assembled on a property, often along with a primary residence. It can contain its own kitchen, bath, and so on. In Florida, they capture the interest of many customers because they are pretty flexible and inexpensive.

Many people visit ADUs for rental properties, offices, or guest houses. However, getting an ADU constructed is a bit of a hassle, especially considering the various ADU constructions and zoning regulations in Florida.


Florida ADU Zoning Laws and Regulations

There are specific regulations governing the construction and use of ADUs in Florida. These regulations are meant to have the ADUs built to meet safety standards and zoning requirements and protect the community.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Zoning Laws: The zoning laws in Florida are not uniform throughout the different municipalities, and this impacts the location, the scale, and the style of the ADU that a homeowner would want to construct. Therefore, you’ll need expert advice based on your desired ADU's specifics.

  • Building Permits and Compliance: Constructing an ADU in Florida is regulated by the Florida Building Code, including obtaining the required permits and conducting inspections. There might be some variations in the building requirements of ADUs compared to the ones of ordinary houses.

  • Utilities and Infrastructure: There are connection requirements for water, sewage, and electricity that ADUs should provide. Such connections can impact property and usage taxes.

  • Parking and Accessibility Requirements: Local laws can affect the number of parking spaces allocated to ADUs, impacting neighborhood parking. Layout planning also needs to be done extensively since the ability of disabled occupants has to be accommodated.

Ultimately, considering and complying with all these regulations is essential in undertaking an ADU project in Florida with few to no hiccups. However, for those needing help with the stringent requirements, consider contacting Mesocore before starting your project.


How to Get Your ADU Approved in Florida

Would you like to put up an ADU (an Accessory Dwelling Unit) on your property in Florida? Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your project is approved promptly and without unnecessary hiccups.

Initial Consultation

Before beginning the work, consult Mesocore, as we will provide a tailored quote for your project. This step is essential in that it assists you in working out a plan that is aligned with Florida's requirements. We will discuss your ADU goals, financial capacities, deadlines, and the overall construction of the ADU in easy-to-understand terms.

Design and Planning

Work with the Mesocore team to imagine what your ADU will look like. Every design sent out is within the legal framework of Florida Building Codes. This covers creating detailed architectural drawings, determining the materials needed and their insulating properties, and caring for the environment.

We can also work with your design specifics, but if you are open to new suggestions, you can go through the Mesocore ADU models and pick one that suits your needs and budget.

Permitting

Acquiring permits is essential. Mesocore helps obtain all the required permits from the relevant jurisdictions, including the detailed submission and review of plans to meet local zoning and building requirements.

The steps can be complex and challenging; however, Mesocore makes the task much more manageable. All documents are prepared with the utmost attention to detail, and we constantly strive to avoid project delays.

Construction

Our construction team will build the ADU to the highest quality standards. This also means adhering strictly to the approved plans and regulations.

The Mesocore process includes site prep, foundation work, constructing and assembling all ADU modules, and plumbing, electrical, heating, and ventilation. All is done in record time while we keep you informed throughout the process.

Final Inspection and Approval

Inspections are performed at the end of the construction phase to ensure the completed work adheres to all the relevant building regulations and standards. Mesocore oversees these inspections and gets the necessary modifications done for complete approval.

After this phase, your ADU will be ready for occupation and give you extra living or rental space.

Why Mesocore ADUs Are a Great Choice

There are a few reasons to consider Mesocore's modular ADUs. First, they are built to withstand Florida’s strict building regulations, making them safe.

Our ADUs are IBC-approved and are registered with the Florida DBPR modular home program. They can withstand a hurricane’s maximum possible wind speed of 180 mph; hence, they are fit to be used in Florida prone to hurricanes, bringing more confidence in adverse weather.

Additionally, they are eco-friendly, coming with solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient windows. Investing in these green options helps the environment and saves on power facilities, making it a more sustainable investment.

Furthermore, Mesocore also offers a wide selection of styles and designs of floor plans for the customers to select from or help with. From the smaller guest houses to the bigger rental units, Mesocore’s ADUs are flexible to suit your desires.



Conclusion

Constructing an ADU in Florida is one of the most effective ways to enhance the house's worth and earn some rental income. Working with a reliable ADU company like Mesocore will help you better navigate the chaos of starting an ADU project.

The ADUs designed by Mesocore are Florida-approved, eco-friendly, and custom-made to ensure optimum satisfaction and value while still being up to the standards of the most rugged building codes.
Do you want to start an ADU project in Florida? Get in touch with Mesocore for a consultation to dive deeper into your requirements and how to meet Florida ADU rules and regulations.

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