Independent guidance for the U.S. ADU market.

OwnAdu exists for one reason: building an Accessory Dwelling Unit is one of the most consequential housing decisions a homeowner can make, and the information available online is either incomplete, outdated, or written by builders trying to sell you something.

We're independent. We publish what we believe is true based on real builder data, real cost reports, and real conversations with homeowners who have completed projects. We make money in two ways: referral fees from vetted builders when homeowners we send actually hire them, and affiliate revenue from the books, plans, and financing products we recommend. We never sell editorial placement. We've turned down builders who wanted to pay for favorable coverage.

Our editorial standards

• Numbers from real projects, not press releases. Our cost data comes from builder quotes and homeowner-reported final costs, not vendor estimates.
• Independent builder vetting. Every builder in our directory holds a current license in their state, has completed at least 10 ADU projects, and has insurance we've verified.
• Disclosure of financial relationships. When we earn a referral or affiliate fee, we say so. It never affects editorial.
• Annual review of every guide. Construction costs, code, and lender products change. Every guide is reviewed and updated at least once a year, with the date visible on the page.

Who we serve

Primarily homeowners — people thinking about adding an ADU to their property for rental income, multigenerational living, or future flexibility. We also help real-estate buyers specifically looking for properties that already have permitted ADUs, and builders who want to grow their ADU practice with qualified leads.

Contact

Press, partnerships, or builder inquiries: hello@ownadu.com.