How Long Does it Take to Build an ADU in Dallas?

If you're thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your Dallas property, you probably have a number of questions. One thing you need to know is how long to build an ADU in Dallas, where permitting, HOAs, and site conditions can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next.

In this guide, we cover the complete ADU construction timeline in Dallas, explain what affects your project’s pace, and show how choosing experienced ADU builders helps keep everything moving smoothly.

On this page:

• How Long Does It Take to Build an ADU in Dallas?
• Full ADU Timeline: From First Call to Final Walk-Through
• What Can Speed Up (or Slow Down) Your ADU Timeline?
• How Estate ADU Keeps Your Project on Track
• Moving Forward With Confidence in Your ADU Project

How Long Does It Take to Build an ADU in Dallas?

Most ADUs in Dallas take 5 to 6 months from start to finish. This full timeline includes property analysis, design, permitting, construction, inspections, and final walk-through.

Here’s the average breakdown:

These are the average times to build an ADU in Dallas, but your project’s actual timing depends on permitting requirements, HOA reviews, design complexity, and how quickly decisions are made.

Before we dive into the detailed timeline, it’s important to know that permitting is usually the biggest variable in Dallas. Some neighborhoods and HOAs move quickly; others can add weeks or even months to the process. This is something Estate ADU frequently sees when helping clients navigate city and neighborhood approvals.

Full ADU Timeline: From First Call to Final Walk-Through

Building an ADU in Dallas is a multi-stage process. While every project is unique, the steps below represent the standard sequence most homeowners experience. Read about Our Process for more information.

1. Property Analysis (1-2 Weeks)

What is the first step in building an ADU?  The very first step is a property analysis, which is a detailed feasibility review that makes sure your lot can legally and safely support an ADU.

During this phase, Estate ADU:

• Performs an on-site walk and evaluation
• Reviews zoning, setbacks, and coverage limits
• Identifies utility locations and connection requirements
• Evaluates any HOA restrictions
• Confirms which ADU types (detached or conversion) are possible
• Provides a preliminary project estimate

This step is essential in Dallas, where zoning rules, overlay districts, and neighborhood requirements can vary dramatically across just a few blocks. Estate ADU’s process formally begins with this stage, bringing clarity before design work begins.

2. Design Phase (1-3 Weeks)

Once your ADU is confirmed as feasible, design work begins. This is where your vision becomes a real set of architectural plans.

What’s included in design:

• Floor plans and layout options
• Exterior elevations
• ADU-specific architectural planning
• Finish selections
• Engineering requirements
• Plans prepared for permitting
  
  

3. Permitting Phase (1-4 weeks)

How long is the ADU approval process in Dallas? Permitting is the biggest timeline variable in the Dallas ADU process. Some permits move surprisingly fast; others require several rounds of review.

Estate ADU’s team has seen permitting delays stretch into months due to city review queues, HOA processes, and historic overlays, sometimes slowing homeowners’ projects despite their readiness to begin construction.

What Dallas ADU permitting may involve:

• Zoning and setback verification
• Building plan review
• Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical reviews
• Drainage and utility checks
• Neighborhood or HOA design approval
• Historic district or conservation district oversight
• Resubmittals and corrections (if required)

Typical permitting timelines:

• Standard ADU: 1-4 weeks 
• HOA-regulated neighborhood: 2-6 weeks 
• Historic/conservation district: 1-3 weeks on top of standard city permitting

Estate ADU prepares all floor plans, surveys, and supporting documents required for permitting. This helps reduce back-and-forth with the city and streamlines approvals.

Learn more in our ADU Permit and Regulation Guide.

4. Construction Phase (10-16 weeks)

Once your permit is issued, construction can begin. This is typically the most predictable part of the ADU timeline.

Here are the Dallas ADU construction phases, broken out based on the different ADU services we offer:

Detached ADUs (12-16 weeks)

Detached ADUs are standalone homes, so construction follows the full ground-up building process.

1. Site Prep and Foundation (1-2 weeks)
   
   
   • Clearing, grading, forming, and pouring the slab
     
     
2. Framing and Exterior Shell (1-2 weeks)
   
   
   • Walls, roof, windows, exterior doors
     
     
3. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Rough-Ins (2-3 weeks)
   
   
   • Inspections occur throughout this stage
     
     
4. Interior Finishes (4-6 weeks)
   
   
   • Drywall, flooring, cabinetry, tile, trim, fixtures
     
     
5. Final Inspections and Walk-Through (2 -4 weeks)
   
   
   • Punch list and keys in hand

Garage Conversion ADUs (8-12 weeks) 

The garage conversion ADU timeline in Dallas is faster since part of the structure already exists, but it requires careful upgrades to meet residential building standards.

1. Structural Reinforcement
   
   
   • Elevated floors, framing improvements, and insulation upgrades
     
     
2. Utilities and Systems
   
   
   • Plumbing trenching
   • Electrical panel or circuit upgrades
   • Mini-split HVAC installation
     
     
3. Interior Build-Out
   
   
   • Drywall, flooring, kitchenette, and bath installation
     
     
4. Final Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy

What Can Speed Up (or Slow Down) Your ADU Timeline?

Even with a predictable process, every ADU project in Dallas moves at a slightly different pace. Some phases move quickly because paperwork is clear and approvals are straightforward. Others slow down due to HOA requirements, city review backlogs, or design revisions. Understanding these variables helps homeowners set accurate expectations and prevent surprises down the road.

What Can Slow Down Your ADU Timeline?

Here are the things that often extend your ADU construction timeline in Dallas:

City of Dallas Permitting Delays

This is the biggest cause of timeline extensions for homeowners.

Multiple plan reviewers, high project volume, and periodic staffing shortages mean the Dallas permitting office can take weeks or months to return comments. Estate ADU frequently sees projects delayed simply because the city is slow to respond, not because of issues with the plans themselves.

Typical delays include:

• Multiple rounds of plan review
• Long queue times between review cycles
• Clarification requests
• Department-specific approvals (zoning, building, fire, etc.)

HOA or Neighborhood Approval Requirements

Many Dallas neighborhoods, like Lakewood, East Dallas, Bluffview, and others, have strict architectural rules for ADUs. HOAs may require:

• Matching exterior materials and rooflines
• Detailed submittal packets
• Committee meetings (sometimes monthly)
• Additional design revisions

This can extend the timeline by several weeks.

Design Complexity or Custom Requests

The more customized the ADU, the more architectural and engineering time is required.

Examples that add time:

• Second-story ADUs
• Highly custom layouts
• Nonstandard rooflines
• Unique site conditions (slopes, tree protections, utilities)

Financing Delays

Delays securing a HELOC, home equity loan, or progress equity loan can push the start date. Some homeowners need time to gather documentation or wait for underwriters, especially during busy lending seasons.

Slow Decision-Making on Finishes or Layouts

Homeowners sometimes need extra time to choose cabinetry, flooring, or specific layout options. Those decisions affect the architectural package and can slow it down if they aren’t made promptly.

What Can Speed Up Your ADU Timeline?

Here’s what can speed up how long it takes to build an ADU:

Choosing an Experienced ADU Builder (the biggest accelerator)

Does hiring an experienced builder speed things up? Yes, without question.

Estate ADU specializes exclusively in ADUs, which means:

• Faster feasibility assessments
• More accurate design recommendations
• Fewer plan revisions
• Smoother HOA and city submittals
• Better communication with inspectors
• Shorter overall timelines

General contractors who “also do ADUs” often need extra time to research regulations. This is time that Estate ADU has already invested.

Selecting a Pre-Designed or Semi-Custom Layout

While everything we build is customizable, choosing an existing layout as a starting point speeds up both design and engineering. See what we can do for you in Our Portfolio.

Quick, Decisive Selections

Finish selections and layout choices made early can help the design team complete plans faster and avoid redesigns.

Clear, Compliant Lot and Survey Information

Having an up-to-date survey and a lot free from major obstacles (trees, drainage issues, easements) makes feasibility and design move faster.

Early Coordination With Your HOA

If applicable, submitting preliminary information early can shorten their review process.

Every ADU project moves at its own pace. City permitting backlogs, HOA design reviews, custom plans, financing, and slow decision-making can all extend your timeline, while choosing an experienced ADU builder, selecting a semi-custom layout, and preparing clear property information can speed things up significantly. 

If you’re planning an ADU, understanding how these factors impact both timeline and budget is essential. Get a clearer picture of what to expect with the Estate ADU Cost Guide.

How Estate ADU Keeps Your Project on Track

One of the biggest advantages of working with Estate ADU is that we work exclusively on ADUs. That focus allows us to streamline every phase of the process, anticipate roadblocks before they appear, and keep your project moving, even when the city or HOA slows things down.

Here’s how our team supports a smooth, predictable experience from start to finish.

A Proven, Streamlined ADU Process

Estate ADU follows a clearly defined process that removes guesswork and keeps everyone aligned from day one.

This process is built specifically for the needs of ADU clients and Dallas regulations. It’s not adapted from general construction. It was designed from the ground up around ADU requirements.

Deep Local Knowledge of Dallas Codes and HOA Requirements

Dallas is known for its highly variable zoning rules, overlapping neighborhood overlays, strict conservation districts, and very active HOAs. Because ADUs are all we do, our team knows:

• Which districts require extra design steps
• Which neighborhoods request additional documentation
• How to submit plans that reduce back-and-forth revisions
• How to prepare for typical city reviewer comments

This experience helps your application move through the system as efficiently as possible.

ADU-Focused Architectural Partners

Estate ADU collaborates with local architects who understand the specific zoning, design, and engineering requirements of ADUs. This reduces redesign cycles and shortens the overall design-to-permit timeline.

Clear, Proactive Communication

We provide bold, honest, proactive communication. That means:

• You always know where your project stands
• You understand what the city or HOA is reviewing
• You’re notified immediately when action is needed
• You get real expectations and not vague timelines

This level of transparency keeps projects from stalling due to small, avoidable issues.

Coordinated Permitting and Documentation Management

Estate ADU prepares and submits everything needed for the city and HOA, including:

• Floor plans
• Site plans
• Surveys
• Engineering documents
• Architectural drawings
• All permit application paperwork

Because our team makes sure the package is complete and accurate before submission, we reduce city corrections and keep review cycles as short as possible.

Dedicated Project Coordination During Construction

Once construction begins, our team manages:

• Subcontractor scheduling
• Material ordering
• Inspections
• Daily progress checks
• Punch-list review

This close oversight keeps the build on schedule while maintaining Estate ADU’s high standard of quality.

A Mission Built Around Helping Families

Estate ADU has a mission to help families live together more comfortably and affordably. Many clients come to us because they’re navigating major life transitions, and they need a builder who understands both the urgency and the emotional weight of the project.

This purpose-driven approach pushes us to keep timelines tight and communication clear, because we know what’s at stake.

Moving Forward With Confidence in Your ADU Project

If you’re planning a detached backyard home or a garage conversion, choosing experienced accessory dwelling unit contractors is the best way to keep your project on track. Estate ADU specializes exclusively in ADUs, which means you get a team that understands Dallas zoning, HOA requirements, and city permitting better than anyone. 

As dedicated ADU builders in Dallas, our mission is to deliver a smooth, predictable, and supportive experience from the first site walk to the final walk-through.

Contact Us

Contact us today to take the first step toward building your ADU.