ADUs and Home Additions in Lakewood and East Dallas
Estate ADU builds backyard guest houses, in-law suites and home additions in Lakewood, the M Streets, Lower Greenville, White Rock and Casa View. Our office is on Greenville Ave, so this is our home turf. We know the conservation district rules and the older houses they protect.
East Dallas has some of the best houses in the city. Craftsman bungalows, Tudors and cottages on tree-lined streets, many built 80 to 100 years ago. People who live here tend to stay. When the family grows or a parent needs to move close, they'd rather add on than move.
That's most of what we do.
What We Build in East Dallas
- Backyard guest houses behind bungalows and cottages, sized to fit Dallas's 25% rule. See backyard ADUs
- In-law suites so a parent can live close but not under the same roof. See in-law suites
- Rear additions that add up to 1,000 sq ft without changing the view from the street. See home additions
- Garage conversions for the old detached garages common on alley lots. See garage conversions
Building in an East Dallas Conservation District
Lakewood and the M Streets are conservation districts, and the city has been working to expand Lakewood's. Each district has its own ordinance covering setbacks, height, roof form and materials, especially on the sides of the house you see from the street.
In practice, that means:
- Your plans get a district review before the building permit
- New work usually has to match the original style of the house
- Rear additions and backyard units are often easier to approve than changes to the front
We design to the district's standards from the first sketch, so the review goes faster. Some streets nearby, like Junius Heights and Swiss Avenue, are historic districts with even stricter review. We'll tell you which rules apply to your address at the lot check. More in our Dallas ADU permit guide.
Adding Onto a 100-Year-Old East Dallas Home
Older homes here often sit on pier-and-beam foundations with original framing, wood siding and old wiring. We plan how the new work ties in before we price it: the foundation, the roofline, the materials and whether your electrical and sewer can handle more house. No surprises once the walls are open.
Neighborhoods and Zips We Serve
Area
Zip
Lower Greenville, M Streets, Vickery Place
75206
Lakewood, Lakewood Heights, Hollywood/Santa Monica
75214
White Rock, Casa Linda, Forest Hills
75218
Casa View
75228
Buckner Terrace
75227
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Lakewood?
Often, yes. You'll follow the City of Dallas ADU rules plus the Lakewood conservation district standards. A unit with a kitchen usually needs a Board of Adjustment special exception. We check your lot for free.
Do I need approval to add onto my house in the M Streets?
Yes. Additions in a conservation district get a district review before the building permit. Rear additions that match the house tend to have the smoothest path.
How big can a backyard guest house be in East Dallas?
Usually up to 25% of your main house's floor area. A 1,600 sq ft bungalow gets about 400 sq ft without extra approval. The Board of Adjustment can approve more.
Is your office really in East Dallas?
Yes. We're at 4849 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206.
Start here
Get a Real Number for Your Lot
Send us your address. We'll check your zoning, look at the site and give you a price range you can plan around.
☎ (214) 949-5192