ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
Custom ADUs in Western Lake Norman
What is an ADU?
A Flexible Living Space Designed Around Your Property
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, is a complete and independent living space built on your property. These versatile units can be attached to your main home or designed as a separate standalone structure, depending on your goals and your property layout. They are also commonly referred to as secondary dwellings, in-law suites, or granny flats.
Each ADU we build is custom designed to complement your primary residence while meeting local building requirements in North Carolina. That means you get a solution that feels intentional, functional, and connected to the way you want to use your property.
WHY BUILD AN ADU?
A Smarter Way to Add Value, Flexibility, and Function
A custom ADU can do more than add square footage. It can create new possibilities for how you live, host, work, and invest on your property. Whether your goal is more usable space or more long term value, an ADU can be a practical and rewarding addition.
An ADU can provide a meaningful boost to your property’s market value and serve as a smart long term investment.
For many homeowners, an ADU creates the opportunity for an additional income stream while expanding the usefulness of the property.
An ADU gives you extra room for family members, guests, caregivers, or a more private living arrangement on your own property.
ADUs can turn underutilized backyard space into something highly functional, whether for living, work, or lifestyle needs, with flexible financing and potential tax advantages adding to the appeal.
Available ADU Designs
The Cozy Craftsman Cottage
Perfect as a cozy vacation retreat or charming starter home, this 872 square foot Craftsman cottage combines compact living with stylish functionality. The vaulted great room and thoughtful storage solutions make this single-bedroom design feel spacious and welcoming.
The Country Porches Cottage
Maximize your space with this charming 800 square foot Country Porches cottage. Featuring two bedrooms and generous porches, this design perfectly balances country charm with modern functionality. The flexible floor plan makes it ideal for a guest house, rental property, or even a primary residence.
The Craftsman Retreat
Elevate your property with this luxurious Craftsman-style ADU that ingeniously combines a spacious three-car garage with an elegant 765 square foot apartment above. The sophisticated design features an island kitchen, upstairs primary bedroom, and premium finishes throughout. Perfect for high-end rental income, luxurious guest quarters, or elegant multi-generational living.
The Summit ADU
This striking 1,544 sq ft accessory dwelling unit combines modern Craftsman style with smart functionality. The first floor features an oversized three-car garage with dedicated golf cart bay, while the upper level offers luxury apartment living with vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen, and private bedroom suite. Perfect as a guest house, rental property, or multi-generational living space.
The Cozy Craftsman Cottage
Perfect as a cozy vacation retreat or charming starter home, this 872 square foot Craftsman cottage combines compact living with stylish functionality. The vaulted great room and thoughtful storage solutions make this single-bedroom design feel spacious and welcoming.
The Country Porches Cottage
Maximize your space with this charming 800 square foot Country Porches cottage. Featuring two bedrooms and generous porches, this design perfectly balances country charm with modern functionality. The flexible floor plan makes it ideal for a guest house, rental property, or even a primary residence.
The Craftsman Retreat
Elevate your property with this luxurious Craftsman-style ADU that ingeniously combines a spacious three-car garage with an elegant 765 square foot apartment above. The sophisticated design features an island kitchen, upstairs primary bedroom, and premium finishes throughout. Perfect for high-end rental income, luxurious guest quarters, or elegant multi-generational living.
The Summit ADU
This striking 1,544 sq ft accessory dwelling unit combines modern Craftsman style with smart functionality. The first floor features an oversized three-car garage with dedicated golf cart bay, while the upper level offers luxury apartment living with vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen, and private bedroom suite. Perfect as a guest house, rental property, or multi-generational living space.
Key Features
- 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Three-car front garage
- L-shaped kitchen with island
- Open-concept living space
- Primary bedroom upstairs
- First-floor laundry
- Breakfast nook
- Great room
- In-law suite potential
- Covered rear porch
Square Footage Breakdown
Total Heated Living Space: 1,544 sq ft
First Floor: 212 sq ft
Second Floor: 1,332 sq ft
Garage: 1,423 sq ft
Side Porch: 112 sq ft
Rear Porch: 155 sq ft
Dimensions
Width: 60′ 0″
Depth: 42′ 11″
Height: 28′ 3″
Main Floor Ceiling: 10′ 0″
Upper Floor Ceiling: 9′ 0″
Special Design Elements
- Craftsman architectural details
- Open deck space
- Walk-in closet
- Private upstairs retreat
- Main level living areas
- Open floor plan design
- Multiple lot placement options
- 10′ main floor ceilings
- 2×6 construction
- Ideal for corner or view lots
HOW CAN YOU USE AN ADU?
Designed for the Way You Live, Work, and Host
One of the biggest advantages of an ADU is flexibility. These spaces can be tailored to support everyday living, create room for family, provide workspace, or give you a more private place to unwind.
Family and Living
Work and Business
Recreation and Lifestyle
LAKE NORMAN ADU REGULATIONS
Are ADUs Allowed on Your Property?
Recent legislative changes have opened new possibilities for homeowners who want to build an ADU in the western Lake Norman area. While regulations vary depending on the jurisdiction, ADUs may be possible in places like Iron Station, Maiden, Denver, Sherrills Ford, and nearby communities.
Our team helps guide clients through the specific requirements for their location and can handle the process on your behalf. From local code considerations to jurisdiction-specific rules, we help make the path forward much clearer.
OUR ADU PROCESS
We follow our proven custom home building process with a few important differences that are specific to ADUs. Our approach is designed to keep the project efficient, practical, and well integrated with your main residence.
01
Evaluate the Site
We begin with a site evaluation and assessment that may include current structure review, code requirement review, insurance coordination if applicable, and demolition planning and permitting when needed.
02
Design and Plan
Next, we move into custom ADU design options that complement your home, efficient space planning, budget development, cost analysis, and integration with your existing landscaping and structures.
03
Build With Minimal Disruption
Once plans are in place, we move into site preparation, foundation work, utility connections, and construction coordination with an emphasis on minimizing disruption to your main residence.
WHAT WE HANDLE
ADUs come with important logistical and regulatory details that can affect how the project moves forward. Our team helps navigate these considerations early so your design, approvals, and construction plan stay aligned from the beginning.
Special considerations we handle:
- Local ADU regulations and permits
- Zoning requirements and setbacks
- Utility connections and requirements
- Property line considerations
- Privacy planning
- Access and parking requirements
- Design compatibility with the main residence
ADU FAQs
What is an ADU?
An ADU is a complete, independent living space built on your property. It can be attached to your main home or built as a standalone structure and is often used for family housing, guests, rental income, or private work and lifestyle space.
Are ADUs allowed in the Lake Norman area?
In many cases, yes. Recent legislative changes have created more opportunities for homeowners, but regulations still vary by location. Our team can help guide you through the specific requirements for your property and jurisdiction.
Can an ADU be attached or detached?
Yes. ADUs can be designed as attached living spaces connected to the main home or as detached structures elsewhere on the property. The right option depends on your goals, layout, and local requirements.
What can I use an ADU for?
ADUs can be used for extended family housing, guest suites, caregiver quarters, student housing, rental units, home offices, studios, workshops, gyms, theater spaces, hobby rooms, and more.
Will the ADU match my main home?
Yes. Each ADU is custom designed to complement the primary residence while fitting your property and meeting local building requirements.
What site factors need to be considered?
Important factors can include zoning, setbacks, utilities, property lines, privacy, access, parking, and how the ADU will integrate with the existing home and landscape.
READY TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES?
Let’s Talk About Your ADU
Whether you need more space for family, want to create rental potential, or are looking for a private place to work or unwind, Next Horizon Homes can help you plan the right ADU for your property. We would love to help you explore the possibilities through a complimentary consultation.