THE PREMIER ADU BUILDERS UTAH
We are experienced ADU builders in Utah, specializing in permanent, code-compliant accessory dwelling units designed for long-term living. From custom stick-built homes to guidance around prefab ADU options in Utah, we help homeowners understand what’s possible and build the right ADU for their property.
Where We Build
We proudly serve homeowners looking to expand their living space with high-quality Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Tiny Homes. Whether you need a backyard rental, an in-law suite, a home office, or extra space for family, we bring expert craftsmanship and seamless project management to every build. Our service areas include locations all over Utah, ensuring homeowners have a trusted partner for custom ADU solutions that fit their lifestyle and property needs.
Our Services
Every property and client’s needs are different. At Nest, we’re able to tailor our designs and project types to fit your needs.
Detached ADU
Maximize your property with a custom detached ADU perfect for rental income, guests, family, or a home office. We handle everything from concept to completion.
Attached ADU
An attached ADU expands your home with seamless living space for family, guests, or rental income.
Garage Conversion
Convert your garage into functional living space designed for bedrooms, offices, or entertainment.
Garages
Nest Tiny Homes designs and builds custom garages that add value and functionality to your home.
Pool Houses
A Nest Tiny Homes pool house adds comfort and resort-style luxury to your backyard, offering flexible space for changing, entertaining, or hosting guests year-round.
Offices
Custom-designed home offices tailored for productivity, creativity, and business needs.
Our Process
At Nest Tiny Homes, we help you build the perfect ADU for your needs, whether it be for aging parents or rental income, with an easy, streamlined process from start to finish.
STEP 1
SCHEDULE YOUR DISCOVERY CALL
Schedule a discovery call with one of our ADU specialists. Doing an ADU is a big commitment! During this time, you can ask questions, go over your general needs and requirements, review floorplans, budget, and make sure that Nest will be the best fit for you and your family.
STEP 2
SITE ASSESSMENT
AND FEASABILITY
Once you and your ADU specialist are on the same page with your goals, they will schedule an in-person site visit to look at your property. There are many things that could make or break an ADU project before design even starts – we want to make sure that prior to starting design, your project will be possible. While on site, we will review planning and zoning requirements, residential building setbacks, potential hardscape/landscape challenges, utility runs, and site access. After this site assessment, your specialist will be able to provide you with a full quote (or multiple quotes) that show what plan you chose, where it will be on your property, and how utilities will be ran. These quotes will coincide with what your municipality will allow.
STEP 3
FINANCING
If you’re paying cash or have financing figured out, feel free to move onto step number 4. For most people, buying an ADU will be the second most expensive investment in their life (after a home). There are a few different financial vehicles that make these projects a reality, like home equity lines of credit, construction loans, or second mortgages to name a few. Your specialist will work hand in hand with you and one of our lending partners to determine what financial vehicle best suits your needs and situation.
STEP 4
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Our in-house architect will hold an initial design consultation with you and the decision maker(s). Here, we review layout, elevations, site plan, and make any changes needed to your chosen design. Once you give approval on the architectural set, your drawings will be sent to our engineering team. The engineers will produce your structural drawings (framing plan, truss layout, foundation plan), structural calculations, and if necessary civil drawings (drainage and grading plans).
STEP 5
PERMITTING
Once we have complete approval from you, we submit our drawings to the municipality we will be building in. Each municipality has vastly different ADU permit requirements. Our pre-construction manager works with our permit processing team, Permit Flow, to compile and submit documents like owner’s affidavits, geotechnical reports, gas line diagrams, and rechecks. It’s our goal to always get an approval on our first round of submissions, but municipalities usually have corrections which we proactively complete and resubmit as soon as possible. Our pre-construction manager will call weekly to check in with the different departments responsible for reviewing to make sure the ball keeps rolling.
STEP 6
INTERIOR DESIGN AND
COLOR SELECTIONS
During permitting you will be given a finish selections packet. During this step, you’ll pick out your interior and exterior paint colors, flooring type, plumbing fixtures, decorative lighting, ect. We encourage our clients to have these selections finalized by the time we finish pouring concrete so there are no delays with material deliveries at the end of your project.
STEP 7
CONSTRUCTION
Our construction team shoots to start construction on projects within 3 weeks of permit issuance. When that permit is issued, we schedule a pre-construction meeting with you to review material staging locations, sub-contractor access, working hours, restroom and dumpster locations, or any other questions and concerns you might have. Construction can be messy and confusing – we make a point to over communicate at the start, so expectations are set clear and we are as least intrusive as possible. Generally, our ADU’s are built in about 4 months starting with concrete, then framing, exterior dry in, MEP rough in, drywall, finishes, trim out, and punch. Throughout this process you will receive weekly schedule updates from your project manager and have a dedicated superintendent on the ground to ensure your project is running smooth and work is being done to our standards.
STEP 08
CLOSEOUT AND WARRANTY
Once we pass our final inspection, we do a final walkthrough with our clients. On the final walkthrough, we review any remaining punch list items, ensure all of your appliances work (and that you know how to use them). We want to ensure that you love your space, you’re pleased with the craftsmanship, and that you’re ready to be handed the keys. Once final payment is received, you’ll get a closeout packet that will include your warranty information, owners manuals, as built drawings, and our warranty contact person info if you ever need it. And if you’re ok with showing off your new ADU, we love to take professionally done real estate photos and hold an open house!
Why Choose Nest Tiny Homes
Many contractors, especially in the residential space, get a bad wrap – and for good reason. Delayed schedules, non-transparent pricing or budgeting, and dishonesty can absolutely derail a construction project. For most of our clients, their ADU is the second most expensive investment they’ll make. We take pride in ensuring they are taken care of every step of the way and that this process is an enjoyable one, not a nightmare.
1. Industry experience – ADUs are a new concept. While California was the first state to allow them, they’ve only been made legal in other states for a few years. Nest was one of the first companies in the game. We have proven and refined our process through dozens of successful projects and happy clients. Every member of the construction team has over 10 years of industry experience that has translated seamlessly into this awesome new product type.
2. Tailored designs – Our pre-designed plans can fit any lot and meet any client’s needs. Our design and construction method allows you to customize your plan so it is a perfect fit for you and your family.
3. Transparent pricing – Our client agreements map out exactly what you’re paying for and when you’ll have to pay for it. We don’t take large deposits, and you only pay us once we’ve provided you with what is in our agreement.
4. Excellent communication – Our project managers and superintendents do our best to overcommunicate. You will receive weekly (at minimum) updates from your dedicated project manager through every step of the process.
5. Beautiful projects – Your ADU will be thoughtfully designed, beautiful, and built durable enough to be used and enjoyed for generations.
1. Industry experience – ADUs are a new concept. While California was the first state to allow them, they’ve only been made legal in other states for a few years. Nest was one of the first companies in the game. We have proven and refined our process through dozens of successful projects and happy clients. Every member of the construction team has over 10 years of industry experience that has translated seamlessly into this awesome new product type.
2. Tailored designs – Our pre-designed plans can fit any lot and meet any client’s needs. Our design and construction method allows you to customize your plan so it is a perfect fit for you and your family.
3. Transparent pricing – Our client agreements map out exactly what you’re paying for and when you’ll have to pay for it. We don’t take large deposits, and you only pay us once we’ve provided you with what is in our agreement.
4. Excellent communication – Our project managers and superintendents do our best to overcommunicate. You will receive weekly (at minimum) updates from your dedicated project manager through every step of the process.
5. Beautiful projects – Your ADU will be thoughtfully designed, beautiful, and built durable enough to be used and enjoyed for generations.
We are dedicated to bringing the highest quality, stick built, concrete slab foundation tiny homes to homeowners all across Utah.
Customizable Designs
Partner with our expert designers to customize your ADU precisely to your specifications.
High-Quality Materials
By combining meticulous planning with expert craftsmanship, we guarantee that your ADU is not only durable but also beautifully designed.
Sustainable Living
We carefully assess your property layout, personal preferences, and intended use to recommend the ideal solution that enhances both functionality and value.
Affordable Luxury
We are passionate about creating innovative and affordable housing solutions that cater to diverse need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What people usually want to know:
Living in a tiny home or ADU in Utah offers clear benefits, including lower costs, reduced environmental impact, and simplified living. Many homeowners choose ADUs in Utah because they are more affordable to build and maintain, often come with lower utility expenses, and support a practical, minimalist lifestyle. Whether working with experienced ADU builders in Utah or exploring prefab ADU options in Utah, these homes require fewer resources to construct and operate while delivering long-term value.
At Nest Tiny Homes, we offer several financing options for building an ADU in Utah. Our team of experienced ADU builders in Utah is available to walk you through the option that best fits your goals. Reach out using the number at the top of the website to get started.
We offer a range of ADU models in Utah, from efficient studio layouts to spacious 2- and 3-bedroom units. Designed by experienced ADU builders in Utah, each option is flexible, family-friendly, and built to serve a variety of long-term uses.
ADU regulations in Utah vary by city and county, which means there is no single statewide rule governing where ADUs can be built. Local zoning laws determine how and where an ADU in Utah is allowed on a property.
In most areas that permit ADUs in Utah, general guidelines often include:
- The ADU must be located on the same lot as the primary residence
- Placement is typically limited to the backyard or side yard, not the front yard
- Setback requirements apply, establishing minimum distances from property lines
- Size limits may be based on lot size and the primary home
To understand what applies to your property, it’s important to:
- Contact your local city or county planning department
- Review zoning laws and ordinances specific to your area
- Work with experienced ADU builders in Utah who understand local requirements
Some cities are more ADU-friendly than others, which is why working with knowledgeable ADU builders in Utah can help streamline the process and avoid delays.
Getting utilities for a tiny home or ADU in Utah depends on whether the unit is on a permanent foundation, a prefab ADU in Utah, or a mobile structure, along with local regulations. Below is a general overview of common utility options.
Electricity
Grid connection: Most permanent ADUs in Utah connect to the local power grid, typically coordinated with the utility provider and installed by licensed professionals.
Solar power: Solar panels with battery storage are popular for efficiency or partial off-grid use.
Generator: Often used as a backup in rural areas.
Water
Municipal water: Many ADUs in Utah connect directly to city water with proper permits.
Well water: An option in rural areas, depending on zoning and access.
Rainwater collection: Possible in some cases, but regulations vary by location.
Sewage
Municipal sewer: Common for urban and suburban ADUs in Utah.
Septic system: May be required for rural properties.
Composting toilets: Sometimes allowed, but always subject to local approval.
Internet and Phone
Wired service: Available in serviced areas, similar to a traditional home.
Cellular data: Hotspots and boosters are common solutions.
Satellite internet: Useful for remote locations.
Heating and Cooling
Electric systems: Mini-split heat pumps are a popular choice for ADUs in Utah due to efficiency.
Propane: Often used in off-grid or rural setups.
Wood stoves: Allowed in some areas, depending on local codes.
Key Considerations
Local regulations: Utility requirements vary by city and county across Utah.
Permits: Most permanent ADUs require permits for utility connections.
Professional installation: Working with experienced ADU builders in Utah helps ensure safety and code compliance.
Location and cost: Urban, suburban, and rural sites each affect utility availability and budget.
Efficiency: Energy-efficient systems help reduce long-term operating costs.
Working with knowledgeable ADU builders in Utah can simplify utility planning and ensure your ADU is built to local standards from the start.