Turn Your Backyard Into Passive Income
Turnkey Accessory Dwelling Units for Wilmington & New Hanover County. We handle the entire process—from zoning and permits to construction and finishes—delivering premium, stick built guest homes in as little as 90 days. Minimize the stress of building and maximize your property value with our streamlined approach.
Can You Build an ADU on Your Property?
Enter your address to see what’s possible based on local zoning and lot requirements.
Technically, it stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit. Practically, it is a high-yield asset. It is a fully independent home built on the land you already own—instantly increasing your property value and generating passive income without the cost of buying a new lot.
Why Build an ADU in Wilmington?
The Port City is growing, and property values are rising. Whether you want to capitalize on the booming short-term rental market near the coast or simply add versatile space for your family, an ADU is the most strategic upgrade you can make in New Hanover County.
Generate Passive Income
Wilmington is a premier destination. By listing your ADU on Airbnb or VRBO, you can tap into the year-round tourism demand near Wrightsville Beach and Downtown, turning your backyard into a consistent cash flow engine.
Increase Property Value
Livable square footage is the number one driver of appraisal value. A permitted, professionally built ADU adds instant equity to your home, often exceeding the cost of construction in our competitive real estate market.
Multi-Generational Living
Keep your family close while maintaining boundaries. An ADU provides a safe, independent home for aging parents or adult children, offering the comfort of proximity without the loss of privacy.
Flexible & Future-Proof
Life changes, and your home should too. What starts as a quiet home office today can become a guest suite tomorrow or a rental unit during retirement. An ADU gives you options that a traditional renovation cannot.
Pre-Designed Floor Plans Engineered for Wilmington
Skip the expensive architect fees and lengthy design delays. We currently offer eight
proven layouts, ranging from efficient studios to spacious two-bedroom homes. Each
model is stick built on site and pre-engineered to meet local building codes, ensuring a faster path from permitting to passive income. All of our designs include a full kitchen and bathroom,
closet space and laundry. With our standard 9-foot ceiling, large doors and windows and
vaulted living space, they feel remarkably roomy.
ADU 250
The ADU 250 | Micro Studio
Our most compact and cost-effective solution. This 250 sq. ft. open-concept studio includes a full kitchen and bath. It is the perfect choice for high-yield Airbnb rentals, backyard home offices, pool houses or guest suites where yard space is limited.
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ADU 400
The ADU 400 | Private 1-Bedroom
A true “home” in a compact footprint. This 400 sq. ft. unit features a separate bedroom and a full-size kitchen. It offers the privacy required for long-term tenants or couples, maximizing comfort without dominating your lot.
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ADU 500
The ADU 500 | Mid-Size 1-Bedroom
Designed for more comfort and a longer-term tenant in mind. This 500 sq. ft. increases the breathing room while adding a walk-in closet and coat closet. It is ideal for investors looking to host small families or couples, or for homeowners needing a flexible multi-purpose space.
ADU 550
The ADU 550 | 2-Bedroom Suite
Designed for maximum occupancy. This 550 sq. ft. layout cleverly fits two bedrooms with closets into a streamlined design. It is ideal for investors looking to host small families, or even college students. This unit is also great for homeowners needing a flexible multi-purpose space.
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ADU 625
The ADU 625 | Large 1-Bedroom
Designed for maximum comfort, this 625 sq. ft. unit changes the layout, increasing the size of every part of the home. It is ideal for investors looking to host small families or couples, or for homeowners needing a long-term option for loved ones.
ADU 800
The ADU 800 | Full-Size Guest Home
Our premier living experience. With 800 sq. ft. of space, two large bedrooms, and expansive living areas, this model rivals many single-family homes. It is the ultimate solution for aging parents, extended family, or luxury rentals.
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ADU 1200
The ADU 1200 | Wilmington ADU Signature Home
Coming Soon! Featuring 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, this 1,200 sq. ft. home will make you re-think what an ADU could be. Maximizing living space, this is an ideal rental for large parties, hosting multiple family members for the holidays or creating functional living and office space away from the hectic life inside your primary home!
Designed to Match Your Home
We don’t believe in "cookie-cutter" boxes. Every floor plan is available in three distinct architectural styles, allowing you to choose the look that complements your existing property and neighborhood.
Coastal Cottage
Light, breezy, and timeless. Features relaxed textures and a palette inspired by the Wilmington coast.
Natural Modern
Minimalist and grounded. Combines clean lines with organic colors and natural materials for a sophisticated connection to nature.
Modern Farmhouse
Warm and welcoming. Samlessly blends rustic charm with elegant finishes, creating a cozy, timeless atmosphere.
The Path to Building Lasting Wealth Starts Here
Most home renovations are expenses; an ADU is an asset. Unlike a kitchen remodel that simply looks good, an ADU works for you. It is the only improvement that adds immediate appraisal value and generates monthly cash flow, often paying for itself in just a few years.
Offset Your Mortgage
By leveraging options like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), you can often finance the build with zero money down. In the Wilmington rental market, the income generated from a short-term rental can frequently cover the loan payment and put extra profit in your pocket every month.
Instant Equity Appreciation
Livable square footage is the primary driver of real estate value. By legally adding a permitted dwelling to your lot, you force the appreciation of your property. You aren't just spending money on construction; you are transferring it into your home's equity.
A Streamlined Approach to Construction
Building a stick built home usually takes months of planning and finding contractors. We have simplified the path. Our team manages the entire project lifecycle—from navigating New Hanover County zoning laws to handing you the keys—so you can focus on the result, not the red tape.
Site Assessment
We start by analyzing your property against City of Wilmington or County regulations. We verify setbacks, impervious surface limits, and zoning allowances to confirm exactly what fits on your lot.
Choose Your Package
Select the floor plan that meets your goals—from our 250 sq. ft. studio to the 800 sq. ft. guest home. Then, pick one of our three curated design styles (Coastal, Modern, or Farmhouse) to match your aesthetic.
We Build, You Relax
We handle all permit submissions and inspections. Once approved, our team constructs your ADU using high-quality materials and efficient methods, aiming for completion in as little as 90 days.
Ready to Rent
We deliver a fully finished unit. With our optional furnishing packages and STR setup services, your ADU can be listed on Airbnb and ready for its first guest the moment we leave.
FAQs
Building an ADU is a significant project, and it’s natural to have questions about zoning, financing, and timelines. We believe in total transparency. Here are the answers to the most common inquiries homeowners in Wilmington and New Hanover County ask before breaking ground.
WILMINGTON ADU Solutions offers pre-designed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) engineered for ease and speed, allowing homeowners to add rental spaces quickly and efficiently. Our turnkey solutions cover every step of the process, from securing permits to completing construction, and can include fully furnished packages ready for immediate rental. With a streamlined approach, we help you maximize your property’s potential and start generating rental income in as little as 90 days.
Our ADU’s match industry standard pricing even though we use premium materials and build our ADU’s above code minimums. At WILMINGTON ADU Solutions, we offer turnkey solutions starting at $87,500 - Making an ADU accessible to all homeowners.
Although we don’t offer financing at this time directly, there are many finance options available. Our favorite option that most banks offer is Home Equity Lines of Credit [or a HELOC]. With this loan you use the equity from the property you already own, which means most homeowners can put ‘zero’ down on an ADU and start generating passive income with a low monthly payment.
We run analytics through airDNA; an industry leader in STR analytics. This service is available [for free or by subscriptions] to anybody that is interested in seeing real statistics. At WILMINGTON ADU Solutions, we use some of airDNA’s most comprehensive paid packages to ensure that we are delivering accurate information to you.
*Although we fully believe in airDNA, WILMINGTON ADU Solutions is not affiliated with airDNA and cannot guarantee outcome for your STR.
Wilmington ADU is committed to your success as a short-term rental (STR) owner. We provide expert assistance in setting up your STR listing to ensure your property attracts guests quickly and effectively. Additionally, you have the option to hire professional property managers, making it easier to handle day-to-day operations and maximize your rental income. Your investment’s success is our priority.
Your Backyard is Waiting. Put it to Work.
Don’t guess about setbacks or zoning regulations. The first step to passive income is knowing exactly what is possible on your lot. Our team provides a comprehensive feasibility check to get you started on the right foot—at no cost to you.