Adu Construction Contractor in Minneapolis

Serving Twin Cities and surroundings areas

Custom-built ADUs and guest houses with lasting quality. We design and build functional, beautifully crafted accessory units for added living space, rental income, or multi-generational living. Serving the Twin Cities with expert craftsmanship since 2004.

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Types Of ADUs

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building an ADU. We help you explore what makes sense for your home, your property, and how you plan to use the space, all while making sure the design aligns with local zoning and land use requirements. Contact us today and let’s start your ADU project together!

Detached ADU

A private living space built separately from the main home, perfect for long-term guests, rental use, or multigenerational living.

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Interior Conversions

We turn unused space inside your home into a fully functional living area, designed to feel comfortable and complete.

Attached ADU

An additional living unit built onto your home, carefully designed to give privacy and independence while staying close.

Garage Conversions

We transform existing garages into livable, code-compliant spaces that add real function and value to your property.

Why choose J.Carsten Remodeling to Build Your ADU?

At J. Carsten Remodeling, we take the time to understand your vision and create a space that feels like a natural extension of your home. We work with high-quality materials and guide you toward options that are both durable and visually cohesive with the rest of your property.

Choosing the right builder for a project like this can feel like a big decision. After all, you are trusting someone to build on your property and into your life. That is why we focus on building trust first. Our priority is to create a strong relationship with every homeowner and to deliver results that reflect your goals and exceed expectations.

As a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience, we understand that these projects are about more than adding square footage. Whether you are creating space for family, guests, or a new way of living, we treat every project like it matters, because it does.

Our ADU building process

Building an ADU is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We help you navigate each phase with a clear plan, expert guidance, and a focus on what works best for your property and lifestyle.

Initial Consultation & Planning

Design & Material Selection

Detailed project estimation

Project execution

Final Touches & Inspection

Featured Projects

Should I Build a Backyard ADU?

A carefully designed guest house adds meaningful extra space to your property in a way that feels both practical and elevated. It can provide privacy for extended family, a quiet retreat for guests, or simply more flexibility in how you live. While it is an investment, it often becomes one of the most valued parts of the home. For many of our clients, it is not just about adding square footage but about creating a space that serves a clear purpose and fits naturally into their lifestyle.

With more people working from home, having a separate, dedicated space for focus and productivity has become increasingly important. You are still at home, but your work and personal life no longer have to compete for the same space. A guest house can also be the perfect solution when hosting visitors, giving them privacy and comfort without disrupting your day-to-day routine.

In many cases, building a separate unit is more convenient and functional than extending the main house. It allows you to expand your living space without compromising the layout or flow of your home. A guest house is a simple yet thoughtful way to get more out of your property.

Accessory Dwelling Unit vs a Guest House?

An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a fully independent living space built on the same property as your main home. It typically has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and everything needed for someone to live there comfortably full time. These are often used for extended family, adult children, or as a long-term rental. Because they function like a small home, they also follow specific building codes and zoning requirements that we help you navigate from the start.

A guest house can serve a similar purpose but tends to be more flexible in how it is used. Some homeowners use it as a quiet place for visitors or a home office with extra privacy. Others build it out fully, similar to an ADU, for more long-term needs. The main difference often comes down to how much independence the space needs to have and how often it will be used. At J. Carsten Remodeling, we take the time to talk through how you plan to use the space and design something that fits naturally with your home and your life.

Choosing between an ADU and a guest house depends on your goals. If you want a fully self-sufficient living space with long-term use in mind, an ADU is likely the better fit. If you are looking for something more casual, used occasionally by friends or family, a guest house might make more sense. Both can be built with the same level of care and quality. What matters most is that the space works for you, your property, and the way you want to live. We are here to help you figure out what that looks like and build it the right way from the start.

Reach out anytime to start the conversation.

We are here to help you make your space work better, feel better, and last longer.

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FAQs

An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a smaller, independent living space on the same property as your main home. It can be attached, detached, or built above a garage, and typically includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. You can use it as home office, guest room or just additional living space for your family.

Costs can vary depending on the project scope, size, layout, finishes, and location of the project, but most ADUs in the Twin Cities fall somewhere between $125,000 and $300,000. Detached units, garage apartments, or more custom designs can be on the higher end. Things like utility hookups, site conditions, and permitting can also affect the total cost. At J. Carsten Remodeling, we’ll help you understand what’s realistic for your property and guide you through each step so there are no surprises along the way.

Not always. Whether or not you can build an ADU depends on local zoning laws, lot size, existing structures, and utility access. Some cities in the Twin Cities metro area allow them by right, while others have restrictions or require special approvals. We’re familiar with the local requirements and can help you figure out what’s possible on your specific property before moving forward with design or permitting.

Yes. When well designed and built with care, an ADU or guest house can increase your property value and make your home more appealing to future buyers. It also gives you usable space right away, which many homeowners find even more valuable.

Timelines can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. After design and permitting, the construction phase typically takes a few months. We’ll walk you through the full process and keep things moving as smoothly as possible.