A backyard ADU cottage with a lit porch and mountains behind it at dusk

New law starts Oct 1, 2026 —   Utah’s new ADU law is now in effect

ADU Builder in Orem, Utah

Basement apartments, garage conversions, attached additions, and backyard cottages. We check what Orem allows on your lot, handle the permits, and build it.

Free home review · Licensed & insured general contractor · Serving Orem and Utah County

Orem · ADU rules

What Orem allows

Orem is the biggest shift in the county. The city didn't allow detached ADUs at all before the state law, so thousands of lots just gained an option they've never had.

New rules, just adopted

Orem did not previously allow detached ADUs. The city worked through its updated code in summer 2026, so rules here are new and still settling.

  • Detached units were not allowed in Orem before the new state law
  • City staff proposed keeping detached units out of front yards
  • Short-term rentals of ADUs are proposed to be prohibited
  • Basement apartments remain the most common path in Orem's older neighborhoods
  • Steady student and staff demand from UVU sits right in the middle of the city

Orem's mature neighborhoods east of State Street hold plenty of qualifying lots.

What ADUs rent for in Orem

Estimated ranges by unit size. Actual rent depends on finish, location, and season.

Last checked September 2026. Cities are rewriting these rules right now. We confirm Orem’s current ordinance, your zoning, HOA covenants, and utility capacity during your free home review, before you spend anything on design.

02 — What we build

Every type of ADU. One team to design, permit, and build.

Finished basement apartment with a white kitchen and living area

Basement apartment

Turn a finished or unfinished basement into a private, income-producing rental with its own entrance.

 

Converted garage studio with a wood kitchen and glass doors

Garage or shop conversion

Convert an existing detached garage or shop into a permitted, livable unit, often the fastest path to rent.

 

Attached addition with its own entrance beside a home, mountains behind

Attached addition

Add a self-contained living space onto your home with its own private entrance. Great for family.

 

Modern detached backyard cottage lit at dusk with mountains behind Newly allowed on 11,000+ sq ft lots

Detached backyard cottage

A standalone home in your backyard, the type Utah’s new law opens up on larger lots.

 

03 — Home eligibility check

Check what your home qualifies for, free

Answer a few questions. We’ll tell you what’s likely allowed, then confirm everything with your city before you spend a dollar.

Find it on your county parcel map or property tax notice. 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft.

Single-family home?

In an HOA?

Detached garage or shop?

Your results appear here. Every answer is friendly. There’s almost always an option.

04 — Income calculator

Estimate what your home could earn

Pick your city, type, and size. Add financing to see your payment and monthly cash flow.

Your city

ADU type

Bedrooms

Estimated monthly rent

Project cost

Payback

10-year net cash flow, midpoint estimate

Estimates only. One ADU per lot. Payback is before taxes, insurance, and upkeep.

07 — Process

From home review to move-in ready

One team handles the whole thing: research, design, permits, and construction.

  1. 01

    Week 1

    Free home review

    We research your zoning, lot size, HOA, and utilities, then tell you exactly what your home allows, at no cost.

  2. 02

    Weeks 2–8

    Design & permits

    Floor plans, engineering, and every permit. We handle all the back-and-forth with your city.

  3. 03

    10–20 weeks

    Build

    Licensed crews handle site prep, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and finishes, inspected at every stage.

  4. 04

    Final week

    Move-in ready

    Final inspection, punch list, and a rent-ready unit handed off with permits closed out.

Free home review

Get your free home review

We’ll confirm what’s allowed on your lot and what it could earn, before you spend anything on design.

  1. We call you within 1 business dayQuick questions about your home and goals.
  2. We review your propertyZoning, lot, HOA covenants, and utilities.
  3. You get a clear recommendationThe best ADU type for your home and an estimate. No obligation.

Rather talk now? Call (435) 919-7275

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