In a matter of minutes we can determine if you can put a Makara Accessory Dwelling Unit on your property.
We handle everything from zoning and design to permits and inspections.
Our ADUs are thoughtfully crafted, fully finished, and built to last.
e know the Montgomery County permitting process inside out.
From plan submission to occupancy inspection, we manage the timeline so you don’t have to.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law suite, nanny suite and more. In Montgomery County, ADUs are smaller, independent second dwellings on a single-family lot. They have their own living, bathroom, and kitchen space. Makara ADUs are detached structures that can be built new or converted from an existing accessory building (such as a garage). New zoning laws in Montgomery County, MD now promote and encourage homeowners to build ADUs making them more affordable and faster to build. Uses include:
In as little as 120 days from permit, you can start earning monthly rental income* from your Makara ADU that can change your life. *In Montgomery County monthly rentals are the minimum length.
Nestled beautifully into your backyard, our ADUs provide a much needed solution to the housing needs of the area without impact to the immediate community.
If you own a single-family home in Montgomery County, there’s a good chance you can build an ADU—but there are important eligibility rules to know. First, the County allows only one ADU per lot, and the homeowner must live in the main residence. The ADU can’t be used as a short-term rental like Airbnb, and it must share the same address as the primary home.
Size and placement rules also apply. Detached ADUs are limited to whichever is smallest: 1,200 square feet, 10% of your total lot size, or 50% of your home’s footprint. The unit must be located behind the main house and conform to setback, height, and lot coverage standards specific to your zoning. If you’re converting a basement or garage, the structure must meet current building code requirements, including ceiling heights, windows, stairs, and emergency exits.
Parking is another factor. If your home is located more than one mile from a Metro, MARC, or Purple Line station, you’ll need to provide at least one additional off-street parking space. Some properties may be eligible for on-street parking waivers depending on neighborhood conditions. If your lot uses well or septic systems, separate approvals and potentially new infrastructure are required. Makara will guide you through all of this with a custom site analysis and feasibility check before any plans are drawn.
If you own a single-family home in Montgomery County, there’s a good chance you can build an ADU—but there are important eligibility rules to know. First, the County allows only one ADU per lot, and the homeowner must live in the main residence. The ADU can’t be used as a short-term rental like Airbnb, and it must share the same address as the primary home.
Size and placement rules also apply. Detached ADUs are limited to whichever is smallest: 1,200 square feet, 10% of your total lot size, or 50% of your home’s footprint. The unit must be located behind the main house and conform to setback, height, and lot coverage standards specific to your zoning. If you’re converting a basement or garage, the structure must meet current building code requirements, including ceiling heights, windows, stairs, and emergency exits.
Parking is another factor. If your home is located more than one mile from a Metro, MARC, or Purple Line station, you’ll need to provide at least one additional off-street parking space. Some properties may be eligible for on-street parking waivers depending on neighborhood conditions. If your lot uses well or septic systems, separate approvals and potentially new infrastructure are required. Makara will guide you through all of this with a custom site analysis and feasibility check before any plans are drawn.
The cost to build an ADU in Montgomery County varies widely based on size, type, finishes, and the specific characteristics of your lot—but we can provide some general guidance.
Garage conversions and simple interior remodels tend to be the most affordable, often starting around $50,000 to $125,000. Basement units or additions typically fall in the range of $100,000 to $200,000. Detached ADUs—standalone backyard homes with full kitchens and bathrooms—tend to be the most complex and thus the most expensive, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 or more depending on size and site conditions.
It’s important to note that these costs include more than just construction. You’ll need permits for building, electrical, plumbing, sprinklers, and potentially drainage and right-of-way changes. If you’re on a well or septic system, additional testing and infrastructure may be required. At Makara, we manage the entire permitting and inspection process, and our pricing includes standard county fees—so you know exactly what to expect.
While the upfront investment can be significant, many homeowners find that ADUs offer strong long-term returns—both in the form of rental income and increased property value. And because Montgomery County encourages ADUs as part of its housing strategy, well-designed projects often receive timely approvals and positive resale impacts.
Plan approval takes 30–45 days. Construction is typically 4–6 months depending on complexity.
Montgomery County does not allow short-term rentals (under 30 days) in ADUs
We’ll handle testing and permits. A separate septic reserve is required for detached ADUs.
Choose and customize one of our amazing designs, or design your own for your Montgomery County ADU!
300 Sqft
375 Sqft
380 Sqft
450 Sqft
480 Sqft
450-900 Sqft
640 Sqft
660 Sqft
800 Sqft
930 Sqft
1100 Sqft
In a matter of minutes we can determine if you can put a Makara Accessory Dwelling Unit on your property.
MAKARA 300
STUDIO
300 Sqft
MAKARA 375
1 Bedroom
375 Sqft
MAKARA 380
1 Bedroom
380 Sqft
MAKARA 450
1 Bedroom
450 Sqft
MAKARA 480
2 Bedroom
480 Sqft
MAKARA 480
Garage
480 Sqft
MAKARA 640
1 Bedroom
640 Sqft
MAKARA 660
1 Bedroom
660 Sqft
Makara 800
1 Bedroom
800 Sqft
Makara 900
2 Bedroom
900 Sqft
Makara 1100
3 Bedroom
1100 Sqft