Detached In-Law Suites and ADUs in Kansas City

Can you build one on your lot?

Resolve that question with the responsible authorities before committing to the design. Kansas City, Missouri's 2023 ADU ordinance permits detached units subject to standards, including an owner-occupancy requirement. On the Kansas side, 2026's SB 418 created a by-right process for qualifying housing — but it preserves restrictive covenants and association rules, so a subdivision HOA can still say no, and each city sets its own size, height and setback limits. We review the zoning district, lot, covenants and utility availability with you, then record the responsible authorities' responses and any unresolved conditions. The city determines zoning and permit approval; utility and private-covenant questions need their own confirmation. Permits and jurisdiction →

What we check at the design visit

• Building envelope. Rear and side setbacks, maximum footprint and height for an accessory structure in your district.
• Utilities. Water, sewer and electric: a new sewer tap or a run back to the house's lateral, a sub-panel or a separate service, and what the utility and the city each require.
• Construction access. How a foundation crew and materials reach the backyard — a side yard, a fence section that comes down, an alley.
• The walk. The path between the two doors is the suite's daily reality: lit, paved, step-free, and shorter than it looks on the plat.
• Trees and drainage. Mature trees, the yard's low spot and where roof water goes.

What we build

A one-story cottage of 400–800 square feet on a frost-depth foundation: bedroom, full bath, living space, a real kitchen, laundry, its own HVAC, a covered entry. Designed step-free from the path in, with the same aging-in-place details as our attached suites. Aging-in-place layouts →

What it costs

Nationally, fully detached new construction runs $110,000–$285,000 and ADUs of every kind average about $180,000 at $150–$300 per square foot (Angi, September 29, 2026). In Kansas City the big swings are the sewer connection, construction access and the finish level. Fixed written price after the design visit. The cost guide →

Who does the work. Suites are built by our Kansas City installation partner — a licensed residential remodeling and additions contractor, regional NARI award recipient in residential interior remodeling. Those are the partner's credentials; the license, insurance and warranty for your project are written into your proposal before you sign.

Get a quote

Tell us the city, which space you're considering, who will live there and what they need. A photo of the space and a rough sketch help; you don't need drawings. Get a quote →

Not ready to talk yet? Start with the complete Kansas City in-law suite guide — suite types, permits by jurisdiction, costs and the questions to settle before you draw anything.