Adding an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is one of the smartest ways to get more out of your property. ADUs serve many purposes, from creating extra space for family, generating rental income, or building a private home office that doesn’t compete with your main living areas.
But if you’re like most homeowners, the big question isn’t just “Can I build an ADU?” It’s:
“What exactly is included in the ADU build?”
That’s where perspective matters. Because one builder’s “standard” package might include everything you need to move in, while another might leave out essentials like appliances, landscaping, or even key utility connections.
In this latest guide from the SmartSpaces ADUs team, we’ll walk through what’s typically included in our ADUs, how inclusions vary by pricing tier, and what Atlanta-area homeowners should know before moving forward.
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A SmartSpaces ADU package is designed to simplify the process by combining design and construction into one streamlined experience. Instead of managing multiple vendors, homeowners can move from concept to completion with one coordinated team.
While your exact inclusions will depend on your property, plan selection, and finish level, most SmartSpaces ADU packages typically include:
Design and planning support for layout, flow, and exterior style
Permitting guidance and coordination based on your local jurisdiction
Foundation and structural framing
Roofing and exterior cladding
Windows and exterior doors
Insulation and drywall installation
Flooring, paint, trim, and interior finishes
Kitchen and bathroom build-out
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
Final inspections, walkthroughs, and project closeout
Homeowners often hear terms like "standard features" or "base package" and assume all builders mean the same thing. In reality, “standard” can vary significantly depending on the company and its pricing structure.
In a well-built ADU, standard features usually cover the essentials that make the unit livable, code-compliant, and functional.
Common standard construction and infrastructure features include:
Site preparation and foundation work
Framing and structural components
Roofing system and weatherproofing
Exterior siding or cladding
Electrical wiring, outlets, and service connections
Plumbing supply lines, drain lines, and venting
HVAC system installation (often a ductless mini-split in ADUs)
Insulation that meets local code requirements
Drywall, basic interior paint, and trim
Bathroom ventilation and kitchen venting
Life-safety items like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
If you’re comparing builders, ask how they define standard. It’s also smart to confirm what’s excluded, because exclusions are often where the real cost gaps appear.
Finishes are where the ADU stops feeling like a construction project and starts feeling like a true extension of your home. They also play a major role in long-term durability and resale value.
SmartSpaces ADUs typically include a thoughtfully selected set of interior finish options that balance style and practicality. Exact selections depend on your package or tier, but the most common interior finish categories include:
Flooring
Durable hard-surface flooring throughout the main living areas
Tile or water-resistant flooring options for bathrooms
Walls and ceilings
Drywall with a smooth or lightly textured finish
Interior paint in a curated palette, with upgrades available
Trim and doors
Interior doors with standard hardware options
Baseboards and door casing trim
Kitchen finishes
Cabinetry options based on tier and layout
Countertop selections that align with your package level
Sink and faucet fixtures
Backsplash options, when included or selected as an upgrade
Bathroom finishes
Vanity and mirror selections
Shower or tub system based on plan and tier
Tile or surround options, depending onthe package
Bathroom fixtures and accessories
The easiest way to avoid decision fatigue is to review finish packages early. Many homeowners feel more confident once they can see how options change from tier to tier, especially when photos are included.
To see photos of our past work, check out our Portfolio.
Appliances are among the most common “surprise” line items for homeowners planning an ADU—especially for those aiming for a turnkey rental or a move-in-ready family suite.
Some ADU packages include appliances in the base price, while others provide rough-ins for appliances and leave purchasing to the homeowner. Neither approach is wrong, but you’ll want to confirm this early.
Appliances that may be included in an ADU kitchen package include:
Refrigerator
Range or cooktop and oven
Microwave or vent hood
Dishwasher
Laundry is often handled separately. Depending on the plan and package, you may have:
Washer and dryer included
Washer and dryer hookups only
Laundry as an optional upgrade
If you want a smooth project experience, ask these questions before you sign:
Are appliances included, or provided as an allowance?
If appliances aren’t included, can you install owner-provided appliances?
Will the team confirm appliance specs before rough-ins are completed?
That last question matters more than people realize. A mismatch between rough-ins and final appliance dimensions can lead to delays, extra cost, or avoidable change orders.
Smart home features can make an ADU more comfortable, more efficient, and easier to manage, which is very important if you plan to rent the space or use it for extended family.
The goal is to choose smart upgrades that improve daily life without adding unnecessary complexity.
Popular smart home features for ADUs include:
Access and security
Smart locks for keypad entry and remote access
Video doorbells for monitoring deliveries and visitors
Exterior lighting with motion sensors
Comfort and efficiency
Smart thermostat integrations for heating and cooling
Smart light switches and dimmers
Ceiling fan controls and scheduling
Connectivity and convenience
Wi-Fi planning for strong coverage in a detached structure
Mesh system support or hardwired connectivity options
Smart smoke and CO2 monitoring upgrades
Rental-friendly options
Temporary access codes for guests or tenants
Remote temperature control between turnovers
Notifications for doors left unlocked or open
Pricing tiers are designed to give homeowners flexibility, while keeping the design and build process straightforward.
Most of the time, pricing tiers don’t drastically change the core structure of the ADU. What changes is the finish level, included options, and how customizable the project becomes.
Here’s what typically changes from one tier to the next:
Entry-level tier
Standard finish selections
Limited customization options
Simple lighting and fixture packages
Streamlined selections to keep costs predictable
Mid-tier
More finish options and upgraded materials
Enhanced cabinetry and countertop choices
Expanded lighting upgrades
More personalization while staying efficient
Premium tier
High-end finishes and fixtures
Custom details or upgraded design features
More exterior material options
Expanded smart home upgrades
Elevated overall look and long-term value
If one builder’s quote looks dramatically lower than others, there’s a good chance key items are excluded or listed as optional add-ons. Always compare tiers using an inclusions list, not just the numbers.
For more guidance on budgeting for an ADU, download our free Cost Guide.
Turnkey means different things to different homeowners. In most cases, a turnkey ADU refers to a finished, move-in-ready unit with core systems installed and interior spaces fully completed.
Atlanta ADU costs can vary significantly based on:
Size and layout
Site access and grading requirements
Utility connection complexity
Permit requirements and review timelines
Finish tier and upgrade selections
Detached vs. attached vs. conversion projects
A realistic turnkey budget typically includes:
Design and permitting support
Foundation, framing, and full construction
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
Finished kitchen and bathroom
Flooring, paint, trim, and standard finishes
Final inspections and project completion
Site work is one of the biggest cost variables for Atlanta homeowners. If your property requires major grading, long utility runs, or additional drainage planning, you’ll want that identified during early planning.
If you’re comparing options, request a range estimate based on real projects—not just a broad price-per-square-foot number. The best quotes are grounded in real scope, not general assumptions.
Atlanta ADU rules and requirements can vary depending on where you live, the zoning of your property, and whether the unit is detached or attached.
In many cases, key requirements relate to:
Lot size, setbacks, and placement rules
Maximum ADU height and square footage
Utility tie-in requirements and metering options
Parking requirements (when applicable)
Permitting documentation and inspection steps
Because regulations can evolve, the best approach is to confirm your specific address and zoning feasibility early in the process. This is where a design-build team can save you time by validating what’s possible before you spend money on plans that won’t be approved.
If you’re serious about building an ADU in Atlanta, start with these three key steps:
Confirm your zoning and setback requirements
Evaluate site constraints and access
Get a clear inclusions list so you can compare pricing accurately
When you know what’s included and what’s required, planning becomes far less stressful, and your project gets off to a stronger start.
An ADU is a meaningful investment in your home, and it can solve a lot of real-life needs: more space for family, a quiet place to work, a comfortable guest suite, or an income-producing rental.
But the experience comes down to one thing we mentioned earlier: perspective
When you understand what’s included in your ADU package upfront—finishes, appliances, smart features, and how pricing tiers compare—you’re in a much better position to plan well, stay on budget, and avoid the frustrating “wait…that wasn’t included?” moments that can derail a project.
If you’re in the early research stage, this is the perfect time to get specific. The more you know now, the smoother everything feels later, and the sooner you can enjoy your new ADU.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the moving pieces of building an ADU, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why having an honest inclusions list and a guided process matters so much with ADUs. SmartSpaces ADUs is based in East Atlanta, and we focus specifically on designing and building ADUs for homeowners who want practical space without turning the project into a second full-time job. Our approach is centered on helping you understand your options early, navigate local zoning and permitting with fewer surprises, and build a space that supports real needs like housing a family, aging in place, working from home, or generating rental income. We can't wait to partner with you.
Go over your financing options and contact our team today to start building.