Virginia's Trusted Shed Dealer
ADU Shells in Virginia — Backyard Income, Built Right
Your backyard is an underperforming asset. An ADU changes that.
Why Virginia Property Owners Are Building ADUs
Rental income of $1,200-$1,600/month in the Richmond metro. 2×6 wall framing meets Virginia insulation requirements. By-right permitting in Richmond with no public hearing.
ADU Configurations
Income-Generating Design
Full kitchen, bathroom, and living space in a code-compliant shell. $1,200-$1,600/month rental income potential.
Residential-Grade Construction
2×6 walls, Low-E windows, heavy-duty floors. Designed to pass building inspection for habitable use.
By-Right Permitting
Richmond allows ADUs by-right. No public hearing, no discretionary review. We handle the permit process.
10x16
160 sq ft
A 160 sq ft studio ADU shell for a home office, guest suite, or efficiency apartment. Shell from $4,200.
12x20
240 sq ft
A 240 sq ft ADU with kitchenette, full bathroom, and combined living/sleeping area. Shell from $6,000.
14x24
336 sq ft
A 336 sq ft ADU with defined bedroom, kitchen, and living areas meeting VA residential code. Shell from $8,500.
14x28+
392+ sq ft
The full 392 sq ft one-bedroom ADU — kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. Turnkey from $35,000.
Pro tip: Design your ADU shell with future plumbing and electrical rough-ins from the start — it’s 10x cheaper than retrofitting later, and keeps your project permit-ready.
Richmond Permits & Codes
Virginia exempts one-story detached structures under 256 square feet from building permits — that’s why the 12×20 is the most popular shed in the state.
Important: “Permit-exempt” doesn’t mean “regulation-free.”
- ✓ Zoning permit — Required in virtually every Virginia jurisdiction regardless of size
- ✓ Electrical permit — Mandatory if you run any wiring to the structure
- ✓ Setback rules — Distance from property lines varies by locality
Structures under 256 square feet are exempt from building permits, but a zoning permit is still required. Setbacks are typically 3–5 feet on the side and rear in urban districts, though this varies widely. For specifics on your lot, reach out to City of Richmond Dept. of Planning & Development Review ((804) 410-5052).
Urban lots are often narrow, and historic district overlay zones add restrictions. Many areas are R-6 or R-48 zoned.
Pricing
- ✓ 10×16 Shell — Starting at $4,200–$5,500
- ✓ 12×20 Shell — Starting at $6,000–$8,000
- ✓ 12×20 Turnkey — $18,000–$28,000 (insulated, wired, finished)
- ✓ 14×28 Turnkey — $35,000–$55,000+ (premium pub/theater)
Product lines: Presidential (lifetime warranty), All-American (mid-range), Eagle (value), Cottage and Cabana (architectural). Shell includes structure, roof, siding, windows, doors, and delivery. Turnkey adds insulation, electrical, HVAC, interior walls, flooring, and trim.
Financing
- ✓ Rent-to-Own — No credit check. Low monthly payments. Own it at the end.
- ✓ Traditional Financing — From 6.99% APR with approved credit.
- ✓ Cash/Check — Best pricing. No fees.
Free delivery included within our service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I rent out my ADU in Virginia?
In most jurisdictions, yes. Richmond allows rental ADUs by-right. Some areas require owner-occupancy.
Q: How long does the whole process take?
Plan for 5-8 months total. 2-4 months for permits, 1 day for shell delivery, 4-8 weeks for interior finish-out.
Q: Will an ADU increase my property value?
Yes. A permitted ADU typically adds $50,000-$80,000 in appraised value plus monthly cash flow.
ADU Shells Across Virginia
We deliver adu sheds across Virginia including Richmond, Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, and surrounding areas.
Ready to Build Your ADU?
Tell us your goal — rental income, in-law suite, guest housing, home office — and we will spec the right structure for your property and budget.