# Arlington Detached ADU: A Completely Independent Living Space on Your Own Property > Expert detached ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Build a premium standalone living space on your property. - **Source:** https://berrizdesign.com/services/adu/detached-adu/ - **Company:** Berriz Design Build, LLC — Design-build home remodeling and landscape design contractor, founded 1994 - **Contact:** (703) 552-7565 · bob@berrizdesign.com - **Based in:** Arlington, VA - **Service:** Detached ADU - **Service area:** Arlington, VA, McLean, VA, Vienna, VA, Great Falls, VA, Oakton, VA, Alexandria, VA, Clifton, VA, Fairfax Station, VA ## Questions and answers **What is a detached ADU in Arlington, VA?** A detached ADU is a fully independent residential structure built on the same lot as the primary home but physically separate from it. In Arlington, detached ADUs are permitted subject to setback, lot coverage, height, and size requirements under the County's ADU ordinance. **How much does a detached ADU cost in Arlington?** Detached ADUs in Arlington typically range from $220,000 to $450,000+ depending on size, finish level, and site conditions. Utility connection costs (new electrical service, water, sewer) are a significant variable. Use our Pricing Guide for current ranges. **What are the setback requirements for a detached ADU in Arlington?** Arlington County requires detached ADUs to maintain minimum setbacks from rear and side property lines — typically 5–10 feet depending on zoning district. The specific setback requirements for your lot depend on your zoning classification. Berriz Design Build conducts a property-specific analysis before design begins. **Can a detached ADU have its own utilities in Arlington?** Yes. Detached ADUs can have independent utility connections (electrical, water, sewer) or share connections with the primary home. Independent connections provide more flexibility for rental use but add cost. Berriz Design Build evaluates the best utility configuration for your specific project. **How long does it take to build a detached ADU in Arlington?** From initial consultation to final certificate of occupancy, most detached ADU projects take 10–16 months. Permitting typically takes 6–14 weeks. Berriz Design Build's integrated design-build model compresses the overall timeline. **Why choose Berriz Design Build for a detached ADU in Arlington?** Arlington ADU experience since 1994, in-house design and construction, and a thorough approach to the site, zoning, utility, and architectural challenges that determine whether a detached ADU becomes a property asset or a construction headache. ## Page content The Berriz Perspective A detached ADU is architecturally and logistically the most demanding ADU type in Arlington — and it's also the most valuable. A well-designed detached ADU functions as a completely independent home: separate entrance, separate utilities, separate living environment. That independence is what makes it so desirable for rental income, multigenerational living, or long-term property value. But achieving it requires solving real design and construction challenges: utility connections from the main house or street, setback compliance on constrained Arlington lots, structural foundation work, and a design that feels like a complete home rather than an outbuilding. Berriz Design Build has designed and built detached ADUs throughout Arlington since 1994. We know what it takes to do it right. Common Questions ## What Arlington Homeowners Ask About Detached ADU ### Discovery & Eligibility What is a detached ADU in Arlington, VA? A detached ADU is a fully independent residential structure built on the same lot as the primary home but physically separate from it. In Arlington, detached ADUs are permitted subject to setback, lot coverage, height, and size requirements under the County's ADU ordinance. How much does a detached ADU cost in Arlington? Detached ADUs in Arlington typically range from $220,000 to $450,000+ depending on size, finish level, and site conditions. Utility connection costs (new electrical service, water, sewer) are a significant variable. Use our Pricing Guide for current ranges. ### Cost & Permitting What are the setback requirements for a detached ADU in Arlington? Arlington County requires detached ADUs to maintain minimum setbacks from rear and side property lines — typically 5–10 feet depending on zoning district. The specific setback requirements for your lot depend on your zoning classification. Berriz Design Build conducts a property-specific analysis before design begins. Can a detached ADU have its own utilities in Arlington? Yes. Detached ADUs can have independent utility connections (electrical, water, sewer) or share connections with the primary home. Independent connections provide more flexibility for rental use but add cost. Berriz Design Build evaluates the best utility configuration for your specific project. ### Process & Partnership How long does it take to build a detached ADU in Arlington? From initial consultation to final certificate of occupancy, most detached ADU projects take 10–16 months. Permitting typically takes 6–14 weeks. Berriz Design Build's integrated design-build model compresses the overall timeline. Why choose Berriz Design Build for a detached ADU in Arlington? Arlington ADU experience since 1994, in-house design and construction, and a thorough approach to the site, zoning, utility, and architectural challenges that determine whether a detached ADU becomes a property asset or a construction headache. Explore the Practice ## Related services ### Basement ADU Expert basement ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Convert yo… Explore → ### Garage Conversion Expert garage conversion in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Transform your underused gara… Explore → ### In-Law Suite Expert in-law suite design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a c… Explore → ### Multigenerational Home Expert multigenerational home design and renovation in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Cr… Explore → ### Universal & Aging-in-Place Design Expert universal design remodeling in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a home that … Explore → ### ADU Cost Transparent ADU cost information for Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Understand what driv… Explore → All ADU & Accessory Living → ## Build it with a team that has done it since 1994 running. Design, permitting and construction handled by one accountable group — no hand-offs, no finger-pointing. Request a Consultation Call (703) 552-7565 Chat With Us Now Pricing Guide ↗ The Berriz Way ↗ See Our Work --- *Berriz Design Build, LLC, Arlington VA. Design/build remodeling since 1994. (703) 552-7565*