ADU vs. CASITA

What is the difference between a casita and an ADU? (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

Good question… all casitas are ADUs, but not all ADUs are casitas. Both, however, are normally detached from the main living structure, the size limitation offers a guideline, where Casitas are traditionally limited to 800 square feet, while ADUs can be 1,200 square feet or larger. However, exceeding the 800-square-foot mark would, essentially, transform a Casita into an ADU. Each local governing municipality (town, city, county, etc.) may also have definitions that help define each, such as a casita as not having a complete kitchen (no cooking appliance), microwaves are usually ok but no stove or oven. In contrast, an ADU has a fully functional kitchen and could be used as a separate living space. Please check with your local building office on what is or isn’t allowed on your property, or just give us a call…. we can help.

WHY USE US TO BUILD YOUR ADU / CASITA?

Listen, every contractor that you might contact to look at this project for you is going to say the same three words as we just did. “Choose us, we are Knowledgeable” or “Our company has the Experience” or even “Call us for Reliability” but how many contractors can back those statements up?

The fact is that Cheyenne Construction & Development Inc. has been doing business in the East Valley Since 1975, (almost 50 years) We have ZERO unresolved issues with The Arizona Registrar of Contractors, and our past projects include building custom homes, remodeling existing homes, constructing additions, installing custom kitchens, and bathrooms, and even building custom workshops and R.V. garages.

Check us out with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, our residential license is # 055116.

Let's Discuss Bringing Your Vision to Life!

THE PROCESS

PHOTOS OF PROJECT AREA

Take some general photos of the area where the building/project may occur, use our Contact form to upload your photos, fill out the project information section, and hit the send button on the bottom. Once all the information is received, we will contact you via phone. (during regular business hours)

PHONE CONSULTATION (FREE)

Here we discuss, over the phone, the potential project and its parameters, such as size, and space needed, accessibility to the space, timeframe, and general schedule, we address your wants, needs, and desires within the project and even discuss the general estimated cost to complete the project.

This phone consultation helps to focus expectations for both parties involved, (Contractor and Customer) and provides vital, information about realistic costs and timelines, ultimately helping to determine if Cheyenne Construction & Development Inc. is a good fit for the project and the customer.

ON-SITE VISIT ($350)*

Here is where the rubber meets the road. We have all heard the phrase “Time is Money”

That phrase is truer today than ever, so yes, we normally charge to come out and discuss the project. This cost covers the mobilization and time spent on site. (usually 1-3 hours) During that time we check power/electrical panel location, power needs, and availability, determine sewer/septic tap location, address any accessibility issues, look at any grading and drainage issues, and generally look over the site and determine the logistics of the project, moving forward.

For us, this separates the folks who are serious about moving forward from those who are not, if it’s information you are seeking, please refer to #2 above. (it’s free)

Nobody wants to have their time wasted. Not the customer or the contractor.

* If awarded the project, you will see the on-site visit cost credited to the project. This fee is waived for the balance of 2024

PLANS, DRAWINGS AND PERMITS

The Drafting process is straightforward most of the time, customers usually have an idea of what they want, and even if they don’t, using one of our qualified draftsmen or architects to help. The design can be custom or one of our stock plans if applicable.

Permits on the other hand can have challenges. Cheyenne Construction & Development Inc. can provide this service for you. Our experience with the local Building departments helps get the Plan/Drawing through the process in a timely fashion.

**Site Survey and Grading and Drainage plan may be required. (we can do that too)

THE BUILD

Following the approved plans, we construct your Casita/ADU. From the excavation for concrete footings to hanging the porch light, during which inspections are scheduled all aspects of the build are performed with care. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality product.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

With Cheyenne Construction & Development Inc., we are from here, we live in the area we serve, we know the history and the landmarks that define the local feel, and we take pride in being from this area and strive to make it better.

Our sub-contractors are the best, many have been with us for years. Those relationships make a difference in the aspects of service and performance. Knowing the quality of the work and the workers make our projects go smoother.

Supervision and management, our team is on site daily, as the project continues, we answer our phones and will remain in contact for the duration of the project. We are accessible and relatable.

Let's Discuss Bringing Your Vision to Life!

THE NEED

There are many ways to get information, social media, Radio, TV, Newspapers, even friends and family. No matter where you get the information, all have been reporting that the need for affordable housing options is critical, especially here in Arizona.

“The median listing home price in Phoenix, AZ was $515K in June 2024, trending down -4.6% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $298. The median home sold price was $575K.” — Realtor.com

We understand the need for the services we offer and are sensitive to the fact that affordable options like ADU’s or Casitas can help to provide options for students, young couples just starting out, and even aging parents or grandparents who need their own space.