Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming one of the most practical ways to add rentable square footage, unlock hidden value on existing properties, and improve pro-formas on infill and small development projects. But making an ADU pencil out in 2026 requires more than a good idea—site constraints, design decisions, permitting, utilities, contractor scope, and realistic rent assumptions can quickly turn a “simple backyard unit” into a margin killer.

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In this session, developer Nathan Biller shares a clear roadmap for planning, designing, and building ADUs with the numbers in mind. Drawing from firsthand builds and his experience contributing to local ADU policy conversations, he’ll break down what drives ROI, the pitfalls that derail timelines and budgets, and the shortcuts that legitimately reduce friction. You’ll also get a practical view of how zoning frameworks are evolving and how to evaluate whether an ADU is the right move for your property and strategy.

Attendees will learn:

• How to evaluate ADU feasibility and ROI using real-world pro-forma assumptions

• The step-by-step roadmap to plan, design, and build an ADU with fewer surprises

• The most common hurdles that impact timelines and budgets (and how to avoid them)

• Practical shortcuts that reduce friction without sacrificing quality or compliance

• How zoning and policy trends are evolving and what to watch next in 2026