Custom ADU builders
in Chandler.

Chandler’s Planning and Zoning page provides an interactive planning map, zoning references, and links to detached-building information. Begin there with the parcel address and ask which current requirements apply to the proposed dwelling. A previous accessory-building approval should not be assumed to cover a new living use.

Be clear about the type of project: a new detached home, an addition, or the proposed conversion of an existing structure. Each starts with different information. Obtain existing permits and available plans before treating an existing garage or outbuilding as a ready-made shell.

An attached arrangement can create a direct connection to the existing house. A detached arrangement can give the occupants a stronger sense of separation. Compare the experience of entering, cooking, receiving visitors, and using outdoor space in each version.

Show doors and windows from both homes on one plan. Avoid a new entrance that opens directly toward a private room or makes another household’s patio the only path in. A small shift in entry position can make the shared property easier to use without increasing the interior area.

Place the bed, sofa, table, wardrobe, and essential appliances at realistic sizes. Walk through an ordinary morning on paper: moving from the bedroom to the bathroom, preparing breakfast, opening a refrigerator, and stepping outside. Conflicts become easier to spot when the plan includes actual furniture.

For a family member who expects to live independently, discuss laundry, storage, comfort controls, and the route from parking to the door. If mobility is a concern, have the design team review the relevant needs and applicable requirements. A “small home” brief should still explain how the person will live in it.

Locate patios, pools, equipment, gates, mature planting, and likely service connections before choosing the building position. Identify what can remain, what may need modification, and what needs professional investigation. This prevents a floor-plan comparison from overlooking the work required around the building.

If a garage conversion is being considered, ask the project team to evaluate the existing construction for its proposed use. Do not infer the condition or suitability of foundations, walls, electrical service, or drainage from an exterior photograph. Keep any necessary investigation visible in the next-step plan.

List the included rooms, intended finishes, proposed outdoor work, and known service requirements. Keep optional items separate so you can compare their value without obscuring the base project. Show how access protection and disturbed areas will be handled.

Bring the address, any existing drawings, and a short description of who will use the home. If an association applies, obtain its current review documents as well. The first design conversation should leave you with a clearer concept and a specific list of unanswered property questions.