Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in Arlington, TX — Costs $52,860 to $308,350

What does accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction cost in Arlington? Average $132,150, ranging $52,860–$308,350. Labor runs $26.16/hr locally — 12% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Arlington, TX Market

-12% vs national

Labor Rate

$26.16/hr

Material Index

89

Avg Permit Cost

$653

Median Home Price

$221,189

Arlington is a mid-sized city in Texas with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction, which helps keep pricing competitive. Arlington offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $221,189, homeowners in Arlington should weigh the project cost (59.7% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$52,860

National: $60,000

Mid-Range

$132,150

National: $150,000

High End

$308,350

National: $350,000

Per Sq Ft

$220

National: $250

Duration: 6-18 months
DIY: Hard
Permits: Required
ROI: 80%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction Cost Calculator for Arlington

Adjusted for Arlington's labor rate ($26.16/hr) and material costs (index 89).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Arlington

$132,150

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Arlington market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (50%)$66,075

At Arlington's average rate of $26.16/hr (13% below national avg)

Materials (50%)$66,075

Material cost index 89 (11% below national baseline of 100)

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction vs. Home Value in Arlington

MetricArlingtonNational Avg
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction (Mid-Range)$132,150$150,000
Median Home Price$221,189$350,000
Project as % of Home Value59.7%42.9%
Estimated ROI80%80%
Median Household Income$44,184$75,000

What Affects the Price in Arlington

  • 1Local labor rates ($26.16/hr in Arlington)
  • 2Material cost index (89 vs national 100)
  • 3Attached vs detached
  • 4Size and bedroom count
  • 5Kitchen and bath quality
  • 6Local ADU regulations

Popular Upgrades

  • Full kitchen
  • Separate entrance
  • Solar panels for energy independence

Planning a Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in Arlington

Building permits are typically required for a accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction in Arlington. The average permit fee in this area is $653, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 6-18 months from start to finish.

A accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Arlington, skilled contractors charge an average of $26.16/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

In Arlington, where the median household income is $44,184, a $132,150 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in Texas.

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