ADU, Modular Home, or Addition: What's the Best Option in Maryland?

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ADU, Modular Home, or Addition: What's the Best Option in Maryland?

If you need more living space in Maryland, you'll quickly run into three popular paths: building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), setting a modular home, or constructing a traditional home addition. Each option can solve the same problem-more room-yet they differ in cost, timelines, permitting, and how they fit your property.

At Doug Pruett Construction Co, Inc, we help homeowners compare these choices realistically, based on your lot, your goals, and the rules in your county. Below is a practical way to evaluate which route makes the most sense.

Start With Your Primary Goal

Before looking at designs, identify what you want the new space to do. In Maryland, the "best" option often depends on whether your priority is:

Housing a family member (aging parent, adult child, returning college grad)
Creating rental income (short- or long-term, where allowed)
Adding everyday living space (bigger kitchen, family room, primary suite)
Increasing resale value without overbuilding for the neighborhood
Creating a separate workspace or hobby area away from the main home

Once the purpose is clear, the best fit tends to reveal itself quickly.

Option 1: ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

An ADU is a smaller secondary residence on the same property as a primary home. In Maryland, an ADU might be a detached backyard cottage, an apartment above a garage, or a converted basement with a dedicated entrance (depending on local code and zoning).

When an ADU is a strong choice

An ADU is often ideal if you need independent living space rather than just "more room." It's a great fit for multigenerational living, guest quarters, or potential rental use.

Key Advantages of ADU's

Separation and privacy: A true second living space, not just a bigger house.
Flexible long-term use: Guest suite today, rental later, home office next.
Potential income: If local rules allow rentals, an ADU can help offset costs.

Potential limitations in Maryland

ADUs can involve more zoning and planning review than homeowners expect. Some jurisdictions have strict rules on size, setbacks, parking, owner-occupancy, entrances, and utility metering. Lot constraints also matter-especially in tighter suburban neighborhoods. Best for: Homeowners who want a separate living unit, not simply expanded rooms.

Option 2: Modular Home or Modular Addition

A modular home is built in sections in a controlled factory environment and then assembled on-site on a permanent foundation. Some homeowners in Maryland explore modular construction to speed up timelines or get predictable build quality.

When Modular Construction Makes Sense

Modular can be a smart option if you want a new standalone home on a buildable lot, or if you're pursuing a major expansion that's easier to execute as prefabricated modules (site access and foundation conditions permitting).

Key Advantages of Modular Homes

Faster construction window: Factory work happens while site prep is underway.
Weather protection: Less exposure to rain and delays during framing.
Quality consistency: Controlled conditions can help with fit and finish.

Important Considerations

Modular isn't automatically cheaper. You still need a foundation, utility connections, site work, permitting, and sometimes cranes or special delivery logistics. In parts of Maryland, tight streets, mature trees, steep driveways, or limited staging space can complicate delivery and assembly.

Best for: Homeowners building a new residence or pursuing a large-scale project where site logistics support module delivery.

Option 3: Traditional Home Addition

A home addition expands your existing footprint-adding a new bedroom, primary suite, living room, sunroom, or even a second story. In many Maryland neighborhoods, a well-planned addition is the most straightforward way to gain space while keeping everything connected.

When an Addition Is the Best Fit

If you want your home to function better day-to-day-more room to cook, gather, sleep, or store-an addition can be the most seamless solution.

Benefits of Home Additions

Integrated living: One home, one layout, no separate utilities needed in many cases.
Design flexibility: Additions can be tailored to match your structure and style.
Resale value alignment: A well-designed addition often boosts value if it fits the neighborhood.

What Can Affect Cost and Timeline

Additions involve structural tie-ins, matching rooflines, blending exterior finishes, and protecting the existing home during construction. Older Maryland homes may require upgrades to meet current codes-electrical, framing, insulation, or stormwater requirements-depending on project scope.

Best for: Homeowners who want more connected living space and improved functionality without creating a second dwelling.

How to Choose the Best Option for Your Maryland Property

Here are the decision points we review with homeowners during planning:

Zoning and lot constraints

Your county and neighborhood rules can steer the decision immediately. Setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and parking requirements often determine whether an ADU is even feasible-or whether an addition must go up instead of out.

Site conditions

Maryland properties can have grading challenges, drainage concerns, critical root zones from mature trees, or tricky access for equipment. These factors can impact modular delivery and crane placement, and they also influence foundation costs for any option.

Budget and financing strategy

If your goal is to increase usable space at a predictable cost, a well-scoped addition may be simplest. If you want long-term flexibility or income potential, an ADU may justify higher upfront permitting effort.

Timeline and disruption

Modular can reduce on-site build time, while additions can be more disruptive because construction happens directly against your existing living space. ADUs vary: detached units may keep your main home quieter, but utility work can still be extensive.

Long-term use and resale

Ask: "What will this space be in five to ten years?" If independence matters, lean ADU. If daily function matters, lean addition. If a new standalone home is the vision, explore modular.

Work With a Contractor Who Can Compare All Three

The right answer isn't a trend-it's what fits your property and your goals. Doug Pruett Construction Co, Inc can evaluate your lot, review feasible concepts, and help you map out the permitting path, budget ranges, and realistic timelines for each option.

If you're considering an ADU, modular home, or home addition in Maryland, reach out us on 410-224-4057 or via this online form to schedule a consultation. We'll help you choose a solution that's practical now-and still makes sense years down the road.

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