How It Works | Waldorf ADU Building Experts, MD

Get a free estimate

Start with step one — it's free. Tell us about your lot.

Couple relaxing on the porch of their finished backyard cottage at dusk

Step 1: Free feasibility study

We come to your lot and check whether an ADU fits — zoning, setbacks, septic, access, and HOA rules. It costs nothing and it takes a visit. You get a straight yes, no, or maybe before you spend a dollar on drawings.

See what the free feasibility study covers

Step 2: Design & written price

Your study turns into a real site plan, floor plan, and elevations — drawn for your lot and your county's rules. You approve the design and the price in writing before anything is filed.

See how design & planning works

Step 3: Permits & approvals

We file everything in the right order: health-department water/sewer approval first, then the county's Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit, then building and trade permits. Maryland law says the county must approve or deny a complete zoning-use application within 90 days, with no public hearing required for that decision. What the county's typical review time actually looks like in practice is not published, so we don't promise one.

Sources: §4-505 (Chapter 197 of the 2025 Laws of Maryland (HB 1466/SB 891)); Charles County permit review timelines unverified — per due-diligence report.

See the full permit sequence and county fees

Step 4: Construction

Foundation, framing, rough-ins, insulation, finishes, inspections at the county's required stages. One established DMV builder publishes 12–16 weeks of build time inside a 5–7 month start-to-move-in window; another reports about 3–4 months of construction. Every project differs — your feasibility study and design set your real timeline.

See what construction looks like week by week

Step 5: Final walkthrough & move-in

We walk every room with you, fix everything on the punch list, and hand over a finished home. Nothing is called done until you say it is.

See our walkthrough promise

What we need from you at each step

Step 1: your address and a way to reach you. Step 2: your honest input on how the space will be used. Step 3: nothing — the paperwork is our job. Step 4: keep the work area clear and expect some noise. Step 5: your eyes and your opinions, room by room.

Check it yourself — or skip the homework

Zoning and permit questions: Charles County Planning & Growth Management, 301-645-0692. Well and septic: Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, 301-609-6751. County rules are Bill 2026-06 / ZTA 25-189 ("Flexibility for Accessory Dwelling Units"); the state law is Chapter 197 of the 2025 Laws of Maryland (HB 1466/SB 891).

Or skip the homework: call (240) 222-5082 and we'll walk your lot free and tell you what your county allows. We serve Waldorf and the surrounding towns.

Questions homeowners ask us

How long does the whole process take?

We don't give one number, because the county's permit review timeline isn't published and every lot differs. One established DMV builder (Excell Homes) publishes 5–7 months from start to move-in, with 12–16 weeks of build time; another (Makara ADU, quoted in The Banner) reports about 3–4 months of construction. Your feasibility study sets your realistic range.

What does it cost to get started?

Nothing. The feasibility study — our lot visit, zoning and septic check — is free. You spend nothing until you've approved a design and a written price.

Do I need to know what I want before I call?

No. Most callers only know the goal — a place for mom, rental income, a home office. That's enough. The feasibility study and design steps are built to turn a rough idea into a real plan.

Who deals with the county?

We do. Health-department sign-off, the county's Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit, building and trade permits, inspections — we file all of it and track it. Your job is to answer design questions and approve things in writing.

What if my lot can't hold an ADU?

Then the free feasibility study tells you that in week one — before you've paid for a single drawing. Some lots fail on setbacks, some on septic capacity, some on HOA covenants. Finding out early is the whole point of step one.

What happens after you reach out

No mystery, no sales script. Here is the whole path from first call to move-in day.

1You reach outCall or send the form. Tell us about your lot and what you want the space for — a parent, rental income, a home office.

2We walk your propertyFree visit. We check setbacks, access, slope, trees, and utilities, and tell you honestly what fits.

3You get a plan and a priceA site plan and a written estimate for your lot. No pressure, no obligation, no fine print.

4Permits, then buildWe handle the Charles County paperwork and follow-ups. Then our partner builders build it.

From First Call to Move-In Day