Basement ADU

Yes, basement ADUs in Denver require comprehensive building permits including structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits. Denver's ADU regulations (passed 2020) streamlined permitting but still require full code compliance. Peak Builders manages all ADU permit applications through Denver Community Planning and Development. Permit requirements: site plan showing ADU location, floor plans meeting Denver building codes, engineered plans if structural changes occur, parking plan (Denver may waive parking requirements for ADUs), and utility capacity documentation. Permit costs range from $3,000-$8,000 depending on project scope. Processing takes 2-3 months typically. Denver requires ADUs have separate entrances (interior or exterior access), meet energy codes, include proper ventilation, and have adequate egress for safety. We navigate Denver's ADU regulations to ensure your basement ADU meets all requirements.

Denver requires egress windows in all basement ADU bedrooms with minimum 5.7 square feet opening area, minimum 20 inches wide, minimum 24 inches high, and maximum 44 inches sill height above floor. Egress windows provide emergency escape routes required by International Building Code adopted by Denver. Peak Builders installs code-compliant egress windows during basement ADU construction. Egress window installation costs $3,000-$5,000 per window including excavation, window well, drainage, and interior finish work. Windows must open without tools or keys. Window wells require proper drainage to prevent water infiltration during Denver rainstorms and snowmelt. Egress windows also bring natural light into basement ADUs making spaces more appealing to renters. Denver inspectors strictly enforce egress requirements - windows must meet all dimensional requirements and be easily operable. We size and install egress windows correctly on first attempt to pass inspections.

Yes, Denver allows homeowners to rent basement ADUs for long-term rentals (minimum 30 days) once units receive Certificate of Occupancy after final inspections. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require separate short-term rental licenses with additional restrictions. Peak Builders constructs basement ADUs meeting all Denver rental property requirements. ADU rental income in Denver ranges from $1,200-$2,500 monthly depending on size, finishes, and location. Denver requires ADUs have separate address numbers, utilities can be shared or separate (separate metering increases value), and parking (though Denver often waives this requirement). Property owners must live on-site (in main house or ADU) per Denver regulations. ADUs provide rental income to offset mortgages, housing for family members, or aging-in-place solutions. We design ADUs for maximum rental appeal and functionality within your basement space.

Basement ADU construction in Denver takes 5-8 months total including permit processing (2-3 months) and construction (3-5 months). Simple studio ADUs with existing basement infrastructure complete faster (4-6 months) while full one-bedroom ADUs with complex layouts take longer (6-9 months). Peak Builders provides realistic timelines and manages projects efficiently. Construction phase breakdown: framing and electrical rough-in (2-3 weeks), plumbing installation including bathroom (2 weeks), HVAC installation (1 week), insulation and drywall (2-3 weeks), kitchen installation (2-3 weeks), bathroom finishing (2 weeks), flooring (1-2 weeks), painting (1 week), final details and inspections (1-2 weeks). Egress window installation happens early in project (1-2 weeks). Material delays, permit revision requests, or unexpected existing condition issues can extend timelines. We maintain communication throughout your ADU project and coordinate inspections promptly.

Basement ADUs in Denver provide 6-10 year payback periods through rental income ($1,200-$2,500 monthly) and increase home values by $75,000-$125,000 on average. For $100,000 ADU investment generating $1,800 monthly rent, payback occurs in 5.5 years before considering home value increase. Peak Builders helps Denver homeowners evaluate ADU investment potential. Benefits beyond ROI: housing for aging parents or adult children, mortgage payment assistance, property value appreciation in Denver's strong real estate market, flexibility to stop renting and use space yourself, and tax deductions for rental property expenses. Denver's rental market remains strong with low vacancy rates and increasing rents making ADUs attractive investments. ADU rental income often covers 30-50% of mortgage payments. Construction quality affects rental rates and tenant retention - we build ADUs that attract quality tenants and command premium rents.