If you've been paying attention to the housing market in Utah over the last few years, you already know — things have changed dramatically. Home prices are up. Rent is up. Demand for housing keeps climbing while supply struggles to keep pace. And in the middle of all that pressure, more and more homeowners are turning to their own backyards for a solution.
Accessory Dwelling Units — ADUs — are having a moment. And it's not just a trend. It's a response to real economic pressure, shifting family needs, and a growing recognition that the land you already own might be one of your most underused assets.
What Is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a secondary living space on the same property as a primary home. It can be attached to the main house, built above a garage, or — most commonly — built as a standalone structure in the backyard. ADUs are fully livable spaces: they have sleeping areas, bathrooms, kitchens or kitchenettes, and their own entrance.
They go by a lot of names — granny flats, in-law suites, backyard cottages, casitas. But they all solve the same problem: creating more usable, livable space on land you already own.
Why Demand Is Exploding Right Now
Several forces are converging at once to drive ADU demand through the roof — especially here in Utah and Idaho.
Housing affordability is at a crisis point. The median home price in the Salt Lake City metro area has more than doubled over the past decade. Young adults who grew up here can't afford to buy — and many can't afford to rent either. Multi-generational living is becoming less of a cultural choice and more of an economic necessity. Families are looking for ways to keep aging parents close without sacrificing privacy. Kids in their 20s are moving back home. An ADU solves both of those situations elegantly.
Remote work changed everything. When millions of people started working from home, the demand for dedicated workspace exploded. A backyard ADU makes a perfect home office — completely separate from the main house, quiet, professional, and yours. No commute, no distractions, no shared space.
Rental income is real money. A well-built ADU in the Salt Lake Valley or along the Wasatch Front can generate $1,000–$1,800 per month in rental income, depending on size and amenities. For many homeowners, that's enough to cover a significant portion of their mortgage — or fund the next investment entirely.
"The land you already own might be one of your most underused assets. An ADU turns that idle square footage into income, space, and long-term value."
What Utah Law Says About ADUs
Utah has been actively working to make ADUs easier to build. State legislation has pushed cities to allow ADUs in more zones, reduce permit barriers, and streamline approval processes. Many cities along the Wasatch Front — including Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden — have updated their zoning codes to be more ADU-friendly in recent years.
That said, rules vary by city and county. Some areas have restrictions on size, setbacks, owner-occupancy requirements, or rental use. Before you build, it's important to check with your local planning department — or talk to us. We've navigated ADU projects across Utah and Idaho and can help you understand what's possible on your specific property.
What Does an ADU From ShedPro LLC Look Like?
We build ADUs the same way we build every shed — on-site, from scratch, with premium materials. No factory-built modules, no shortcuts. Every ADU we build starts with a conversation about how you plan to use it, what your property allows, and what your budget looks like.
A typical ADU build from ShedPro LLC includes LP SmartSide siding, Sherwin-Williams exterior paint in any color you choose, quality framing built to code, asphalt shingles with a 40-year warranty, and full electrical wiring pre-installed before the walls go up. We work with your layout to maximize the space — whether that's a single open studio, a one-bedroom with a kitchen and bath rough-in, or something more custom.
Because we build on-site, we can adapt to your yard, your access constraints, and your specific city's setback requirements in ways that a prefab unit simply can't.
Is an ADU Right for You?
An ADU makes sense if you have usable backyard space, a need for additional housing (family, rental income, or workspace), and you're ready to make a longer-term investment in your property. It's not the cheapest project — but it's one of the few home improvements that can actually pay for itself over time while adding significant value to your property.
The best way to know if it's right for your situation is to have us come out and look at your property. We'll measure your space, walk through what's possible given your lot and local code, and give you a realistic picture of what a build would look like — at no cost and no obligation.
Thinking About an ADU?
Let's start with a free in-home consultation. We'll come to your property, walk the space with you, and help you figure out what's possible. Book online and choose your free upgrade.