ADU Design & Construction in Ashland, Hanover County & Surrounding Areas
LICENSED & INSURED CLASS A DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, Suited and Sized to your County's Rules
We Build ADUs across the Greater Richmond Area, including New Kent, Hanover County, Henrico County, Goochland County, & Powhatan. We already know how zoning works in this counties around Richmond. So wherever your property sites, confirming the local process is stop one, not a reason we can't help.
Virginia signed SB 531 into law in April 2026, requiring every locality to allow ADUs by right in single-family zones starting July 1, 2027. Until then, the Town of Ashland and Hanover County each follow their own rules. Wherever you're building, we confirm your current process before a single line gets drawn.
Why Homeowners are Building ADUs in Hanover County
The same reasons come up across every county we serve.
RENTAL INCOME
A long-term investment that adds usable square footage and supplemental income.
FAMILY HOUSING
Independence for aging parents or adult children, without leaving the property.
GUEST SPACE
A private, comfortable place for visitors that doesn't disrupt the main house.
HOME OFFICE
A dedicated workspace away from the main house, and one of the most requested ADU uses.
FLEXIBILITY
One structure, several possible uses over the life of the property.
PROPERTY VALUE
Added living space that's built to last, not a temporary structure.
One Less Thing to Figure Out
Ashland and Hanover County each handle ADUs a little differently, with their own permit types, size limits, and review steps. You don't need to learn all of that. We already have.
ASHLAND
HANOVER COUNTY
CITY OF RICHMOND
DOSWELL
MONTPELIER
AND BEYOND...
What We Plan Around, Lot by Lot
IN-TOWN ASHLAND LOTS
Smaller lots near downtown often suit a garage apartment or compact cottage that fits the scale of the neighborhood.
MECHANICSVILLE SUBDIVISIONS
More room for a standalone cottage, but HOA review often enters the picture in newer neighborhoods.
RURAL HANOVER ACREAGE
Larger parcels around Montpelier, Beaverdam, and Rockville give you more siting options and more room to spread out.
WELL & SEPTIC PROPERTIES
The health department typically needs to confirm your septic system can handle an added dwelling before the permit moves forward.
How a Project Moves from Lot to Livable
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Your goals, property, budget, and intended use for the space.
SITE & JURISDICTION EVALUTION
We confirm the current ADU requirements for your specific city or county — zoning district, size cap, review process, and any historic or HOA considerations.
DESIGN & PLANNING
A plan built to clear your locality's actual approval process, not a generic one.
CONSTRUCTION
Every phase overseen directly, with consistent communication throughout.
SITE & JURISDICTION EVALUATION
A finished space that adds real, usable value to the property.
Why Homeowners Choose Lakewood Custom Builders
- Personalized service from first call to final walkthrough.
- Direct communication, one point of contact throughout.
- Detailed planning before any construction begins.
- Transparent budgeting, with no surprise line items.
- Quality craftsmanship built to last, not to a minimum.
- Local zoning expertise across four different counties.
FAQ's About ADUs
Do ADU rules differ between Ashland and Hanover County?
Yes. The Town of Ashland has its own zoning ordinance, separate from the county's, so size limits, approval steps, and timelines can change depending on which side of the town line you're on. We handle that research before designing anything.
Will zoning slow my project down?
It can add time in some counties more than others, but you won't be navigating it alone. We confirm the process for your property early, so there are no surprises mid-project.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in the Richmond area?
Costs vary based on size, design, site conditions, utility requirements, finish selections, and which locality's permitting process applies. We build a realistic budget with you during pre-construction planning.
Is a garage apartment considered an ADU?
Generally, yes, as long as it has its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. It's often the most practical option on smaller in-town lots.
My property is on well and septic. Does that change anything?
It can. Much of rural Hanover relies on private well and septic, and the health department typically needs to verify septic capacity before an ADU permit can move forward. We factor that in from the start.
What if my property is outside Hanover County?
We regularly build in neighboring areas too. Every Central Virginia locality has its own ADU process, and confirming yours is part of our standard first step. Reach out and tell us where your property is.