Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) &
Guest Houses in Kansas City
More Space. More Privacy. Right at Home.
Ready to build a dream suite for your parents, a family member, or perhaps a detached office?
At Under Pressure General Contracting, we bring high-end design to small-scale living.
Ready to turn your backyard into a source of income... or a home for a family member?
Under Pressure General Contracting specializes in premium ADU builds across the Kansas City metro area. Taking the complexity out of creating secondary suites, we manage everything from start to finish.
- Custom Design Scheme
- Functional Layout
- Plumbing and Sanitation Plan
- Utility Connection
- Expert Construction
Scale your living space, boost your property value, and earn protentional income with a team that treats you like family. Guaranteeing craftsmanship that lasts!!
Benefits of Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to Your KC Home
Integrating an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) into your Kansas City property is a powerful way to maximize your land’s potential, offering a unique blend of immediate lifestyle flexibility and long-term financial security. Whether you are looking to generate consistent passive income through long-term rentals, provide a private "aging-in-place" suite for parents, or create a high-end detached home office, an ADU adapts to your family’s changing needs. Beyond the functional benefits, these structures are high-value investments that can increase your home’s resale value, effectively paying for themselves over time. By building an ADU, you aren't just adding square footage; you’re creating a "flex" space that provides privacy for guests today and a reliable retirement nest egg for tomorrow, all while contributing to the beauty and density of our local KC neighborhoods.
Why Hire Us
We know that for many homeowners, the 'red tape' of city hall is the most intimidating part of the project. That’s why we take full ownership of the process, handling all KCMO Planning and Development permits and zoning hurdles so you don’t have to. Whether you are looking to build a historic-style carriage house in Westport, a modern rental unit in Waldo, or a spacious backyard cottage in the Northland, we ensure your project is 100% compliant with local codes. Our transparent 'Path to a Backyard Home' keeps you informed at every stage: we start with a deep-dive Site Feasibility & Zoning Audit, move into Custom Design & 3D Rendering to visualize your space, manage the entire Permitting & Utility Connection phase, and finish with professional Construction & a Final Walkthrough to ensure your new ADU is move-in ready. At Under Pressure we're "Under Pressure" so you don't have to be.
Our Step by Step Process
- Contact us for a FREE, no obligation estimate
2. We will conduct a feasibility & zoning audit
3. Our team creates a custom design to align with your budget and goals
4. Coordination with city officials for permitting & logistics
5. Execution and building phase
6. Project completion including final inspections, and certificate of occupancy
Four Main Types of ADUs
- Detached (The Backyard Cottage)
- A brand new, stand-alone small structure.
- Attached (The Suite)
- An addition attached to the side or back of the main house.
- Garage Conversion
- Turning the "clutter zone" into a livable, high-end apartment.
- Basement Apartment
- Maximizing the square footage already under your roof
Does my property in Kansas City qualify for an ADU?
In Kansas City, MO, most residential zones now allow for one Accessory Dwelling Unit per lot. Generally, your lot must be at least 5,000 square feet, and the new unit must follow "setback" rules (the distance from your property line). However, every municipality is different—rules in Overland Park or Lee’s Summit may vary from KCMO. During our initial consultation, we perform a professional zoning audit to see exactly what the city will allow on your specific dirt.
Can ADUs be used for passive income?
One of the most compelling reasons to build an ADU in 2026 is the immediate potential for passive income generation. In the current Kansas City market, a well-designed ADU can command rental rates between $1,200 and $2,000+ per month, providing a substantial financial cushion that can offset—or even completely cover—your primary mortgage payment. For properties located near high-demand hubs like the Power & Light District, the Plaza, or Arrowhead Stadium, these units can become even more lucrative as high-end short-term rentals. With Kansas City hosting major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the demand for unique, independent guest spaces is at an all-time high, making an ADU one of the smartest wealth-building investments a local homeowner can make today.
Average KC Studio/1-Bed Rent: $1,100 – $1,350
Target Monthly Income: $1,200 – $2,000+
Estimated Payback Period: 8–11 years
How Much do ADUs Cost?
Because ADUs are built to the same rigorous structural and safety codes as a standard full-sized home, the investment reflects the quality and longevity of a permanent residence. In the Kansas City metro, project costs generally follow a tiered structure based on the scope of the build: internal conversions like basement suites typically fall between $80,000 and $120,000, while garage conversions or attached additions often range from $120,000 to $180,000. For those seeking a fully independent living space, custom-built detached backyard cottages generally start at $200,000 and up. These ranges account for professional design, local permitting, and the high-quality finishes necessary to maximize both your property value and your potential rental income in today's market.
How Long Does It Take?
A typical ADU project in Kansas City takes 6 to 10 months from initial design to final move-in. This includes roughly 2 months for architectural plans and city permits, followed by 4–6 months of actual construction.