Full-Service Design & Build
From architectural planning and permit pulling to final walkthrough, we handle every step. One team, zero handoff headaches.
🌊 Serving Wilmington & Coastal NC
Backyard Cottage & ADU Builders in Wilmington, NC
Add livable square footage, rental income, or a private guest retreat — without leaving your property. We design and build accessory dwelling units and backyard cottages built for the Cape Fear coast.
50+
Cottages & ADUs Built
5★
Average Client Rating
10+
Years in Wilmington
100%
Licensed & Insured
Why Wilmington Homeowners Choose Us
Local Experts in ADU & Backyard Cottage Construction
We're not a national franchise — we're your neighbors. We know Wilmington's zoning rules, flood zone requirements, and HOA landscapes because we live and work here too.
Wilmington Zoning Experts
New Hanover County ADU rules, setback requirements, and coastal building codes — we navigate all of it so you don't have to.
Coastal-Grade Construction
Every build uses materials rated for the NC coast — hurricane straps, moisture-resistant sheathing, and elevated foundations where required.
Real ROI for Homeowners
A well-built ADU in Wilmington can generate $1,000–$2,000/month in rental income. We help you maximize every square foot.
Transparent, Fixed Pricing
No surprise change orders. We provide detailed written estimates upfront and stick to them. Your budget is our budget.
We Know the Neighborhoods
From Midtown to Ogden, Porters Neck to Carolina Beach — we've built in your neighborhood and know what works here.
What We Build
ADU & Backyard Cottage Services in Wilmington, NC
Whether you need a detached guest house, an income-producing rental unit, or a private retreat, we have a solution for your property.
Detached ADU Photo
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Fully permitted, move-in-ready ADUs from 300–1,200 sq ft. Perfect for rental income, aging parents, or adult children. Compliant with New Hanover County regulations.
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Backyard Cottage Photo
Backyard Cottages & Guest Houses
Custom-designed cottages that blend into your yard and coastal lifestyle. We specialize in bespoke guest houses that feel like a true extension of your home.
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Tiny Home Photo
Tiny Homes on Foundation
Efficient, thoughtfully designed tiny homes on permanent foundations. Ideal for downsizers, minimalist living, or adding a long-term rental to your land.
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Our Process
How We Build Your Backyard Cottage in Wilmington
From first call to final walkthrough, here's what working with Wilmington Backyard Cottage looks like.
Free Site Consultation
We visit your property, assess your lot, discuss your goals, and explain what's possible under current Wilmington zoning rules — all at no cost.
Custom Design & Estimate
Our team creates a design tailored to your property and budget. You receive a detailed, fixed-price written estimate — no vague allowances.
Permits & Approvals
We handle all New Hanover County and City of Wilmington permits. Coastal construction requires specialized knowledge — we've done it hundreds of times.
Build & Final Walkthrough
Our crew builds your cottage to coastal-grade standards. You're kept informed throughout. We finish with a thorough walkthrough before handing over the keys.
Construction progress photo
Where We Build
ADU Builders Serving Wilmington & Surrounding Communities
We serve homeowners across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties. If you're in coastal NC, we likely build in your area.
Client Reviews
What Wilmington Homeowners Are Saying
★★★★★
"They built a 600 sq ft ADU on our Midtown Wilmington property in under four months. Our tenant moved in immediately. We couldn't be happier with the quality or the process."— Sarah M., Midtown Wilmington
★★★★★
"My aging parents needed to be close but still independent. Wilmington Backyard Cottage built a beautiful guest house in our backyard — perfect layout, built to last. The whole team was professional and communicative."— David R., Ogden
★★★★★
"We'd been told by two contractors that our lot couldn't fit an ADU. These guys came out, assessed the zoning carefully, and built us a 480 sq ft cottage that generates $1,400/month. Incredible."— Lisa & Tom K., Porters Neck
Common Questions
ADU & Backyard Cottage FAQs for Wilmington Homeowners
Wondering if an ADU is legal on your lot? Curious about costs? Here are the answers to what Wilmington homeowners ask us most.
Yes. ADUs are permitted in most residential zones in Wilmington and New Hanover County, subject to lot size, setback, and utility requirements. We assess your specific parcel during a free consultation and handle all permitting.
Most backyard cottages and ADUs in Wilmington range from $80,000 to $220,000 depending on size, finishes, and site conditions. Smaller detached studios start around $80K–$100K. We provide fixed-price written estimates after your free site visit.
From permit approval to move-in, most ADU builds in Wilmington take 3–5 months. Permitting alone can take 6–10 weeks depending on county backlog. We initiate permitting immediately after you sign, so nothing is delayed.