Pre-Approved ADU Plans Reviewed: Which One Is Right for You?

NYC's pre-approved ADU plans are one of the smartest things the city did when legalizing accessory dwelling units. instead of every homeowner starting from scratch with an architect, the city worked with design firms to create 10 pre-approved plans that can skip major portions of the permit review process.

but which one is right for your property, your budget, and your goals? we've reviewed all 10 to help you decide. you can see all the plans with images and specs on our pre-approved plans page.

why pre-approved plans matter

before diving into the reviews, here's why these plans are worth considering:

• faster permits — pre-approved designs can save 4–8 weeks on DOB review because the structural and architectural elements have already been vetted
• lower design costs — you'll still need site-specific engineering, but the base design work is done, saving $5,000–$15,000 in architectural fees
• proven buildability — these aren't theoretical designs. they've been reviewed for code compliance, structural integrity, and constructability
• contractor familiarity — as more of these get built, contractors become familiar with the construction methods, reducing errors and delays

that said, pre-approved plans aren't a perfect fit for every lot. you'll still need site-specific modifications for foundation type, utility connections, setback compliance, and sometimes size adjustments.

the 10 pre-approved plans

1. Xanadu — by Xanadu Design

type: detached backyard cottage | size: 540–800 sq ft | bedrooms: 1–2

xanadu is the flagship plan and the one that gets the most attention. it's a clean, modern design with a pitched roof, generous windows, and a flexible floor plan that works as either a 1-bed or 2-bed configuration. the design emphasizes natural light and cross-ventilation, which keeps energy costs down.

best for: homeowners with standard suburban lots (3,000+ sq ft) who want a standalone cottage with curb appeal. this is the most "house-like" of the pre-approved designs.

estimated build cost: $180K–$250K depending on finishes and site conditions.

2. SMART LOFT — by Smart Building Systems

type: detached backyard / above-garage | size: 400–650 sq ft | bedrooms: studio–1

smart loft is a modular design that can be built as a standalone unit or placed above an existing garage. the modular approach means portions can be prefabricated off-site and assembled quickly, potentially reducing construction time by 2–4 weeks.

best for: homeowners who want to minimize on-site construction disruption. the above-garage configuration is particularly smart for lots where ground-level space is limited.

estimated build cost: $150K–$220K. the modular construction can bring costs toward the lower end.

3. Still Point — by Still Point Design

type: detached backyard cottage | size: 450–700 sq ft | bedrooms: 1

still point is the sustainability champion of the group. it's designed with passive house principles — super-insulated walls, high-performance windows, heat recovery ventilation, and minimal thermal bridging. energy costs for tenants could be 50–70% lower than a conventional build.

best for: homeowners who value sustainability, want to attract eco-conscious tenants, or plan to use the ADU themselves and want minimal utility bills. the higher upfront cost is offset by long-term energy savings.

estimated build cost: $200K–$270K. the premium is 10–15% above conventional construction for the passive house features.

4. SITU — by SITU Studio

type: detached backyard cottage | size: 500–750 sq ft | bedrooms: 1–2

SITU brings serious architectural pedigree — the firm is known for innovative structural design. this plan features an open floor plan with a distinctive roof form that creates high ceilings and a sense of spaciousness beyond its square footage. the design is highly adaptable to different lot orientations.

best for: homeowners on irregular or challenging lots where the flexible footprint is an advantage. also great if you want an ADU that makes an architectural statement.

estimated build cost: $190K–$260K.

5. CDA Studio — by CDA Architects

type: detached studio | size: 350–450 sq ft | bedrooms: studio

CDA studio is the compact option — a well-designed studio apartment in a small footprint. every square foot is optimized: built-in storage, a galley kitchen that punches above its weight, and a bathroom that feels bigger than it is through smart layout.

best for: small lots where space is tight, or homeowners who want to maximize their remaining yard space. at 350–450 sq ft, this fits on lots where larger plans can't. also the most affordable to build.

estimated build cost: $120K–$175K. the best value proposition on a per-unit basis.

6. Maisel House — by Maisel Design

type: detached backyard cottage | size: 600–800 sq ft | bedrooms: 1–2

maisel house is designed for accessibility and multigenerational living. it features zero-step entries, wider doorways (36"), an accessible bathroom with blocking for future grab bars, and a layout that works for aging-in-place. the design doesn't look "institutional" — it's warm and residential.

best for: families building an ADU for aging parents or relatives with mobility needs. also appeals to tenants who value accessibility. the ADA-friendly features add minimal cost but dramatically expand your potential tenant/user pool.

estimated build cost: $190K–$260K. the accessibility features add about 3–5% to conventional construction costs.

7. Studio ADU NYC — by Studio ADU

type: detached backyard cottage | size: 400–600 sq ft | bedrooms: studio–1

studio ADU NYC is designed as the "everyman" option — straightforward construction, standard materials, efficient layout. it's not trying to win design awards; it's trying to be buildable, affordable, and rentable. the rectangular footprint simplifies foundation and framing work.

best for: homeowners who want the simplest, most predictable build process. the no-frills approach minimizes construction surprises and keeps costs toward the lower end.

estimated build cost: $140K–$200K. strong value for the usable space you get.

8. CDA One Bed — by CDA Architects

type: detached 1-bedroom | size: 500–650 sq ft | bedrooms: 1

the larger sibling to CDA Studio, this plan adds a dedicated bedroom with a door — a meaningful upgrade for rental income since one-bedroom units command $200–$400/mo more than studios. the same efficient design philosophy applies: smart storage, optimized kitchen, good natural light.

best for: homeowners who want the CDA efficiency but need the rental premium that comes with a proper one-bedroom. a sweet spot between the compact studio and larger two-bedroom plans.

estimated build cost: $160K–$220K.

9. Grand ADU — by Grand Design Studio

type: detached backyard cottage | size: 650–800 sq ft | bedrooms: 2

grand ADU is the largest of the pre-approved plans, designed to maximize the 800 sq ft ADU cap. it features two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a living area that can comfortably accommodate a small family. the design includes outdoor space integration — a covered porch or patio area.

best for: homeowners with larger lots (4,000+ sq ft) who want to maximize rental income with a two-bedroom unit. two-bedroom ADUs rent for $2,000–$2,800/mo in most NYC neighborhoods — the highest income potential of any plan.

estimated build cost: $210K–$280K. higher absolute cost, but the rental premium justifies the investment.

10. Far Nordic — by Far Nordic Design

type: detached backyard cottage | size: 450–650 sq ft | bedrooms: 1

far nordic brings scandinavian design sensibility to the NYC ADU market — clean lines, natural materials (wood cladding, stone accents), large windows, and a focus on hygge (that sense of cozy well-being). the design is the most sustainable option alongside Still Point, with emphasis on natural materials, thermal performance, and low-VOC interiors.

best for: homeowners who value design aesthetics and sustainability. the scandinavian style has broad appeal to tenants and adds visual value to the property. the natural materials age beautifully, reducing long-term maintenance.

estimated build cost: $185K–$250K. the natural materials are a slight premium but the design efficiency keeps overall costs reasonable.

comparison summary

plan	size (sq ft)	beds	est. cost	best for
CDA Studio	350–450	studio	$120K–$175K	small lots, budget builds
Studio ADU NYC	400–600	studio–1	$140K–$200K	simplest build process
SMART LOFT	400–650	studio–1	$150K–$220K	above-garage, modular
CDA One Bed	500–650	1	$160K–$220K	1BR rental premium
Xanadu	540–800	1–2	$180K–$250K	general purpose, curb appeal
Far Nordic	450–650	1	$185K–$250K	design + sustainability
SITU	500–750	1–2	$190K–$260K	irregular lots, architecture
Maisel House	600–800	1–2	$190K–$260K	accessibility, aging parents
Still Point	450–700	1	$200K–$270K	passive house, energy savings
Grand ADU	650–800	2	$210K–$280K	max rental income, families

our picks

• best for small lots: CDA Studio — fits where others can't, and the cost efficiency is unbeatable
• best value: Studio ADU NYC — the most predictable, affordable build with solid rental potential
• best for families: Maisel House — accessibility features that serve aging parents today and broaden tenant appeal tomorrow
• most sustainable: Still Point — passive house performance means dramatically lower utility costs for decades
• best overall: Xanadu — the most versatile design that works on the widest range of lots and tenant profiles

explore all 10 plans with detailed specs and images on our pre-approved ADU plans page, and check your property eligibility to see which plans fit your lot.