ADU Builder | Tolland County, CT | Accessory Dwelling Units

ADU Builder | Tolland County, CT | Accessory Dwelling Units

Lagace Construction is Tolland County’s go-to ADU builder — based right in Andover, CT, we’ve been building additions, in-law suites, and accessory dwelling units across the county for over 25 years. Whether you’re in Vernon or Willington, Coventry or Stafford, we know Tolland County zoning boards, building departments, and housing stock inside and out.

Tolland County spans from the dense, compact neighborhoods of Vernon and Rockville to the large wooded parcels of Somers, Willington, and Ashford. That range means ADU opportunities vary significantly by town — a Vernon homeowner might focus on a basement ADU conversion, while a Somers property with 3+ acres is a candidate for a standalone backyard cottage. We help you find the right fit for your property.

Why Tolland County Homeowners Are Building ADUs

Tolland County has a strong multigenerational housing culture and a growing need for affordable rental units. ADUs address both. Whether you want to house aging parents without putting them in a facility, generate $1,200–$2,000/month in rental income, or add long-term value to your property, an ADU is one of the highest-ROI projects a homeowner can undertake.

  • House aging parents or adult children in a private, connected suite
  • Generate legal rental income on your property
  • Add $80,000–$200,000+ to your home’s resale value
  • Create a home office, art studio, or caregiver suite

Tolland County Towns We Serve — ADU Pages

ADU Types We Build in Tolland County

  • Basement ADU Conversion — Convert an unfinished basement into a legal dwelling unit with egress, kitchen, bath, and bedroom. Common in Vernon, Tolland, and Ellington.
  • Attached In-Law Suite Addition — A ground-floor suite connected to the main house with private entrance, full bath, and kitchenette. Works on virtually any lot size.
  • Detached ADU / Backyard Cottage — A fully independent standalone structure. Ideal for the larger lots common in Somers, Willington, Hebron, and Columbia.
  • Garage Conversion ADU — Convert an attached or detached garage into a finished living unit. Often the lowest-cost ADU option.
  • Second-Story Addition ADU — Add living space above an existing garage or single-story wing.

Connecticut ADU Law — What Tolland County Homeowners Need to Know

Connecticut Public Act 21-29 (effective 2021) requires every municipality in the state — including all Tolland County towns — to allow at least one ADU on any residential lot with a single-family home. You don’t need a variance, a special exception, or Planning & Zoning approval. You need a building permit.

  • ADU can be up to 30% of the primary home’s square footage or 1,000 sq ft — whichever is smaller
  • Owner-occupancy required (you must live on the property)
  • Local setbacks and lot coverage limits still apply
  • Full building permit required — Lagace pulls all permits and manages all inspections

How Much Does an ADU Cost in Tolland County?

  • Basement ADU conversion: $60,000–$120,000
  • Attached addition ADU: $130,000–$220,000
  • Detached backyard ADU: $150,000–$280,000
  • Garage conversion: $50,000–$100,000

We provide a free on-site estimate with line-item pricing. Call (860) 933-2700 or request an estimate online.

Why Tolland County Homeowners Choose Lagace Construction

  • CT Licensed & Insured — NHC #NHC-0016939, Electrical #E1-00191661
  • Based in Andover — we’re your neighbor, not a distant contractor
  • 25+ years of residential construction across Tolland County
  • 4.9 stars on Google — 40+ verified reviews
  • We pull all permits, manage all inspections, coordinate all trades
  • In-house carpentry crew — not a general who subs everything out

Frequently Asked Questions — ADU in Tolland County

Do all Tolland County towns allow ADUs?

Yes. Under CT Public Act 21-29, every municipality in Connecticut — including all 12 Tolland County towns — must allow at least one ADU on single-family residential lots by right. You need a building permit, not a variance or zoning exception.

Can I rent out an ADU in Tolland County?

Yes, as a long-term rental — provided you live on the property as the primary owner-occupant. Short-term rental rules (Airbnb, VRBO) vary by town ordinance; check with your local zoning office before listing.

How long does the ADU permitting process take in Tolland County?

Building permit approval timelines vary by town, but typically range from 4–12 weeks. Lagace Construction prepares complete permit packages — including required engineering drawings — to minimize delays.

Does an ADU add value to my Tolland County home?

Yes — consistently. A permitted ADU typically adds $80,000–$200,000+ to Connecticut home values, and makes your property more attractive to multigenerational buyers and investors.

Start Your ADU Project in Tolland County

Call Scott directly at (860) 933-2700 or book a $175 ADU feasibility consultation. We’ll assess your property, walk through your options under current CT law, and give you a realistic plan. No pressure.

Lagace Construction LLC — Based in Andover, CT
CT Licensed & Insured | ADU Builder serving all of Tolland County
(860) 933-2700 | lagaceconstruction.com
Author of The ADU Playbook — available on Amazon