The Rivas Haus Blog
Notes on small homes.
Practical, no-nonsense field notes on accessory dwelling units and residential design — what they cost, whether they pay, how they get built, and the thinking that makes a small home feel like a real one.
ADU Rules in Orlando & Orange County (2026): Permits, Zoning & Incentives
Where ADUs are allowed, how big they can be, who has to live on-site, and the new Orlando program that pays homeowners to build them — the local rules, in plain language.
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What Does an ADU Cost to Build in Orlando?
Central Florida has its own cost realities — impact fees, hurricane-rated construction, and local labor. Here's an honest breakdown of what an Orlando ADU costs and where the money goes.
ReadFrom First Sketch to Final Permit: The ADU Process
The fear of permitting and cost overruns stops more ADUs than money ever does. Here's the whole process laid out in order, so it feels like a path instead of a maze.
ReadInside an Orlando Backyard ADU: A Project Walkthrough
A look at how one Central Florida backyard ADU came together — from a tight lot and a long wishlist to a permit-ready set of drawings the owners could build from.
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Are ADUs Profitable? Running the Real Numbers
An ADU is one of the few home improvements that can pay you back every month. Here's how to think about rental income, payback period, and the value it adds to your property.
ReadWhat Does an ADU Actually Cost to Build?
The honest answer is "it depends" — but it depends on a knowable set of things. Here's a clear breakdown of where the money goes, so the number stops feeling like a mystery.
ReadWhat Is an ADU — and Why Smart Homeowners Are Building Them
Accessory dwelling units have quietly become one of the best moves a homeowner can make. Here's what an ADU actually is, the forms it takes, and why demand keeps climbing.
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