finite space. infinite potential.
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grow your hobbies
She-shed. Man cave. Garden center. Art studio. Whatever you can dream up, we can create a space tailored for it. Create your sanctuary away from the main house to grow your dream, grow your business, or just…be.
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grow your family
Accessory dwelling units, whether stand alone or above an existing garage, are perfect places for aging parents, kids returning from college, or family members and friends visiting from out of town. When they have their own space, your lifestyle isn’t compromised.
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grow your income
From short term, to mid-term, to long term rentals - ADUs can offer an additional low-to-no risk income stream with tax benefits (depreciation). It’s a win win. A no brainer. A slam dunk.
14 combined years of experience in tiny home builds, short and mid term rental design and management
Our background includes developing 40 untouched acres in Hocking Hills, designing, building and managing 10 tiny home Airbnb cabins, new modern townhome builds in Walnut Hills, and renovating and/or managing 11 furnished mid term rentals. We love advising clients on the rental landscape and the income potential of their properties - and ADUs, in our opinion, are one of the best value-ad income opportunities in real estate.
But ADUs aren’t just about income. They’re about creativity. One of the best things about these small spaces is that you can let your imagination run wild. We know how to create spaces that inspire: whether it’s insta-worthy aesthetics for Airbnbs, or cozy moody vibes for your personal escape, an ADU is the place to go ALL IN on what moves you.
adu services
We are a full stop shop for dreaming up, designing, and building your ADU. Our team of vetted contractors, lenders, and financial advisors make sure that your vision is executed on time, with high quality craftsmanship, and financed in a way that makes sense for YOU.
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We help you evaluate financing options, project budgets, and return potential before you build, ensuring your ADU makes sense financially from day one. From lender conversations to cost modeling, we bring clarity to the numbers behind your investment.
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Our team develops a thoughtful, site-specific ADU design that balances aesthetics, functionality, and long-term value. We translate your goals into clear drawings and specifications that streamline approvals and construction.
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We manage the permitting process and oversee construction from start to finish, coordinating trades, timelines, and inspections. Our hands-on approach ensures quality execution, cost control, and a smoother build experience.
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For income-producing ADUs, we advise on layout, finishes, and amenities that maximize rental performance. We help position your space for success as a short-term or mid-term rental, aligning design decisions with your target market and income goals.
What people ask about ADUs
What is an ADU?
An ADU — accessory dwelling unit — is a secondary living space built on the same property as your primary home. It can be a detached structure in the backyard, a garage conversion, or an above-garage apartment. ADUs can be used for rental income, housing family members, a home office, or a personal retreat.
How much does an ADU cost in Cincinnati?
ADU costs in Cincinnati vary based on size, site conditions, finishes, and whether utilities need to be run to the structure. A well-designed detached ADU typically ranges from $80,000–$200,000+. Roundhouse provides financing guidance and detailed cost modeling before you commit to a build so the numbers make sense from day one.
Are ADUs legal in Cincinnati?
Yes — ADUs are permitted in Cincinnati and many surrounding suburbs, though zoning rules vary by municipality. Some areas have restrictions on size, setbacks, or rental use. Roundhouse manages the permitting process and knows the local requirements across Cincinnati's east side suburbs including Anderson Township, Blue Ash, Madeira, Mason, and others.
Can I rent out my ADU on Airbnb or as a long-term rental?
Yes — and it's one of the best reasons to build one. ADUs can generate meaningful rental income as short-term (Airbnb), mid-term (furnished monthly), or long-term rentals. Roundhouse co-founder Shannon Wintheiser has designed, built, and managed 10 short-term rental cabins and Kate McMinn has managed 11 furnished mid-term rentals, so we advise on layout and finishes specifically to maximize your rental performance.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
From initial design through construction completion, most detached ADU builds take 6–12 months. The timeline includes design, permitting (which varies by municipality), and construction. Roundhouse manages the entire process — permitting, trades, timelines, and inspections — so you have one point of contact throughout.
Does an ADU add value to my home?
Yes — a well-designed ADU adds meaningful resale value, especially in Cincinnati's east side market where additional income-producing structures are increasingly attractive to buyers. Co-founder Kate McMinn is a licensed Cincinnati Realtor with 100+ transactions and can give you an honest assessment of the return potential for your specific property before you build.
What does Roundhouse's ADU service include?
Everything from concept through completion — financing guidance, site-specific design and drawings, permitting management, construction oversight, and rental strategy setup for income-producing ADUs. One team, one point of contact, start to finish.
What areas of Cincinnati do you build ADUs in?
We build ADUs throughout greater Cincinnati with a focus on the east side and surrounding suburbs: Anderson Township, Mt. Washington, Mt. Lookout, Oakley, Madeira, Loveland, Blue Ash, Mason, Wyoming, and Milford. Not sure if we serve your area? Reach out and we'll let you know.