Metro Nashville allows one detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) per eligible lot. Generally, that means a lot in a zoning district that permits DADUs with conditions, inside the Urban Services District or a qualifying overlay or plan, with a single principal home. One unit must be owner-occupied, and a restrictive covenant must be recorded before the permit is issued. In historic and conservation overlays, the Metro Historic Zoning Commission reviews additions and new structures.
What home additions typically costs in Nashville
| Scope | Typical range (estimate) | What that usually covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic room (450 sq ft) | $107,000 – $171,000 | bedroom/family room, simple roofline |
| With bath or kitchenette (450 sq ft) | $149,500 – $214,000 | adds plumbing |
| Second story / high-end (450 sq ft) | $214,000 – $320,500 | structural work, premium finishes |
Planning estimates for typical projects, not quotes. Your bids will depend on size, condition, materials and permit requirements.
Licensing
Nearly every addition costs $25,000 or more, so it requires a Tennessee contractor's license.
Nashville project cost estimator
Planning estimate
$133,000 – $190,000
Rough planning range only — not a quote. Real bids depend on site conditions, permits, materials and the contractor.
Home Additions: common questions
Can I build a DADU on my lot?
It depends on your zoning district, whether you're in the Urban Services District or a qualifying overlay, lot conditions and owner occupancy. Check Metro Codes' DADU page and your parcel's zoning before you design.
Where we match home additions projects
Nashville (Davidson County) · Franklin · Brentwood · Murfreesboro · Hendersonville & Gallatin · Mt. Juliet & Lebanon · Smyrna & La Vergne · Spring Hill