Homeowners across Charlotte are increasingly faced with the same question: should you build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or add onto your existing home? While both options increase usable square footage, they solve very different problems and follow very different approval paths in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

An ADU is a fully independent living unit, complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. A home addition, on the other hand, expands your primary residence and remains part of a single household. In Charlotte, that distinction matters. Zoning rules, permitting requirements, site constraints, and even financing opportunities vary significantly between the two options.

Choosing the wrong path can lead to unexpected delays, redesign costs, or permitting roadblocks. The right choice depends on your property, your long-term goals, and how Charlotte’s development regulations apply to your specific lot. Understanding these differences upfront is the key to avoiding costly mistakes and building an expansion that truly works for your home.