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February 25, 2026

REad

2 MIN

What Fits My Lot? - The Smartest First Step Before You Design an ADU

The Smartest First Step Before You Design an ADU Before you fall in love with an ADU design, there’s one critical question: Will it actually fit on your property? Not just legally. Not just theoretically. But physically — based on your lot’s true constraints. That’s exactly why we built What Fits My Lot.

This Isn’t a Simple Zoning Lookup

Most homeowners think feasibility means checking zoning.

It doesn’t.

“What Fits My Lot” analyzes:

  • Your actual parcel boundaries (GIS-based)
  • Your lot size and geometry
  • Required front, side, and rear setbacks
  • Lot coverage limitations
  • Buildable envelope calculations
  • Easements (when available)

Instead of saying “you might be able to build,” it shows:

The real buildable area inside your property lines.

That alone eliminates months of guesswork.

It Also Accounts for Slope & Grading

Here’s what most online tools ignore:

Topography.

A design might technically fit within setbacks — but if your yard slopes, that changes everything.

Our system integrates grading awareness to:

  • Identify steep slope conditions
  • Flag potential retaining wall scenarios
  • Surface terrain that could increase foundation costs
  • Anticipate grading complexity early

Why does that matter?

Because grading is one of the biggest hidden cost drivers in ADU projects. Catching it early protects your budget.

We Don’t Show You Every Model — Only What Actually Works

Instead of letting you browse 155+ models blindly, “What Fits”:

  • Filters models based on your parcel geometry
  • Accounts for footprint size
  • Checks setback compliance
  • Matches models to your buildable envelope

So you’re not falling in love with something that was never realistic. You only see the models that physically work on your property.

That changes everything.

Why This Prevents Costly Mistakes

Most ADU delays happen because:

  • The unit is too large for the lot
  • The placement triggers grading overages
  • Lot coverage limits were misunderstood
  • Setbacks weren’t calculated correctly

That leads to redesigns.
Redesigns lead to delays.
Delays lead to cost increases.

“What Fits” eliminates those early-stage missteps.

Better Design Decisions Start With Real Constraints

Once your buildable envelope is defined:

  • The footprint is grounded in reality
  • Foundation area becomes predictable
  • Utility routing is smarter
  • Cost estimates are tied to actual site conditions

Instead of guessing and adjusting later, you start from clarity.

Clarity Converts Hesitation Into Action

Homeowners hesitate when:

  • They don’t understand setbacks
  • They’re unsure about slope impacts
  • They don’t trust early cost numbers

When you can see your parcel, your buildable area, and the models that fit — visually — hesitation drops.

Clarity builds confidence.

Confidence moves projects forward.

This Isn’t Just Convenience — It’s Financial Protection

The biggest budget surprises in ADUs come from:

  • Underestimated grading
  • Misjudged site constraints
  • Design changes after real-world review
  • Incorrect assumptions about what fits

“What Fits My Lot” reduces those blind spots before you spend thousands on plans.

The 60-Second Rule

Before:

  • Hiring a designer
  • Calling contractors
  • Saving more Pinterest boards

Run What Fits.

Enter your address.

See your buildable area.

See the models that work.

See realistic cost ranges tied to your site.

Then design with confidence.

Start With What Actually Fits

Run your free feasibility check now.