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Rick Janson and Prospect 30 Eight founder Chris Moore outside a Denver-area home

Episode One · Denver Homes

How to Build an ADU in Denver with Chris Moore

Rick Janson joins Prospect 30 Eight Construction owner and founder Chris Moore to explore accessory dwelling units, new construction and multigenerational living in Denver.

5:25

Full Living the Denver Lifestyle ADU segment

Since 2006

Prospect 30 Eight's stated Denver-area building history

Design + Build

ADUs, home additions and ground-up custom homes

Flexible living

Family, rental, guest and home-office possibilities

Company history and services were verified against the official Prospect 30 Eight profile. Property eligibility and permit requirements must be confirmed for each address.

Watch the segment

ADUs, additions and living closer to family

The 5-minute, 25-second segment tours a Denver-area addition and explains why an ADU or connected addition can create privacy, flexibility and everyday multigenerational time.

Direct answer

What is an ADU, and why build one in Denver?

An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is an additional residence associated with a primary home. Denver homeowners consider ADUs for multigenerational living, long-term rental income, guests, caregivers and flexible work space. The right approach may be detached, attached or created from eligible existing space, depending on the property, design goals and current zoning and building requirements.

What the episode demonstrates

Rick and Chris tour a project that transformed underused patio space and expanded a traditional suburban home into a connected two-bedroom, two-bath living area. Chris explains that the project is an addition rather than a detached ADU, showing why a builder must match the solution to the property and the family's actual needs.

Multigenerational living

The homeowner describes bringing her mother from Texas to Colorado instead of leaving a home the family loved. The connected layout provides privacy when needed while making ordinary moments, coffee breaks, meals and time between grandparent and grandchild part of daily life.

New construction and home additions

ADUs are one part of Prospect 30 Eight's work. The company's official service pages also describe ground-up custom-home construction and home additions, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, permitting coordination and construction management across the Denver metro area and Front Range.

Airbnb, Vrbo and short-term rentals

A Denver ADU is not automatically approved for Airbnb or Vrbo use. Denver's zoning code can allow a permitted ADU to operate as a short-term rental when the host maintains the primary dwelling as their primary residence and satisfies zoning, licensing and other requirements. Confirm the current rules before treating short-term-rental revenue as part of an ADU budget or financing plan.

Review Denver's official use limitations →

Episode details are based on the supplied video and transcript. Business details were checked against Prospect 30 Eight's official site, while regulatory statements link to the City and County of Denver. This page is general information, not zoning, legal, tax or investment advice.

Planning sequence

How to plan and build an ADU in Denver

Every site is different, but a responsible ADU project moves through the same core decisions.

  1. Step 1

    Confirm property feasibility

    Review the property's zoning, lot configuration, utilities, access, setbacks and any landmark or site-plan conditions before committing to an ADU design.

  2. Step 2

    Define the ADU's purpose

    Decide whether the accessory dwelling unit will support multigenerational living, long-term rental income, guests, a home office or another permitted use.

  3. Step 3

    Create the design and budget

    Choose an attached, detached or conversion approach, then align the plans, finishes, construction scope and contingency with the available budget.

  4. Step 4

    Complete permitting and plan review

    Submit the required zoning, building and related permit materials. Denver reviews construction projects for compliance with current zoning and building requirements.

  5. Step 5

    Build, inspect and close out

    Coordinate construction, required inspections, corrections and final approvals before occupying or renting the completed space.

Official resources

Continue your Denver ADU research

Prospect 30 Eight

Explore the Denver-area builder's ADU, addition and custom-home services.

Visit official source →

ADU Building Process

Review Prospect 30 Eight's approach to evaluation, design and construction.

Visit official source →

Custom Homes

Learn about new construction and full-service design-build management.

Visit official source →

Denver Permits

Check current city plan-review, permit and inspection information.

Visit official source →

For property-specific use limitations, consult the current Denver Zoning Code.

Questions answered

Denver ADU FAQ

What is an accessory dwelling unit or ADU?

An accessory dwelling unit is an additional residential unit associated with a primary home. Depending on the property and local rules, it may be attached to the house, built as a detached structure or created by converting eligible existing space. ADUs are also commonly called granny flats, in-law suites or backyard homes.

How do you build an ADU in Denver?

Start with property-specific feasibility: zoning, lot size and shape, building form, utilities, access and permitting requirements. Next, define the intended use, develop the design and budget, submit plans for review, complete construction and pass the required inspections. Because rules vary by property, confirm current requirements with Denver Community Planning and Development and qualified design and construction professionals.

What is the difference between an ADU and a home addition?

An ADU functions as an additional dwelling unit associated with the primary home, while a home addition expands the primary residence. In the segment, Chris Moore explains that the featured multigenerational project became a connected addition because the property's circumstances called for a different approach than a detached ADU.

Can a Denver ADU be listed on Airbnb or Vrbo?

Potentially, but not automatically. Denver's zoning code allows a permitted ADU to be used for a short-term rental only when the operation meets the city's primary-residence, zoning and licensing rules. Airbnb and Vrbo are booking platforms, not approvals. Verify current property eligibility and licensing before relying on short-term-rental income.

How can an ADU support multigenerational living?

An ADU or thoughtfully designed addition can provide a parent, adult child or caregiver with private living space while keeping family nearby. The featured Denver-area project connects a two-bedroom, two-bath living area to the original home and gives the family both shared space and privacy.

Who is Chris Moore of Prospect 30 Eight Construction?

Chris Moore is the founder of Prospect 30 Eight Construction and a third-generation builder. The company's official site says it has built custom homes, home additions and accessory dwelling units throughout the Denver metro area and Front Range since 2006.

Does Prospect 30 Eight handle new construction in Denver?

Yes. Prospect 30 Eight describes itself as a full-service design-build contractor for custom homes, ADUs and home additions, including ground-up new construction, pre-construction planning, budgeting, scheduling and construction management.

Continue watching Episode One

Explore more Living the Denver Lifestyle stories about local businesses, philanthropy, nutrition, Denver's car community and the people shaping life along the Front Range.

View Episode One

Editorial note: This page was created from the supplied Episode One transcript and Prospect 30 Eight footage, then fact-checked against official Prospect 30 Eight and City and County of Denver sources on August 20, 2026.