Garage Apartment, and
Tiny House Plans (DADUs)

Dreaming of a backyard tiny house or garage apartment?

Discover everything you need to know about designing a detached living space. Explore your options today.

Modern Garage Apartment, Garage Footprint- 993 sf

Modern Garage Apartment,
Garage Footprint: 993 sf.

Your Plan Starts Here

These types of buildings may also be referred to as accessory structures, ADUs, DADUs, granny flats, garage apartments, or tiny houses. If you are interested in one of these building types, you are in the right place. In Nashville, TN, accessory structures are typically between 750 sq. ft. and 1,000 sq. ft., depending on your property size and zoning. However, the buildings can be smaller in square footage.

What To Know

Before we go any further, what is a DADU?

In Nashville, TN, a DADU, short for Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small, independent tiny house built on the same lot as a primary residence. The garage apartment or tiny house must have a permanent foundation. In other parts of the country, these structures are often called ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).

Homeowners often discover just how many design choices and decisions come with creating an accessory dwelling unit in their backyard or on a rural property. Starting this process can feel overwhelming due to the numerous moving parts involved. We guide you and provide construction drawing plans for your dream dwelling.

You might also be working to understand historic zoning overlays and zoning regulations while researching how to find, interview, and hire the right designer and contractor. Additionally, consider the stress involved in hiring the right contractor for your project.

It starts with your goals and vision, not the Residential Architect’s or Residential Designer’s vision for your project. It begins with hiring your personal advocate, who listens to your needs and goals and has the experience to bring them together.

It’s about designing a space that meets your needs now and in the future, and fits beautifully on your property. A dwelling that will last and not be a maintenance issue years later. All while avoiding the horror stories you have heard from your friends and neighbors. Whether you’re creating a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) for a family member, for long-term or short-term rental income, or future flexibility, you’re likely asking some questions.

Whether you need a pre-drawn stock plan or a fully custom design, we provide detailed construction drawings and guide you through every step of creating your garage, apartment, or tiny home.

Common Questions

Planning & Zoning

  • What types of accessory structures, such as a DADU or garage apartment, are allowed on my property?
  • What are the zoning restrictions or requirements for building in a historic overlay?

Site & Survey Requirements

  • Do I need a property survey before starting my project? If so, how do I obtain one?
  • Where on my lot can I legally place an accessory structure?
  • How do I evaluate the best location for my property?

Design Decisions

  • Should I build a tiny house or a garage apartment? Which option offers better value, functionality for my family, and support for my future goals?

Budget & Feasibility

  • Is my project financially feasible given my current budget?
  • Why do construction costs vary so widely for accessory structures?
  • What strategies can help reduce construction costs or avoid expensive mistakes?
Modern Garage Apartment, Garage Footprint: 993 sf.

Tiny House, 630 sf,
Cottage Housing Development

How to Get Started

We offer two personalized options to help you begin your DADU project: a brief introductory phone call or a comprehensive, paid virtual consulting meeting tailored to your specific needs and property.

  1. Fill out the Form
    We know it’s comprehensive; however, it allows us to send you the most helpful information specific to your project type.
  2. Book a Phone Call or Virtual Consulting Meeting.
    We offer two personalized options to help you begin your DADU project: a brief introductory phone call or a comprehensive, paid virtual consulting meeting tailored to your specific needs and property.
  3. Learn More and Start the Process
    To learn more about your options and take the next step, fill out the form below—we’ll guide you from there. Once submitted, you’ll receive an email with examples and info about DADUs, garage apartments, and tiny houses—along with how you can work with us.

After you submit the form, you’ll receive your informational email shortly. If it doesn’t show up in your inbox, please check your junk or trash folder; it may have been filtered there by mistake.

Interior of a Tiny House
(Beautiful interior design by homeowner)
Tiny House, 672 sf

Expert Tiny House Plan Design and Guidance Without the Guesswork

You might be surprised to learn that building a garage apartment or tiny house (DADU) in Nashville, TN, involves navigating a complex landscape. Numerous historic and zoning regulations determine what you can actually build in your backyard, and these vary from property to property. Historic overlay regulations about DADUs differ from one neighborhood to another. Vague conceptual drawings can quickly become a problem when receiving contractors’ bids and during construction.

But here’s the truth: designing and building a tiny house isn’t always simple. Anyone can draw a floor plan. While anyone can sketch a floor plan, it takes specialized knowledge to ensure the structure is both functional and properly insulated and heated/cooled for your specific project. That’s where Taylor Made Plans stands apart.

Even experienced residential architects and designers may overlook critical details, such as proper waterproofing, insulation techniques, and mechanical system requirements, that are unique to small-footprint dwellings. Likewise, it’s not safe to assume that a general contractor will be familiar with these technical nuances, which are essential to the long-term success of your dream project.

Out of the Nashville Area?
Here’s How We Can Help

If you’re located outside the Nashville area, Lynn Taylor can still provide a pre-drawn stock plan or a fully custom design for your garage apartment or tiny home.

While she may not be familiar with your local building codes, Lynn will give you a comprehensive list of criteria to guide your research and help you consult with local officials. Accessory structures with permanent foundations often share similar design, construction, and zoning requirements, so her expertise can still offer valuable direction as you move forward.

Garage Apartment Interior
(Beautiful interior design by homeowner)

A Residential Designer yOU CAN TRUST

Why Choose Lynn Taylor, Taylor Made Plans?

At Taylor Made Plans, we offer more than just architectural expertise; we provide you with clarity, confidence, and a design process that respects your vision. Lynn Taylor brings meticulous attention to detail, communicates transparently, and dedicates herself fully to homeowners.

Lynn guides you through every step with a clear, tailored design process. She delivers detailed construction drawings that reflect your dream, offers honest communication to keep you informed, and uses a straightforward approach to help you avoid costly mistakes.

We know this process can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to do things the right way and avoid problems. Our goal is to make it easier by giving you the tools and confidence to move forward while advocating for your best interests every step of the way.

Clients describe Lynn Taylor as a trusted advocate who listens, empowers, and delivers results that feel truly personal.

Check out ‘What Sets Lynn Taylor of Taylor Made Plans Apart?’