Florida’s real estate market has fueled a huge demand for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and efficiency units. Whether you're creating a rentable suite for extra income, a guest room, or a space for extended family, converting part of your home into an efficiency unit can be a high-ROI upgrade.
At Ridgeback Builders, we help homeowners throughout Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Tampa, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie convert garages, spare rooms, and additions into functional, rentable units that meet code and add long-term value.
What Is an Efficiency Unit?
An efficiency unit is a small, self-contained living space that typically includes:
- A bedroom or sleeping area
- A small kitchenette
- A bathroom
- A private entry
Some are attached (converted garages or rooms), while others are detached (shed-to-suite conversions or additions).
Step 1: Define the Space You’ll Convert
- Garage conversions
- Florida room enclosures
- Split-layout additions with shared walls
- Backyard ADUs or tiny homes on slab
Ridgeback Builders assesses zoning and building codes to determine what’s possible in your municipality.
Step 2: Understand Florida Zoning Laws and Permits
Each city has different rules for ADUs and rental suites. You’ll need to consider:
- Zoning restrictions (some areas limit short-term rentals)
- Square footage minimums
- Parking space requirements
- Separate utility access (in some counties)
- Egress and ventilation codes
Ridgeback Builders handles the permitting process from start to finish, working with your city or county to ensure everything is up to code.
Step 3: Plan the Layout for Comfort and Functionality
We help you maximize space by including:
- Compact kitchenettes with mini-fridge and sink
- Efficient plumbing routes for the bathroom
- Soundproofing between the unit and the main home
- Smart storage solutions
- Private entry doors for independence
In a recent Tampa project, we converted a 1-car garage into a 350 sq. ft. efficiency unit with a full bath, kitchenette, and rear access door — perfect for Airbnb rental or long-term lease.
Step 4: Build for Durability and Long-Term ROI
We use Florida-grade materials and finishes designed to last, such as:
- Mold-resistant drywall and insulation
- Impact-rated windows
- Energy-efficient HVAC and lighting
- Water-resistant flooring
- Moisture-barrier protected plumbing
Efficiency units should be both low-maintenance and cost-effective to operate, especially for short-term renters.
Why Ridgeback Builders Is the Right Partner
- Expert in Florida zoning and ADU code
- Garage and room conversion specialists
- End-to-end service: design, permit, build
- Rental-ready finish standards
Ridgeback Builders handles all of this to ensure every project is compliant with Florida Building Code. We serve the following Florida counties:
- Lee County
- Collier County
- Charlotte County
- Hendry County
- Sarasota County
- Manatee County
- Hillsborough County
- Palm Beach County
- St. Lucie County