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Home Toolbox ROI Calculator
Financial Planning Tool

"Will It Make Money?"

See rental projections and ROI analysis before you break ground.
Know your returns upfront. Make decisions with confidence.

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The Big Question

Why ADU ROI Matters

An ADU isn't just a construction project — it's an investment. Like any investment, you need to know the numbers before you commit.

$150K-$350K Investment

The average ADU in MA/RI costs between $150,000 and $350,000. That's not money you gamble with — you need to know it'll pay off.

35% Property Value Boost

ADUs typically increase property values by 25-35%. But the actual return depends on YOUR property, YOUR market, and YOUR ADU design.

5-8 Year Payback

Most ADUs pay for themselves in 5-8 years through rental income. After that? Pure profit in your pocket every month.

Understanding the Math

What Factors Into Your ADU ROI?

ROI isn't just "rent minus mortgage." Smart investors look at the complete picture:

Construction Costs

Total build cost including permits, design, site work, and finishes

Financing Costs

Interest payments, loan fees, and opportunity cost of your capital

Rental Income

Monthly rent based on local market rates for comparable units

Property Appreciation

Increased home value from the ADU addition

Operating Expenses

Maintenance, insurance, property management, vacancy

The Smart Investor's View

Cash-on-Cash Return

Annual pre-tax cash flow divided by total cash invested. Target: 8-12%+

Cap Rate

Net operating income divided by property value. Measures pure investment return.

Break-Even Point

How many months until rental income covers your total investment.

Total ROI (10-Year)

Combined return from rental income + property appreciation over a decade.

Timing Your Investment

When Does an ADU Make Financial Sense?

Green Light Indicators

  • Strong rental market — Local rents support $1,500-$3,000+/month for ADU-sized units
  • Equity available — You can tap home equity or have cash reserves
  • Long-term hold — You plan to stay in your home 5+ years
  • Property appreciation area — Your neighborhood values are rising
  • Multi-use potential — Family housing, rental income, or future sale value

Proceed with Caution

  • Weak rental demand — Low rents that won't cover your costs
  • High-interest environment — Financing costs eating into returns
  • Short timeline — Planning to sell in under 3 years
  • Over-leveraged — Already stretched thin financially
  • Zoning restrictions — Limitations that reduce ADU value potential
Interactive Tool

ADU ROI Calculator

Enter your numbers below to see projected returns, break-even timeline, and long-term investment analysis.

Your Numbers

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$100K $500K
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$1,000 $4,000
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Typically 60-80% of construction cost

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Insurance, maintenance, vacancy reserve (~10-15% of rent)

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Cash-on-Cash Return
12.4%
Annual return on your cash invested
Break-Even
6.2 yrs
Until investment is recovered
Monthly Cash Flow
+$487
After all expenses & loan payment
Cap Rate
7.3%
Net operating income / cost

Monthly Breakdown

Rental Income +$2,200
Loan Payment -$1,413
Operating Expenses -$300
Net Cash Flow +$487

Strong Investment Potential

Your projected returns exceed typical investment benchmarks. This ADU could be a solid wealth-building move.

Like What You See?

Ready to Make It Real?

The ROI Calculator is just one tool in the ADU Financial Command suite. Get the complete picture with detailed financing options, budget planning, and more.