Unlocking Your Backyard Potential: Why a Feasibility Study is Key to Building Your Living Up Casita

In the heart of Arizona’s thriving real estate landscape, where space is at a premium and innovation is key, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—or casitas, as we fondly call them—have emerged as a game-changer for homeowners. Whether you’re looking to generate passive income through rentals, create a cozy space for extended family, or simply boost your property’s value, a Living Up Casita could be the perfect addition to your backyard. But before you dive in, there’s one crucial step that can make or break your project: requesting a feasibility study. In this post, we’ll explore why this initial assessment is essential, especially in light of Arizona’s 2025 updates, and how it sets the foundation for a seamless casita build.

What Exactly is a Feasibility Study for an ADU?

A feasibility study is essentially a comprehensive evaluation of your property to determine if building an Living Up Casita/ADU is viable. It goes beyond a simple “yes or no” answer, delving into specifics like zoning compliance, lot size, setback requirements, utility access, and potential construction challenges. For Arizona homeowners, this study often includes a site visit where experts assess your backyard’s layout, soil conditions, and any existing structures that might impact the build.

In practical terms, it’s a low-commitment way to get professional insights without jumping straight into design or permitting. Think of it as a roadmap that highlights opportunities and flags potential roadblocks early on. For instance, it might reveal if your lot qualifies for both an attached and detached casita under the new regulations, or if adjustments are needed to meet height and size limits.

The 2025 Arizona Landscape: How HB 2720 Makes Casitas More Accessible

Arizona’s housing market is booming, and with it comes exciting changes that make ADUs more feasible than ever. Enter House Bill 2720, which took full effect in 2025 and revolutionized ADU regulations across the state. This legislation mandates that cities with populations over 75,000—think Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa—must allow at least one attached and one detached ADU on single-family lots. Key updates include unified size regulations (up to 75% of the primary home’s size or 1,000 square feet, whichever is larger), matching height limits to the main house, and prohibitions on overly restrictive rules like mandatory off-street parking or owner-occupancy requirements.

These changes address longstanding barriers, making it easier for everyday homeowners to add value to their properties. However, not every backyard is automatically ready—local variations in zoning and HOA rules can still apply. That’s where a feasibility study shines: it ensures your project aligns with these new laws, potentially saving you thousands in revisions or denials down the line.

Why Bother with a Feasibility Study? The Insights That Matter

Skipping a feasibility study might seem like a time-saver, but it often leads to costly surprises. Here’s why it’s an investment worth making:

Risk Mitigation: Identify issues like inadequate lot coverage or utility constraints early. For example, if your property doesn’t meet the minimum lot size for a detached unit, the study can suggest alternatives like an attached casita.
Cost Estimation: Get a realistic budget overview. Building a 1,000-square-foot ADU in Arizona typically ranges from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on finishes and location. A study helps tailor this to your site, factoring in site preparation or custom designs.
Time Savings: With HB 2720 streamlining permits, a solid feasibility report can accelerate the process. Projects in Phoenix, for instance, can move from planning to construction in as little as eight months with proper preparation.
Value Addition: Beyond compliance, it uncovers ways to maximize ROI. A well-placed casita can increase your property value by 15-30% in just six months, while generating rental income in a market hungry for affordable housing options.

In essence, it’s about turning uncertainty into confidence, ensuring your Living Up Casita not only gets built but thrives as a functional, income-generating asset.

How to Request a Feasibility Study with Living Up Casitas

At Living Up Casitas, we make the process straightforward and homeowner-friendly. As a local Arizona team specializing in Phoenix-area builds, we offer a free feasibility study and site tour to qualifying homeowners—limited spots available, so act fast!

Here’s how to get started:

Fill Out Our Form: Visit our feasibility form on the website and provide basic details about your property, such as address, lot size, and your vision for the casita.
Schedule a Site Visit: Our experts will tour your backyard, assessing everything from zoning compliance to design possibilities.
Receive Your Report: You’ll get a detailed analysis, including recommendations, timelines, and financing options. We handle permitting and construction end-to-end, with flexible loans that could mean zero upfront costs for eligible projects.

Our focus on transparency and quality means we’re with you every step, leveraging HB 2720 to “put Living Up Casitas” responsibly.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Future Today

In 2025, with Arizona’s progressive ADU laws paving the way, there’s never been a better time to explore a Living Up Casita. But remember, the journey starts with knowledge—and a feasibility study provides just that. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about unlocking the full potential of your property in a smart, sustainable way.

Ready to transform your backyard? Contact us at Living Up Casitas today to schedule your free feasibility study. Let’s build your casita and your future together!