Which Makes More Sense for Central Florida Homeowners?

Building an ADU in Orlando or Orange County comes with unique challenges — from heavy summer rain to tight labor availability. Choosing between a modular ADU and a stick-built ADU can significantly affect your timeline, budget, and stress level.

Here’s a clear breakdown of which construction method makes the most sense in Central Florida.

How Orlando’s Climate Impacts ADU Construction

Central Florida’s weather is one of the biggest variables in construction.

Stick-built ADUs in Orlando

• Frequent rain delays during summer months

• Materials exposed to moisture during framing

• Inspections often pushed back due to weather disruptions

Modular ADUs

• Built indoors, unaffected by rain or heat

• Installed on-site in days, not months

• Reduced risk of moisture-related issues

Advantage: Modular ADUs

Labor Availability in Orange County

Orlando’s construction market is competitive, with labor stretched across:

• New housing

• Commercial development

• Theme park and hospitality projects

Stick-built risks

• Subcontractor scheduling delays

• Timeline creep

• Rising labor costs mid-project

Modular advantage

• Factory labor already secured

• Predictable schedules

• Fewer on-site trades needed

Permitting & Predictability

Permitting timelines in Orlando and unincorporated Orange County can vary widely based on zoning and utilities.

Modular ADUs offer an advantage because:

• Design is finalized early

• Fewer field changes trigger re-review

• Installation phase is short and controlled

Which Is Better for Orlando Homeowners?

For most Orlando-area homeowners, modular ADUs provide faster delivery, better cost control, and fewer weather-related delays. Stick-built ADUs may make sense for highly custom designs, but come with higher risk.