🏡 Cost to Build a Guest House in Sarasota: 2025 Pricing & Planning Guide

🏡 Cost to Build a Guest House in Sarasota: 2025 Pricing & Planning Guide

With rising home values and the growing need for flexible living space, more Sarasota homeowners are asking the question: “How much does it cost to build a guest house?” Whether you're planning a private suite for visiting family, an in-law apartment, or an income-producing rental unit, a custom guest house can dramatically increase both your property’s livability and its value.

At Homes By Strong, we specialize in home additions — including detached guest homes — across Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice. Here’s everything you need to know about guest house costs, codes, and options in 2025.

What Does It Cost to Build a Guest House in Sarasota?

Depending on size, finish level, and location on your property, here’s what Sarasota homeowners typically invest:

• Basic Detached Studio or Pool Cabana
  $90,000 – $130,000
  Includes: One large open room, bathroom, small wet bar, HVAC, basic finishes

• One-Bedroom Guest House
  $130,000 – $180,000
  Includes: Separate bedroom, full bathroom, living space, kitchenette, high-efficiency windows, durable coastal materials

• Full ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
  $180,000 – $250,000+
  Includes: Everything in a full apartment — private entry, full-size kitchen, washer/dryer, high-end finishes, hurricane-rated construction

The biggest cost variables? Lot layout, plumbing access, foundation type, and zoning requirements.

Popular Uses for Guest Houses in Sarasota

✅ In-Law Suites — Give aging parents independence while keeping them close
✅ Income Properties — Rent out legally approved ADUs for passive monthly income
✅ Work-from-Home Studios — Quiet space away from the main house for creative or remote work
✅ Teen or College-Age Quarters — Offer freedom and privacy while staying under one roof
✅ Poolside Cabanas — Entertain with style while maintaining privacy

Whether you're in The Oaks, Siesta Key, Southside Village, or Palmer Ranch, guest houses are becoming a top choice for multigenerational and investment-minded families.

What to Know About Sarasota Zoning + Guest Houses

Guest houses are regulated under Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. You’ll need to meet:

• Lot size and coverage limits

• Setback and height restrictions

• Detached structure allowances by neighborhood or HOA

• Flood zone elevation requirements (especially on the Keys)

• Parking and utility tie-in rules

Don’t worry — at Homes By Strong, we handle permitting, zoning review, and HOA submissions as part of our design-build process. We’ve navigated these rules in Gulf Gate Estates, Laurel Park, Bird Key, and beyond.

Why Build with Homes By Strong?

✅ Home Addition Experts — We build more than just space — we build smart, stylish extensions of your home that look and function flawlessly.

✅ Transparent Pricing — No hidden fees or vague “allowances.” Just accurate, up-front costs from day one.

✅ Design + Permit Included — We handle everything from concept to certificate of occupancy.

✅ Neighborhood Precision — We understand the unique rules and look of Sarasota’s most desirable communities.

✅ Built for Longevity — All materials, foundations, and finishes are selected to stand up to Florida’s humidity, wind, and coastal conditions.

📞 Want a guest house that adds freedom, function, and long-term value to your home? Call (941) 914-5949 or visit www.HomesByStrongSarasota.com to schedule your free guest house consultation today.