How does Kentucky compare with the national average for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?

Homeowners in Kentucky typically recoup about 41% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~41% nationally. Kentucky is part of the East South Central Census division, which has the 5th-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in Kentucky?

Recency and condition. In Roots' model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the East South Central division set the regional baseline.

Where do these numbers come from?

Roots calibrates the national baseline for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a East South Central-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model's own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

Is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) worth it in Kentucky?

Quick answer: It can be. In Kentucky, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) typically returns about 41% of its cost at resale, in line with the ~41% national average. You likely won't recoup the full cost, but Kentucky is one of the stronger markets for it.

How Kentucky compares

Kentucky is part of the East South Central U.S. Census division, which has the 5th-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 divisions in Roots' valuation model. In practice that means an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that returns ~41% of its cost nationally typically returns ~41% for a Kentucky home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (Kentucky plus AL, MS, TN). Nationwide, the spread for this project runs from ~34% in the West North Central division to ~48% in the Pacific division. See the national breakdown for every region.

The East South Central market

Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi combine affordable housing with a handful of fast-growing metros like Nashville and Huntsville, and renovation returns here track close to the national average. Outside the boom metros, buyers are value-driven and reward condition over luxury.

In the hottest metros added space sells readily, though in the region's many affordable markets it competes with simply buying larger.

How other projects return in Kentucky

Project	Typical return in Kentucky
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) (this page)	~41%
Wood deck addition	~82%
Bathroom remodel	~73%
Basement remodel	~70%
Window replacement	~66%

Return figures are typical resale-return estimates from Roots' home valuation model. Actual results vary by market, home, and workmanship, and shouldn't be relied on for lending, insurance, or tax decisions.

Sources: national baseline for this project calibrated against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda); regional adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report.

Protect the value you add

Whatever the project returns on paper, condition decides what you actually get: in Roots' model the value of completed work fades as it ages, and a documented maintenance record helps a home sell closer to asking. If you're planning around resale value, start with upkeep. The free maintenance checklist generator builds a seasonal schedule for Kentucky homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, Kentucky's East South Central region has the 5th-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) there typically recoups about 41% of its cost, within a nationwide range of ~34% to ~48%.” — Roots home valuation model (regionally adjusted resale-return estimates)

Free tool Keep your home in the condition that holds its value The homes that hold their value are the ones that stay well maintained. Build a free maintenance checklist tuned to your home. It takes about 30 seconds and there is no signup.

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Frequently asked questions

Is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) worth it in Kentucky?: It can be. In Kentucky, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) typically returns about 41% of its cost at resale, in line with the ~41% national average. You likely won’t recoup the full cost, but Kentucky is one of the stronger markets for it.
How does Kentucky compare with the national average for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?: Homeowners in Kentucky typically recoup about 41% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~41% nationally. Kentucky is part of the East South Central Census division, which has the 5th-highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in Kentucky?: Recency and condition. In Roots’ model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the East South Central division set the regional baseline.
Where do these numbers come from?: Roots calibrates the national baseline for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a East South Central-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model’s own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

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