ADU Contractor Kure Beach NC | Swanson Construction
5.0 / 5.0
Based on Google reviewsSwanson Construction and Development serves as an ADU Contractor in Kure Beach NC, specializing in accessory dwelling unit design and construction for coastal properties. The company handles permitting, custom design, and full buildouts for guest suites, rental units, and in-law apartments. Their services include site evaluation, coastal building compliance, and complete project management from concept to completion
Looking to add an income-generating guest suite to your Kure Beach property? You're in the right place.
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Kure Beach isn't like building one anywhere else. The coastal flood zones, the hurricane-force winds, the saltwater air—they all demand a contractor who knows exactly what they're doing. One who understands that a structure here needs to stand up to nature's worst while meeting some of the strictest building codes in North Carolina.
Swanson Construction and Development, inc. has been building coastal structures that last. We know New Hanover County's ADU regulations inside and out. We know which foundation systems work in flood zones and which materials will hold up to the salt air. And we know how to design an ADU that doesn't just meet code—it maximizes your return on investment in one of North Carolina's most desirable beach towns.
Whether you're thinking about a vacation rental that pays for itself, a private space for visiting family, or long-term rental income, we'll walk you through the entire process. From permits to foundation to final inspection, you'll have a team that's built these exact structures in Kure Beach before.
Call 910-443-4113 to discuss your Kure Beach ADU project.
Why Kure Beach Homeowners Choose Swanson for ADU Construction
Here's what sets our work apart in Kure Beach.
Most contractors can build a nice structure. But building one that survives decades of coastal weather? That's specialized knowledge. We've worked with Kure Beach's unique conditions—the VE and AE flood zones, the Base Flood Elevation requirements, the Coastal Area Management Act regulations—and we know how to navigate them efficiently.
Your property sits in one of the most valuable real estate markets on the North Carolina coast. The median home value in Kure Beach exceeds $630,000, and vacation rentals here command premium rates year-round. An ADU isn't just a building project—it's a financial decision that should be executed by someone who understands the local market.
We handle the entire process. Not just the construction, but the permitting through New Hanover County, the FEMA compliance documentation, the coordination with CFPUA for utilities. You're not juggling multiple contractors and hoping everyone shows up. You've got one experienced team managing every detail.
And look, we're not going to pretend coastal construction is cheap or fast. It's neither. But what you will get is a structure built to last, properly elevated, correctly engineered for flood zones, and designed to generate income from day one.
Our ADU Process in Kure Beach
Here's how we move from concept to completed ADU.
Initial Consultation & Site Evaluation
We start by visiting your property. Not all lots in Kure Beach are identical—flood zones vary, setback requirements differ, and your goals matter. We'll assess your lot's specific flood zone designation, review any HOA restrictions if applicable, and discuss what you're hoping to achieve with the ADU. This conversation shapes everything that follows.
Design & Coastal Engineering
This isn't the stage to cut corners. We work with engineers who specialize in coastal construction to design an ADU that meets all FEMA requirements for your specific flood zone. That means proper elevation calculations, breakaway wall specifications if needed, and material selections that resist saltwater corrosion. We'll present you with design options that balance your vision with the realities of building on a barrier island.
Permitting Through New Hanover County
The permitting process in Kure Beach involves multiple layers—town approval, county building permits, CAMA compliance, and sometimes additional environmental reviews. We handle all of it. We know which documents the Building Safety Department requires, we understand the Community Rating System implications, and we've navigated these approvals many times before.
Foundation & Structural Work
In most of Kure Beach, your ADU will need an elevated foundation system—typically pier and beam or pilings. We follow FEMA's Coastal Construction Manual requirements for your specific location. The area below the Base Flood Elevation can only be used for parking, access, or storage—never finished living space. We build it right the first time so your flood insurance rates reflect the proper construction.
Construction & Coastal-Grade Materials
We use materials rated for coastal environments. That means corrosion-resistant fasteners, moisture-resistant sheathing, impact-rated windows for hurricane protection, and exterior finishes that won't deteriorate in salt air. Every trade we bring onto your property knows they're building to a higher standard than typical inland construction.
Final Inspections & Certificate of Occupancy
We coordinate all required inspections—building, electrical, plumbing, FEMA compliance. Once everything passes, we obtain your Certificate of Occupancy so your ADU is legal to rent or occupy immediately.
Call 910-443-4113 to start your Kure Beach ADU project.
What Makes Kure Beach ADU Projects Unique
If you've researched ADU construction at all, you've probably found plenty of information about building them in cities like Raleigh or Charlotte. Here's why building in Kure Beach is different.
Coastal Flood Zones Change Everything
Most of Kure Beach sits in special flood hazard areas—either VE zones (high-velocity wave action) or AE zones (storm surge flooding). This isn't a minor detail. It determines your foundation type, your lowest floor elevation, and even which spaces can be enclosed. An ADU that works beautifully in Durham could be completely non-compliant here. We design for your specific flood zone from the very beginning.
Hurricane-Force Wind Loads
Your ADU needs to withstand sustained winds of 140+ mph. That affects everything from roof attachment to window specifications to the fasteners holding your siding in place. The Building Safety Department here doesn't approve structures built to minimum code—they approve structures built to survive the next major hurricane.
Saltwater Corrosion
The salt air in Kure Beach is wonderful for your lungs and terrible for standard building materials. We specify marine-grade materials where it matters—hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, pressure-treated lumber rated for coastal applications, and exterior finishes that won't pit or corrode after a few seasons of exposure.
The Vacation Rental Market
With vacation rentals generating $280+ per night for a standard 3-bedroom unit in Kure Beach, many ADU owners specifically design for short-term rental income. That means thinking about parking, outdoor showers, private entrances, and amenities that command premium rates. We can incorporate these features into the design from the start.
CAMA Compliance
Kure Beach has followed the Coastal Area Management Act since 1977. Depending on your property's proximity to the ocean or wetlands, you may need additional environmental reviews. We know when CAMA permits are required and how to obtain them without delaying your project.
Property Values Justify Premium Construction
With median home values exceeding $630,000 in Kure Beach, homeowners here expect—and can afford—quality construction. An ADU built with coastal-grade materials and proper engineering isn't just smart; it's what the market demands. When you eventually sell, buyers will pay for documented quality and proper flood zone compliance.
Kure Beach Neighborhoods We Serve
We build ADUs throughout Kure Beach and the surrounding Pleasure Island area.
You'll find us working in the established neighborhoods around Ocean Dunes Resort, the family-friendly streets of Kure Dunes, and along the oceanfront and soundside properties throughout town. We also serve nearby Fort Fisher and Carolina Beach, giving us extensive experience with the full range of lot types and flood zones on Pleasure Island.
Every neighborhood in Kure Beach has its own character—some dominated by seasonal vacation rentals, others home to year-round residents, and many a mix of both. We adapt our approach based on your specific location and how you plan to use your ADU.
Living in Masonboro or Myrtle Grove on the mainland but own property in Kure Beach? We work with non-resident property owners frequently and can coordinate the entire project remotely if needed.
Benefits of Choosing a Local ADU Contractor Who Knows Kure Beach
Generic contractors from inland cities miss critical details.
We Understand Flood Insurance Implications
How your ADU is constructed directly affects your flood insurance premiums. Build it wrong—enclose space below the BFE, fail to provide proper flood vents, neglect to document the elevation certificate—and you'll pay for it in insurance costs for decades. We document everything properly so your insurance reflects the actual risk, not the worst-case scenario.
We Know the Local Officials
The Building Safety Department staff in Kure Beach review plans every day. They know what flies and what doesn't. We've built relationships with these inspectors, we understand their expectations, and we submit plans that move through review efficiently. That saves you time and frustration.
We're Minutes Away When You Need Us
Based in the Wilmington area, we're 20 minutes from any Kure Beach property. If something needs attention during construction, we're there. If a question comes up after completion, you're not waiting days for a callback from a contractor three hours away. We're local, and we stay local.
We've Seen How Structures Perform Here
Coastal construction isn't theoretical for us. We've seen which designs and materials hold up after hurricanes, which foundations settle in sandy soils, and which details prevent long-term maintenance headaches. That experience directly informs how we build your ADU.
Call 910-443-4113 to work with a contractor who knows Kure Beach.
ADU Design Options for Kure Beach Properties
The right design depends on your lot and your goals.
Detached Guest House
The most common ADU configuration in Kure Beach—a separate structure in your backyard that functions as a complete living space. Typical sizes range from 600 to 1,200 square feet. With Kure Beach's high vacation rental rates, even a modest 1-bedroom ADU can generate significant income. We design these with their own entrance, utility connections, and often a ground-level parking area with living space elevated above.
Garage Apartment
If you have an existing garage or outbuilding on your property, converting it to an ADU can be more cost-effective than new construction. But here's the catch—the existing structure must meet current flood zone requirements. If your garage sits below the Base Flood Elevation, we may need to elevate it or substantially rebuild it. We'll evaluate what's feasible during our site visit.
Coastal Cottage Style
Purpose-built for Kure Beach's beach town aesthetic. Think board-and-batten siding, metal roofing, covered porches, and outdoor showers. These designs appeal to vacation renters and blend seamlessly with the neighborhood character. We can match your existing home's style or create something that stands on its own.
Two-Story Compact Design
On smaller lots, building up makes more sense than building out. A two-story ADU maximizes living space while minimizing the footprint. The elevated first floor sits above flood requirements, with an upper level that often captures ocean or sound views. Popular with investors who want to maximize rental income per square foot.
Schedule Your Kure Beach ADU Project Today
Let's talk about what's possible on your property.
We know you've got questions—about flood zones, about permits, about costs, about whether an ADU even makes sense for your specific situation. That's exactly what the initial consultation is for. We'll give you straightforward answers based on our experience building these structures in Kure Beach.
Your property sits in one of the most desirable coastal markets in North Carolina. An ADU built right becomes an asset that generates income, accommodates family, and increases your property's value. An ADU built wrong becomes an expensive problem.
We've built ADUs in Kure Beach's flood zones before. We know the codes, we know the contractors, and we know what works here.
Call 910-443-4113 or visit swansonconstructiondev.com to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Free ADU Consultation
Tell us about your ADU project and we'll provide a detailed estimate within 24 hours.
We'll contact you within 24 hours to schedule your free in-home consultation.
Ready to Build Your Kure Beach ADU?
Your property sits in one of the most desirable coastal markets in North Carolina. An ADU built right becomes an asset that generates income, accommodates family, and increases your property's value. An ADU built wrong becomes an expensive problem.
We've built ADUs in Kure Beach's flood zones before. We know the codes, we know the contractors, and we know what works here.
Complete Project Management
From design to permits to construction
33+ Years Experience
Specialized knowledge of coastal construction
Licensed & Insured
Complete protection on all work
Call 910-443-4113 or visit swansonconstructiondev.com to schedule your consultation.