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Cost Segregation Services for Accessory Dwelling Units

ADUs are one of the most overlooked opportunities for accelerated tax depreciation. Whether you've built a backyard cottage, garage conversion, or detached guest suite, Seneca Cost Segregation's engineering-based studies reclassify your ADU's components to unlock front-loaded deductions turning 20–40% or more of your property costs into immediate, IRS-compliant tax savings.

Cost segregation study for an accessory dwelling unit with an engineer reviewing property components

Our Cost Segregation Services for ADUs

Comprehensive cost segregation solutions designed to maximize tax savings for accessory dwelling unit owners across all 50 states.

ADU Cost Segregation Study

A full engineering-based analysis of your accessory dwelling unit that reclassifies building components into 5-, 7-, or 15-year depreciation schedules, dramatically accelerating your deductions and boosting cash flow.

Lookback Study

Already own your ADU? Claim all missed depreciation from the past 15 years in a single tax year using IRS Form 3115 no amended returns required, with the same rigorous engineering analysis.

Virtual Property Tour

A convenient 30–45 minute video-call inspection of your ADU eliminates the need for costly on-site visits, delivering faster turnaround in 2–3 weeks while keeping study costs affordable.

IRS Audit Defense

Every ADU cost segregation study includes Seneca's AuditDefense guarantee comprehensive IRS audit support at no additional charge for as long as you own the property, backed by a potential study cost refund.

CPA Coordination & Support

Post-study implementation support ensures your CPA can seamlessly integrate ADU depreciation schedules into your tax returns, with Seneca's team available to answer technical questions throughout the process.

Rush Service

Need your ADU cost segregation study completed before a tax deadline? Expedited service delivers fully engineered reports in as little as one week to meet your most urgent timing requirements.

Cost segregation engineer conducting a virtual property tour of an accessory dwelling unit

Our 3-Step ADU Cost Segregation Process

Step 1: Free Consultation & Savings Estimate

We assess your ADU's eligibility, estimate your potential first-year tax savings, and walk you through expected ROI completely free. Most ADU owners are surprised to learn how much accelerated depreciation they qualify for, even on smaller structures.

Step 2: Virtual or On-Site Property Inspection

Step 3: Engineering Analysis & Report Delivery

Trusted by ADU Owners

Client Success Stories

See how ADU and real estate property owners have unlocked significant tax savings with Seneca Cost Segregation.

"We contacted Seneca for a Cost Seg Study and they went above and beyond. Their eagerness to help and province of info will blow you away."

Brayant Rivera

"I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with. I achieved a highly favorable tax situation and recommend Seneca to anyone looking to maximize their tax benefits."

Trent H

"Dylan and his team at Seneca Cost Segregation are extremely knowledgeable. When I explored their website, it was clear they knew their stuff. It offered a very professional approach to cost segregation, backed by years of experience."

Steven Schneider
Steven Schneider

"We contacted Dylan for a cost seg study and he went above and beyond Not only will their pricing be the best price you will find, his eagerness to help and province info will blow you away"

Jayce Parks
Jayce Parks

"The tax savings achieved with Seneca Cost Segregation made a major impact on my bottom line. I wasn't aware it was a possibility until they brought the opportunity to me. Their insight and expertise are invaluable."

Robert Riskin

"Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with."

Trent Hanson

"Seamless experience with great results. Highly recommend!"

Kim Giardino
Kim Giardino

"I've referred multiple clients to Seneca, and each time they uncovered significant tax savings. Their team is fast, professional, and easy to work with. They've become a trusted extension of our tax strategy."

Eliot Varnum
Eliot Varnum

"Extremely professional and efficient in their cost set analysis. Great communication and transparency. Will be using them going forward on all my properties."

Jacob Basch
Jacob Basch

"We contacted Seneca for a Cost Seg Study and they went above and beyond. Their eagerness to help and province of info will blow you away."

Brayant Rivera

"I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with. I achieved a highly favorable tax situation and recommend Seneca to anyone looking to maximize their tax benefits."

Trent H

"Dylan and his team at Seneca Cost Segregation are extremely knowledgeable. When I explored their website, it was clear they knew their stuff. It offered a very professional approach to cost segregation, backed by years of experience."

Steven Schneider
Steven Schneider

"We contacted Dylan for a cost seg study and he went above and beyond Not only will their pricing be the best price you will find, his eagerness to help and province info will blow you away"

Jayce Parks
Jayce Parks

"The tax savings achieved with Seneca Cost Segregation made a major impact on my bottom line. I wasn't aware it was a possibility until they brought the opportunity to me. Their insight and expertise are invaluable."

Robert Riskin

"Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with."

Trent Hanson

"Seamless experience with great results. Highly recommend!"

Kim Giardino
Kim Giardino

"I've referred multiple clients to Seneca, and each time they uncovered significant tax savings. Their team is fast, professional, and easy to work with. They've become a trusted extension of our tax strategy."

Eliot Varnum
Eliot Varnum

"Extremely professional and efficient in their cost set analysis. Great communication and transparency. Will be using them going forward on all my properties."

Jacob Basch
Jacob Basch

"We contacted Seneca for a Cost Seg Study and they went above and beyond. Their eagerness to help and province of info will blow you away."

Brayant Rivera

"I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with. I achieved a highly favorable tax situation and recommend Seneca to anyone looking to maximize their tax benefits."

Trent H

"Dylan and his team at Seneca Cost Segregation are extremely knowledgeable. When I explored their website, it was clear they knew their stuff. It offered a very professional approach to cost segregation, backed by years of experience."

Steven Schneider
Steven Schneider

"We contacted Dylan for a cost seg study and he went above and beyond Not only will their pricing be the best price you will find, his eagerness to help and province info will blow you away"

Jayce Parks
Jayce Parks

"The tax savings achieved with Seneca Cost Segregation made a major impact on my bottom line. I wasn't aware it was a possibility until they brought the opportunity to me. Their insight and expertise are invaluable."

Robert Riskin

"Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with."

Trent Hanson

"Seamless experience with great results. Highly recommend!"

Kim Giardino
Kim Giardino

"I've referred multiple clients to Seneca, and each time they uncovered significant tax savings. Their team is fast, professional, and easy to work with. They've become a trusted extension of our tax strategy."

Eliot Varnum
Eliot Varnum

"Extremely professional and efficient in their cost set analysis. Great communication and transparency. Will be using them going forward on all my properties."

Jacob Basch
Jacob Basch
Trusted by CPAs & Real Estate Experts

Partner with Seneca Cost Segregation

Over 10,200+ engineered cost segregation studies completed across the United States. Average first-year tax deduction: $171,243

10,200+

Studies Completed

$171K

Avg Tax Savings

125+

Partners

Become a Partner
The Seneca Difference

Why Choose Seneca Cost Segregation for Your ADU?

We combine engineering precision, real estate investor expertise, and a client-first approach to deliver ADU cost segregation studies that stand up to IRS scrutiny and maximize your returns.

Engineering-Based Accuracy

Every ADU study is built on rigorous engineering methodology and proprietary technology, ensuring IRS-compliant, audit-ready results.

Investor-Founded Expertise

Our founders are real estate investors themselves they understand ADU ownership challenges and structure studies to maximize your after-tax cash flow.

Nationwide ADU Coverage

With engineers deployed across all 50 states and virtual tours available anywhere, we serve ADU owners in every market, from dense urban areas to rural properties.

AuditDefense Guarantee

Every ADU study includes lifetime IRS audit defense at no extra cost backed by a money-back guarantee if the study has a material issue.

Meet the Seneca Team

Real estate investors and engineers committed to maximizing your ADU tax savings.

Dylan Scandalios, Co-Founder and CEO of Seneca Cost Segregation

Dylan Scandalios

Co-Founder and CEO

Dylan Scandalios is an active investor in multi-family properties in the Pacific Northwest and a recognized Cost Segregation Expert. Before founding Seneca Cost Segregation, Dylan closed millions of dollars in business for both public and private companies along the West Coast, developing deep expertise in real estate finance and tax strategy. As CEO, Dylan has helped thousands of real estate investors including office building owners save millions on their federal taxes through engineering-based cost segregation studies. His hands-on investment background means he approaches every client engagement with the perspective of an investor, not just a service provider. Under his leadership, Seneca has completed over 10,200 studies nationwide and achieved a 95% client referral rate.

Paul Spies, Co-Founder of Seneca Cost Segregation

Paul Spies

Co-Founder

Paul Spies is a Marine Corps Sergeant who brings over 8 years of hands-on expertise in real estate construction to Seneca Cost Segregation. As a Principal Broker and Licensed Contractor, Paul successfully flipped over 150 homes in just four years and led ground-up multi-family development projects across the country. Having leveraged cost segregation personally since 2018 to maximize returns on his own office and residential properties, Paul co-founded Seneca to make the same powerful tax strategy accessible to investors nationwide at an affordable price point and delivered on time. His construction background gives Seneca a unique engineering advantage when analyzing complex office building components and systems.

Howard Hirsch, Chairman of Seneca Cost Segregation

Howard Hirsch

Chairman

Howard Hirsch serves as Chairman of Seneca Cost Segregation, providing executive leadership and strategic oversight to the firm's continued national expansion. With deep experience in financial services and real estate advisory, Howard helps guide Seneca's direction as it scales its engineering-based cost segregation services to property owners across all 50 states, including California's dynamic real estate market. His leadership ensures the company maintains its commitment to technical excellence, client satisfaction, and IRS-compliant study delivery that protects clients through every phase of property ownership.

Harry Papp, President and Treasurer of Seneca Cost Segregation

Harry Papp

President/Treasurer

Harry Papp serves as President and Treasurer of Seneca Cost Segregation, overseeing the company's operational and financial integrity. His dual role ensures that client investments in cost segregation studies generate maximum ROI through rigorous financial management and disciplined operational processes. Harry's leadership directly supports Seneca's ability to deliver studies on time and within budget a standard that has helped the firm achieve a 95% client referral rate and an average first-year deduction of $171,243 for property owners across California and the rest of the nation.

Portrait of Merle Rosskam

Merle Rosskam

Merle Rosskam

Portrait of John Deo

John Deo

CEO

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do a cost segregation study on an ADU?

Yes, absolutely. Accessory dwelling units including detached cottages, garage conversions, basement apartments, and guest suites are eligible for cost segregation studies just like larger rental properties. Our engineering team identifies and reclassifies depreciable components of your ADU into 5-, 7-, or 15-year categories, accelerating deductions that would otherwise be spread over 27.5 years.

What is the minimum property value for an ADU cost segregation study to make sense?

How much can I save in the first year with an ADU cost segregation study?

How long does an ADU cost segregation study take?

Do I need to have an on-site visit for an ADU cost segregation study?

Can I do a cost segregation study on an ADU I purchased several years ago?

Is an ADU cost segregation study IRS-compliant and audit-safe?

What does the ADU cost segregation study deliverable include?

Still Have Questions About ADU Cost Segregation?

Talk to one of our cost segregation experts for a free consultation and personalized savings estimate.

Nationwide ADU Service Coverage

Seneca Cost Segregation serves ADU owners across all 50 states with virtual and on-site study options.

All 50 States

Service Area

10,200+

Studies Completed

95%

Client Referral Rate

Do We Service Your Area?

We serve ADU owners in all 50 states, virtually or on-site. Let's confirm coverage and get started.

Certified & Trusted

Awards and Recognition

ASCSP Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) certification badge

CCSP Designation

Certified Cost Segregation Professional designation from ASCSP

5.0 star client satisfaction rating badge for Seneca Cost Segregation

5.0 Star Rating

Perfect five-star rating from satisfied clients nationwide

Veteran-Owned Small Business certified badge

Veteran-Owned Business

Proudly veteran-owned, delivering disciplined and reliable service

Get Your Free ADU Cost Segregation Estimate Today

Tell us about your accessory dwelling unit and we'll provide a no-obligation savings estimate and ROI analysis typically within one business day. Our team is ready to help you keep more of what you've earned.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 530-797-6539. You can also send us a quick email at info@senecacostseg.com.