An ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unit. A secondary home on a single-family residential lot. There are many different types of ADUs, including both separate structures located in a back or side yard (detached) and conversions of existing spaces such as basements, attics and garages (attached).

ADU Homes is a one stop shop that can guide you through the entire process from feasibility, product selection, design, permitting, financing and construction of your new ADU home.

Generally, No, legally an ADU is part of the same property and cannot be sold separately from the main home. The owner of the primary home and the ADU are the same. Local laws and regulations may differ by state or city.

A recent Boston ordinance provides for ADU’s throughout the city, with some restrictions. As for other states and cities, zoning and specific ADU requirements vary by municipality. So minimum lot size, maximum building square footage and other specifics vary significantly between cities. Zoning, regulations and fees vary by municipality but most city zoning codes allow for ADUs. In addition, most municipalities view ADUs as critical to providing affordable housing in rapidly growing neighborhoods and have modified local codes to allow for ADUs. Visit our “Get Started” tab and we will tell you what is allowable in your community / city.

Many different types of lots will accommodate an ADU. You will need an open area or existing structure that can be converted to an ADU. Our “Get Started” button can help you determine what type and size of ADU will fit on your lot.

Currently in the City of Boston, no. However, depending on the location of your lot relative to public transportation and your municipalities regulations a garage can often be converted to an ADU in other cities throughout the state of Mass and other New England towns.

Short answer, yes. There are some criteria that need to be met for your property to be eligible, and like most questions, this is also dependent upon your state and local laws.

ADU’s can be utilized in numerous ways and provide a home for a wide range of people such as: your mother/father, grown kids, friend, caregiver. A renter could also live in your ADU and provide you with additional income.

Yes, an ADU can provide much needed financial benefits and flexibility. You can continue living in the primary home and rent out the ADU for additional income or move into the new ADU and rent your primary home.

The time varies depending on the type of ADU being built and the size of the ADU. A garage conversion or build within the existing house will typically take about 2 months while new construction will take about 4 to 6 months depending on the size of the ADU.

A Junior ADU (JADU) is a smaller version of an ADU (limited to 500 sf) that can be built by itself, or in addition to an ADU on most properties that currently have a single family home.

ADUs are new construction, so they will not be under rent control. However, if you move into your ADU and rent out your home, your home may be subject to rent control. Please refer to your local laws and codes to read more on any rent control measures.

Thousands of new ADUs are being built in communities across the U.S. because they are a manageable and minimally-disruptive option for adding desperately needed housing to existing neighborhoods. Moreover, ADUs typically cost less than other forms of housing and make efficient use of existing land. The other factor driving ADU adoption is that they serve so many varying needs that mirror socioeconomic trends in the U.S. ADUs allow for people to age in place or form multigenerational households to ease caregiving responsibilities and cost. Homeowners, given the high cost to buy a house, are frequently turning to ADUs to provide additional income to make ends meet. Lastly, the appeal of downsizing and minimalist living seems to be growing and ADUs allow people to simplify their lives and still live in a neighborhood setting.

ADUs are self-contained living space with the look and feel of a house brought down to small scale. ADUs range in size and have a living space, a kitchen with full size appliances, a bathroom and a bedroom. High quality materials with full sized windows and doors are used during the construction of each unit.

ADUs access sanitary sewer and water service by connecting to the main sewer and water service to the primary residence. In most cases, a connection to the sewer is established outside the primary residence, and a connection to water service is accessed through the foundation into the basement of the primary residence. ADUs connect to existing electrical service through either the main panel or a separate panel on the outside of the houseand when an ADU appliance or utility needs natural gas a connection is also made.

Adding an new ADU will allow you or the new tennant to establish separate cable and, if desired, phone service to the ADU. If the ADU is rented out, these bills can be assumed by the tenant. In most cases, the homeowner will add another garbage receptacle to their monthly bill and bill the tenant for the additional cost. Existing recycling receptacles should be sufficient for the ADU’s recycling needs.

All permitted ADUs are assigned a separate mailing address usually by adding a B, 1/2, or "rear" indication to the new ADU residence.