What is an ADU?

Accessory dwelling units are secondary housing units on a single-family residential lot. These multipurpose spaces are of many types:

Why Homeowners in Massachusetts Are Racing to Build A.D.U.s

Financial Perks That Pay You Back

• Adding Value — One of the most effective ways to increase your property's overall value is to add an ADU, which can contribute desirable square footage and living space.

• ADU Monthly Rental Income: $2,076-2,400 a month in rental income from an ADU is possible in communities where you might want to own a home, such as Shrewsbury and Southborough, potentially paying off your mortgage.

• Tax Incentives: Some Massachusetts municipalities give property tax exemptions on ADUs rented at affordable rates, especially in towns such as Salem.

Flex Living Solutions for a Modern Family

• Multi-Generational Living: Preserve privacy and independence for everyone while keeping aging parents close.
• Young Adult Housing: Help adult children with a low-cost housing alternative until they can buy their own home or pay off college debt.
• Home Office or Guest Space: Build an ideal work-from-home location or cozy quarters for guests.

Sustainability That Reduces Costs

• Energy Efficiency: The Innovation Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code (which takes effect July 2024) mandates that new ADUs meet exceptional energy-saving benchmarks, making them about 55% more efficient than homes built according to 2006 standards.

• Optimize Land Use: ADU development encourages sustainable growth and efficient land use by ensuring we use existing property effectively, minimize sprawl, and make better use of the land we have already developed.



• Lower Utility Bills: Because of the tiny footprint and advanced energy requirements, you'll find that your heating, cooling and even electricity needs take a major backseat.

The Transformative "By-Right" Approval Process

These critical measures have revolutionized ADU construction in Massachusetts through the Affordable Homes Act:

As-of-Right Approval

• ADUs are currently allowed as-of-right in every single-family residential zone
• No special approvals or town meeting need be gained — you just have to abide basic safety and zoning laws
• For example: A Shrewsbury homeowner can raze her garage and build a studio, without begging the zoning board

Reasonable Size Limits

• ADUs may be no larger than 900 sq ft or 50% of the floor area of your primary home (whichever is less)
• For instance, if your home is 2,000 sq ft, your ADU can max out at 900 sq ft (not 1,000)

No Local Prohibitions

• Towns can't outright ban ADUs or put unreasonable restrictions on them (e.g., requiring 2-acre lots)
• Reasonable development of ADUs must be permitted at the local level

How Buloke Construction Simplifies Process

Buloke Construction Group is a Massachusetts ADU specialist that holds the homeowner's hand throughout the entire process:

• Property Evaluation: We assess your property in terms of its ADU potential, informing you of what makes the most sense financially and practically.
• ADU Design: Our architects have experience in creating ADUs that are space efficient, and meet your local building codes.
• Permitting Expertise: We understand the new by-right approval process and attend to all of the necessary paperwork and regulatory compliance.
• Energy-Efficient Construction: We construct to the newest HERS score requirements (scored comfort for use of energy), giving you the most efficient and comfortable ADU possible.
• Full-service Project Management: We take care of everything from slog through the construction process.

Are You Ready to Unlock the Potential of Your Property?



Call Buloke Construction Group for your free consultation today! Allow us to help you convert a housing crisis in this state into your opportunity for profit.