Unlocking the Potential of ADUs for Your Property
Are you looking for a way to add more space, value, and functionality to your home? Many homeowners are, which is why Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming an increasingly popular solution. Whether you’re looking to accommodate family members, generate rental income, or create a flexible space for personal use, an ADU can be a game-changer.
What Are Accessory Dwelling Units?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as a single-family home. ADUs are designed to function as independent living spaces, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas, making them extremely desirable for homeowners. In fact, as of February 2, 2025, ADUs under 900 sq.ft. can be built statewide in single-family zoning districts. These units come in various forms, including:
- Conversion Options: Garages, attics, and basements can be converted into ADUs.
- New Construction: ADUs can be built as detached cottages or as additions with a separate entrance.
Key Benefits of Adding an ADU to Your Property
Multi-Generational Living
Multi-generational households have been on the rise in the United States over the past few years. Aging in place is becoming more common among seniors, while many young adults live at home for a while after college to save up for their own place. An ADU can offer them a private, comfortable space that still allows them to maintain privacy and independence.
They’re especially beneficial if your relative is elderly or disabled, as you can customize the ADU to suit their specific accessibility needs, such as wider doorways for wheelchair access or handrails in the bathroom. In fact, the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) helps people with disabilities or who are over 60 years old live independently at home by giving eligible borrowers a zero-interest deferred-payment loan to modify their home. This includes building Accessory Dwelling Units.
Rental Income
In Massachusetts, where housing demand remains high, building an ADU can also be great as a form of passive income. You can use it as a rental property, either renting it out long-term to trusted tenants or to the occasional short-term Airbnb guests. If you plan to do this, we suggest you build a detached cottage-style ADU for the sake of extra privacy for both yourself and your tenants. You’ll also want to design it to be as energy efficient as possible so high energy bills won’t cut into your profits.
Increased Property Value
As we said, multi-generational households are on the rise, so potential homebuyers are actively looking for houses with ADUs. That means if you’re looking to sell your home, you can boost your home’s value and ROI with one. When designing your ADU for home resale, implement a universal design layout for areas like the kitchen. This way it’ll have a wider appeal, as universal design is meant to be accessible to everyone regardless of age or ability. This means you’ll have a wider pool of potential buyers.
Flexible Use
ADUs don’t have to be used solely as living spaces. They’re extremely flexible and can be modified to instead serve purposes such as a home office, art studio and workshop, a clubhouse for your kids, or simply a personal retreat. Customize the space to suit your hobbies, whether it’s designing a music room with great acoustics in mind, or installing a bar and entertainment area that will impress your guests when they come over.
Designing and Building Your ADU with Sordan Construction
If you’re looking to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit, it’s important to partner with a construction company that can promise high-quality craftsmanship, efficiency, and clear communication. That’s why so many homeowners have called on Sordan Construction. We offer all-in-one interior design, construction, and remodeling services in the Greater Boston area. Whether we’re building an ADU or your dream home, we have an unwavering commitment to bringing your vision to life. Contact us today to get the process started.
