South Shore ADUs

Trusted ADU Builder in South Shore, MA

At Woodland Builders, we excel at designing and building functional, stylish Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for homeowners throughout South Shore, Massachusetts. Our skilled team of designers, project managers, and carpenters ensures every project is handled with precision. From concept to completion, we deliver creative designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and attentive project management. Reach out to schedule a discovery call and explore your renovation possibilities.

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ADU Inspiration

See how Woodland Builders built these ADUs in South Shore, MA

 

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Key Considerations

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a fantastic way to maximize your property’s potential, offering versatile living spaces that can serve as a rental unit, guest suite, or home office. At Woodland Builders, we specialize in designing and building ADUs that seamlessly blend with your existing home while optimizing functionality. Whether you’re looking to add value to your property or create a space for extended family, our team works closely with you to ensure every detail aligns with your vision.

Purpose and Functionality:

An ADU is a secondary dwelling unit on the same property as the main residence. It is a fully independent living space with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. ADUs are designed for long-term occupancy, offering the flexibility to house family members, generate rental income, or provide a separate living space while remaining connected to the main property

Legal & Zoning Details

ADUs must adhere to local zoning laws, which may include size limits, parking requirements, and occupancy rules. They are permanent structures built within residential zoning parameters, and local building codes typically treat them as part of the existing property.

Amenities & Infrastructure

Fully equipped for independent living, an ADU typically includes all essential amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living space, and is connected to the primary home’s utilities or has its own connections.

South Shore, MA Bathroom Contractor

We specialize in transforming bathrooms into beautiful, luxurious spaces. Our commitment to overseeing the entire construction process distinguishes us from other South Shore, MA, bathroom remodeling contractors. We offer full support from start to finish, understanding that bathroom remodeling can feel overwhelming. We simplify the process by guiding you through decisions, helping with selections, and addressing concerns to minimize stress. With our seasoned team of bathroom design and build experts, we provide clear, valuable advice and options.

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We Serve South Shore, Massachusetts, and Beyond

Located in South Shore, Massachusetts, we proudly serve the following communities: Hingham, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Marshfield, Hanover, and beyond.

The Woodland Advantages

Full-Service Design-Build Firm

We manage everything from planning to design to construction, allowing for a unified approach where teams collaborate seamlessly. By emphasizing diligent upfront planning, thoughtful design, and innovative problem-solving, we provide an enjoyable home remodeling journey, resulting in a space that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle.

Milton Historic Estate Addition Exterior 2
Remodling your kitchen idea with plenty of space and beautiful lighting

Clear, Constant, Timely Communications

Access your personal project management portal for real-time updates on schedules, invoicing, and weekly progress summaries. With clear communication and a structured decision-making process, you’ll always stay informed and know exactly what steps are next.

A Dedicated Project Manager

Enjoy a seamless, well-managed, transparent experience with consistent communication, swift issue resolution, and precise logistics management. Our team handles everything from coordinating trade partners to managing materials and permits, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency throughout the project.

Delivery of Higher-End Quality Projects

Our experienced team and long-standing trade partners ensure high standards and enduring quality with the use of premium materials. We invest extra care and knowledge into meticulous preparation, recognizing that the best results stem from a well-prepared foundation.

Outside the Box Thinkers and Curators

Our style is versatile—it often blends contemporary, traditional, and transitional elements to create unique, personalized projects. We embrace creativity and innovation, exploring unconventional solutions to reflect our clients’ unique vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the size limitations of an ADU in South Shore, MA?

The rules governing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Massachusetts are partially state-wide, but they can also vary by town. The state has implemented general guidelines, such as limiting ADU size to 900 square feet or half of the gross floor area of the main residence, whichever is smaller. These state-wide standards are meant to streamline the ADU approval process and make it easier for homeowners to add ADUs without needing special permits in most cases.

However, individual towns have the authority to impose additional regulations. For example, municipalities can set more restrictive limits on the size of ADUs, apply parking requirements, enforce dimensional setbacks, or regulate short-term rentals  . While the state prohibits “unreasonable” restrictions, what counts as reasonable can differ across municipalities, making it important for homeowners to consult their local zoning board to understand specific rules in their area .

In short, while there are state-wide ADU regulations, local towns can tailor these rules based on their zoning preferences.

Do I need a separate utility connection for my ADU in MA?

In Massachusetts, whether or not you need a separate utility connection for your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) depends on your local municipality’s regulations and the specific setup of your property. Generally, ADUs can either be connected to the primary home’s utilities (like water, electricity, and gas) or have independent connections. Many ADUs are connected to the main house’s utility lines to keep costs down. However, some homeowners choose or are required by local regulations to install separate meters, especially if the ADU is being rented out and utility usage needs to be tracked independently  . It’s essential to check with your town’s building department for specific utility requirements, as some municipalities may have stricter guidelines for utility connections, including considerations for septic systems or electrical capacity.

Do I need to live on the property to have an ADU in MA?

No, you do not need to live on the property to have an ADU in Massachusetts. Recent changes in Massachusetts law, particularly under the Affordable Homes Act, have removed owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs in many cases. This means that homeowners are not required to live in either the primary residence or the ADU to build or rent out the unit.

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Why ADUs

Increased Property Value

Adding an ADU can significantly boost your property’s market value. The additional living space is attractive to potential buyers and adds versatility, making your home more desirable and valuable.

Rental Income Opportunities

An ADU provides an excellent opportunity to generate rental income. Whether you choose long-term tenants or short-term vacation rentals, this separate living space can become a consistent source of additional revenue.

Multi-Generational Living Solutions

ADUs offer a practical solution for multi-generational living, allowing family members to live nearby while maintaining independence. It’s perfect for aging parents, adult children, or extended family needing their own space.

Flexibility for Home Office or Guest Space

ADUs provide a flexible space for a home office or guest suite. This separate area ensures privacy and comfort, whether you’re hosting visitors or working from home without disrupting the main living areas.

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