Accessory Dwelling Units

Massachusetts has passed a new law which allows any single family house to add an accessory dwelling unit. Here are 5 examples of ADU's built for our clients.

Attached - Second Floor: In-law apartment in Concord for grandparents connected to the main house with a shared mudroom and entry. The bathroom is accessible, and an elevator can be added in the future. 

Attached - Second Floor: In-law apartment in Medford for a grandmother on the second floor, with access to the daughter’s unit. Below the apartment is a family room for the primary unit.

Attached - First Floor: In-law apartment in Chelmsford for a great grandmother which has a bedroom, bathroom, living/eat in kitchen and tiny screen porch.  It shares a laundry area with the main house. 

Free Standing: Concord barn converted to a tiny in-law apartment in a back yard for a grandmother. (Credit: Nashawtuc Architects, Nancy Dickinson - Project Manager)

Separate Units in Multi-Family: An older couple who wanted to downsize, bought and remodeled a two family in Arlington with their daughter. Each has their own unit (and privacy.)

Generations Together

Over the years we have explored many different types of multi generational living with our clients. The following are creative ways to accommodate long term and casual guests of all ages.

Guest suites in Boxborough and Concord with private bathrooms for relatives that visit for long periods of time.

New house in Littleton for a retired couple has a playroom, bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette in the basement for the grandkids.

In-law suite in Concord with additional space in the bedroom for reading and watching TV with an accessible bathroom. Meals shared with the family. 

Office in Concord during the week. Guest room with bath on weekend.

TV/Playroom with fold out couch in Concord. Full bath with shower for guests.

Guest area above garage in Acton with full bath, bar sink and beverage fridge.

Dining Room Addition with Office Below

Two therapists needed an additional office to meet with clients remotely. They also wanted a large dining room and better flow for entertainment. We took out several walls and remodeled and opened-up the kitchen to the existing living room. We added new windows and a mini-split to convert an underutilized sunroom into a TV/family room next to the kitchen. The office, below the dining room, doubles as a guest room for grandparents. A calm Scandinavian feel is created with wood pendants, geometric white tile, soothing paint colors, simple niche and a picture window seat.

BEFORE

Dining room

Back

Kitchen

Office/Guestroom

Living room

Second Floor Addition at Raised Ranch

A family with young children in Concord was outgrowing their raised ranch. They decided to add a second story by raising the roof and adding a shed dormer to make space for three bedrooms, a bathroom and a new stair with open oak treads, metal stringers and cable rails. Glass landings and a triple skylight above the stair lets light filter down 3 levels. Cascading front windows hint at the new stair behind. 

BEFORE

Reimagine Colonial Spaces

This family with young children in Concord, wanted to convert their colonial to better fit their needs. We bumped out the kitchen and added an island to increase space for cooking and entertaining. A new deck and breakfast nook improves the flow to the outside. The old living room became a formal dining room. A much-needed mudroom and walk-in pantry were created. We added a front porch with closet space and guest pegs and bench for curb appeal. The old dining room became a first floor office, for working at home.

Porch Converted to Small Sunroom

A long time resident of an historic home in Wayland wanted a space where she could enjoy a beautiful western view. Rather than add on, we decided to convert an existing covered porch into a sunroom, by adding windows and sliding glass doors.  The design was approved by the Historic Commission. The existing brick patio remained as the floor as well as the wood bead board ceiling. Now the owner can relax and watch the sun set year round.

BEFORE

Total Remodel to Age in Place

Empty nesters in Acton wanted to remodel their ranch so they could age in place, increase energy efficiency and host large family gatherings. We converted a breezeway into a tiled mud/laundry room, with walk-in pantry, accessible from the garage. We removed existing walls, remodeled the kitchen and added a family room with a cathedral ceiling insulated with closed cell insulation. Both bathrooms were remodeled, and a missing shower was added to the primary bathroom. All the interior trim and doors were replaced, and the entire inside was freshened with a new coat of paint and refinished wood floors. Exterior low maintenance upgrades included a new asphalt roof, vinyl shingle siding, azek trim, a replacement fiberglass garage door and replacement Harvey vinyl Low E windows. New trex entry landings, a larger patio and front paver walks complete the exterior improvements. 

Kitchen dining

Cathedral family room

BEFORE

Open up kitchen to family room

First floor laundry

Mudroom bench

Family room addition

COVID Sunroom and Deck

We prepared a masterplan for a couple with twins to remodel a kitchen/dining/bathroom area and add a sunroom and deck with storage below.  The sunroom and deck, were started at the beginning of the Covid Pandemic. The twins, who were attending school remotely, learned a lot by watching the addition being built.  The gas fireplace was provided by Littleton Stove shop.  The green slate, in a Versailles Pattern, was installed over a Schluter-Ditra membrane.  The ceiling is MDF V groove paneling and the windows are Marvin Elevate.  The deck has a Trex Rain Escape Underdeck Drainage System, which keeps water out of the storage space below. The access doors and screening are made of low maintenance Azek boards.  The railing has round black aluminum balusters and a cocktail rail.   

BEFORE

Transforming a Modern Cape

A couple from China with one teenager, in Acton was unhappy with their modern cape. They decided on master planning to transform it into the home they desired. Phase one involved taking over an underutilized bedroom and adding a sunny, tiled room for crafting, sitting, doing homework and having tea. A mudroom with tile entry that allowed for expansion of an upstairs bedroom above, was added for practicality and to improve curb appeal. New faux brick at the chimney added style. A small master closet expanded into a new second floor dormer. The main family room was spruced up with a natural cedar tongue and groove ceiling, painted wainscoting and new skylights. Stay tuned for phase two, when the kitchen will be expanded and a new family room will be added out back.

Exterior Before

Mid Century Modern

A young family wanted to expand, open up and modernize their 1950’s ranch while staying true to the original mid-century style. A bedroom was added at the front of the house along with an entry porch and foyer. An existing bedroom was remodeled into a master bathroom with black and white tile and a soaking tub and a large walk in closet. The wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed and the opening between living and dining was enlarged. The kitchen was re-arranged to include a pantry, peninsula, bookshelves and a big window overlooking the back yard. White cabinets and white subway tile contrast nicely with wood floating shelves, an oak floor and bright accent colors.

Kitchen Before

Soaking Tub

Entry Porch

Exterior Before

Kitchen After

Floating Wood Shelves

Frosted Glass 3 Pane Door

Exterior After