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.

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.

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