ADUs by MFM | MFM BUILDERS

The ADU Design Process

MFM Builders is proud to be one of the South Shore’s leading ADU builders, offering a streamlined, homeowner‑friendly process from concept to completion. Our approach makes adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit simple, efficient, and fully tailored to your property and goals.

1. Initial Consultation & Site Review

We begin with a site visit and detailed conversation about your vision, property layout, and intended use- whether it’s for family, rental income, or added flexibility. Our team evaluates your lot, existing structures, and local requirements to confirm feasibility and outline next steps.

2. Choose From Ready‑to‑Use ADU Plans

MFM Builders offers a curated collection of pre‑designed ADU plans that meet Massachusetts’ new statewide standards. These plans save time and reduce design costs while providing high‑quality layouts that work on most residential lots.

3. Customize to Fit Your Needs

Every homeowner’s situation is unique, so our ready‑to‑use plans can be customized to match your style, space needs, and functional requirements.

4. Streamlined Permitting & Minimal‑Disruption Construction

We handle the entire permitting process from start to finish, leveraging Massachusetts’ new ADU‑friendly legislation to move your project forward quickly. Our construction approach is designed to keep you in your home with little to no out‑of‑house time, using efficient scheduling, and clear communication to minimize disruption and keep your project on budget.

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained residential space located on the same property as a primary home, offering independent living with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. ADUs can be created by converting existing interior space, adding onto the main structure, or building a detached unit such as a backyard cottage or garage apartment. They provide flexible housing options for extended family, rental income, aging in place, or simply making better use of existing property. Recent legislation in Massachusetts has made ADUs significantly easier to build by removing the requirement for separate zoning board relief, streamlining approvals and encouraging more homeowners to add these versatile, efficient living spaces to their properties

Size requirements

ADUs must be 900 square feet or smaller (or 50% or less of the existing house).
The ADU can be within the existing home, attached, or detached, but the maximum size remains 900 sq. ft. regardless of configuration.
Municipalities are required to allow one ADU by right in single‑family zoning districts, though they may apply reasonable design or dimensional standards that do not effectively prohibit ADUs.

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Functionality

A kitchen or kitchenette: ADUs must include their own food‑preparation area to qualify as an independent living space.
A bathroom: A separate bathroom with toilet, sink, and bathing facilities is required for the unit to function independently.
A sleeping area: This can be a bedroom or a combined living/sleeping space, as long as it meets building and safety codes for habitable rooms.
Independent living capability: The ADU must operate as a self‑contained residence on the same lot as the primary home, even if utilities are shared.

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Practical considerations

Heating & Cooling: Your ADU will need its own comfortable, reliable heating and air‑conditioning system—most homeowners choose efficient options like heat pumps or mini‑splits.
Plumbing & Wastewater: If your home is on septic, the system may need to be reviewed to ensure it can support the added living space.
Safety Requirements: ADUs must include proper smoke and carbon‑monoxide protection, safe exits, and meet general safety standards—similar to any other home.
Energy Efficiency: Like all new living spaces, ADUs must meet modern energy‑efficiency expectations, helping keep utility costs down.
Local Inspections: Even though ADUs are now allowed by right in Massachusetts, they still go through standard building inspections to ensure everything is safe and built correctly.