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12 ADU Design Options for Boston Homeowners
- VALERE Architects
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming an increasingly popular way for Boston homeowners to maximize their property’s potential. Whether you’re looking to create a space for a family member to age in place, generate additional rental income, or simply make better use of underutilized space, an ADU can provide a flexible and practical solution.
Boston’s unique lot sizes—ranging from smaller urban plots to larger suburban-style lots—allow for a variety of ADU designs to suit different needs and property constraints. Below is an overview of 12 ADU design options that can help you decide the best fit for your home.
12 ADU Design Options
Smaller Lots
Split Your Unit: If you have a unit that’s larger than necessary, consider dividing it into two smaller spaces. A two- or three-bedroom unit can be split into a main unit and a studio or one-bedroom ADU. This setup can provide private housing for a family member, a rental opportunity, or accommodations for a live-in caregiver.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Convert Your Attic: Unfinished attics can be transformed into living spaces, allowing you to reconfigure your home. By adding dormers and stairs, the attic can become part of the main unit, while the ground floor is turned into an ADU with a shared entrance.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Add a Floor: If your building is below the maximum zoning height, adding a floor can create space for an ADU. This option works well when renovating an entire house, as plumbing, electrical, and structural changes are required.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Convert Your Basement: Homes with elevated foundations or sloped lots often have basements with high ceilings, making them ideal for ADU conversion. Adding egress windows and ensuring sufficient ceiling height are key considerations for meeting building codes.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Extend Your Rowhouse: If your rowhouse has a backyard, you can extend the structure to create a studio ADU while keeping the main home’s entrance intact. This approach is efficient, even for smaller parcels, and retains the character of the home.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department
Medium Lots
Adapt Your Garage: Unused garages, barns, or workshops can be converted into ADUs. This allows for a separate living space without major alterations to the main house. Structural assessments will determine which parts of the existing building can be retained.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Extend Towards the Backyard: If you have a sizable backyard, expanding your home to the rear can create space for an ADU. This option works well when combined with attic renovations, turning a single-family home into a multi-unit property.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Attach an ADU on the Side: Homes with at least 20 feet of side yard space can accommodate a side-attached ADU. These units have minimal impact on the main structure and can be designed for easy accessibility without stairs.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Attach an ADU on a Corner Lot: Corner lots provide easier access to an ADU from the sidewalk, making them ideal for independent living spaces. This setup is particularly beneficial for those planning to age in place, as accessibility features like wider doorways and no-step entries can be incorporated.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department
Larger Lots
Attach an ADU to Your Front Yard: If you have extra front yard space, an ADU can be seamlessly integrated into the main home’s façade. This allows for rental or family accommodations while preserving backyard space.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Build a Mid-Sized ADU in Your Backyard: A detached ADU, such as a "tiny house" or prefabricated unit, can be an efficient way to add extra living space. Fire safety requirements must be considered, including a 10-foot-wide emergency access path.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department Build a Full-Size ADU in Your Backyard: If you have ample backyard space, a standalone ADU can function as a fully independent residence. Modular construction is an option to streamline the building process and reduce costs. Proper planning for site work and utility connections is essential.
Image: City of Boston Planning Department
Choosing the Right ADU Design
Each of these ADU options offers a unique way to enhance your property’s functionality and value. Before moving forward, it’s important to consult with an architect to assess zoning regulations, structural feasibility, and design preferences.
At VALERE Architects, we specialize in guiding Boston homeowners through the ADU design and construction process, ensuring that each project aligns with the client’s needs and the city’s regulatory framework. Whether you’re expanding for family, rental income, or personal use, we can help turn your vision into reality.
Interested in adding an ADU to your Boston home?
Contact VALERE Architects today to start planning your project!