Massachusetts is facing a housing crisis, with limited availability and skyrocketing costs making it difficult for residents to find affordable living spaces. In an effort to address this, Governor Maura Healey recently signed the Affordable Homes Act into law, a $5.1 billion housing bond bill designed to increase housing stock across the Commonwealth.
One of the most impactful provisions in this bill is the authorization of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) "by right," removing much of the bureaucratic red tape previously involved in building these units. As architects, we see this as a game-changing opportunity to shape the future of housing in Massachusetts by leveraging ADUs to create innovative, flexible, and sustainable living solutions.
The Affordable Homes Act is designed to alleviate housing shortages and improve affordability for residents across Massachusetts.
What does “by right” mean?
“By right” means that towns and municipalities cannot deny a homeowner the ability to build an ADU on a single-family zoned lot, as long as all reasonable dimensional requirements are met. Unlike special permits, which are discretionary and can be denied even if all conditions are satisfied, ADUs will no longer require such permits or other similar discretionary approvals.
What Are ADUs?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary living spaces that can be attached to, or separate from, a primary residence. ADUs provide self-contained, independent living spaces with their own kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Utilities such as plumbing, water, sewer, and electricity are monitored on dedicated meters for the ADU. These accessory units serve a variety of needs—housing family members, providing rental income, or offering a space for caregivers or retirees.
The Architectural Challenges and Opportunities of ADU Design
ADUs present a unique architectural challenge: how to create a fully functional living space within a small footprint? But with the right design approach, ADUs can offer all the amenities of a larger home—kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and bedrooms—without feeling cramped or confined.
Space Optimization: Architects can make creative use of every square foot, incorporating multi-functional design elements like built-in storage, open-concept layouts, and flexible living areas. This is especially important in smaller homes or urban areas where space is at a premium.
Sustainability: ADUs inherently have a smaller environmental footprint, and architects can further this advantage by integrating energy-efficient systems, solar panels, and sustainable building materials. With Massachusetts leading the way in climate-conscious design, there is a growing opportunity to create environmentally friendly housing solutions that align with state goals for reducing emissions. For example, programs like Mass-Save offer significant rebates for lighting fixtures and other equipment that can make the cost of a project more attainable.
Age-In-Place Design: ADUs are a flexible option for aging in place. Architects can design these units to be fully accessible with features like step-free entrances, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms. This ensures that ADUs can serve residents at all stages of life, making them an excellent solution for multi-generational housing or for homeowners looking to age-in-place.
Design Considerations for Massachusetts' Climate: The unique climate of Massachusetts requires ADUs to be built with resilience at the forefront. Homeowners should choose weather-resistant materials that can endure the state's harsh winters and humid summers. Thoughtful design goes beyond aesthetics, promoting durability and comfort throughout the year.
ADUs as Part of the Solution to the Massachusetts Housing Crisis
The potential of ADUs to address the housing shortage in Massachusetts cannot be overstated. The Affordable Homes Act and related initiatives will support the production, preservation and rehabilitation of more than 65,000 homes statewide over the next five years.
ADUs are particularly well-suited for addressing the housing needs of:
Young Professionals: ADUs offer an affordable option for renters in need of smaller living spaces, making it easier for young professionals to remain in Massachusetts despite rising rental costs.
Seniors: For homeowners who wish to downsize without leaving their community, ADUs provide a perfect solution, allowing them to age in place while maintaining independence.
Families: ADUs offer a flexible living arrangement for extended families, allowing for privacy while still maintaining proximity. They are ideal for families with aging parents or adult children looking for independent living options.
ADUs: What do they look like?
When we talk about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), one of the most exciting aspects is the variety of ways they can be incorporated into your property. Whether you're looking to create a space for family members, generate rental income, or simply expand your living space, ADUs offer a flexible solution. Here are some of the most common types of ADUs you can build in Massachusetts:
Attic Conversion
If you have unused space in your attic, converting it into a livable ADU is an excellent option. Attics often provide a unique architectural layout, with sloped ceilings and cozy spaces that can be transformed into a small apartment or guest suite. By adding insulation, proper ventilation, and safety features like fire escapes, homeowners can create a functional, comfortable living area without expanding their home’s footprint. Attic conversions are popular because they typically require fewer structural changes than other types of ADUs.
Garage Conversion
Turning an unused garage into an ADU is another popular choice, especially in urban areas where space is limited. A garage conversion can easily become a self-contained studio or one-bedroom apartment, offering private entry and separate utilities. Homeowners can add value to their property by repurposing space that would otherwise be used for storage. Adding windows, proper insulation, and plumbing transforms a basic garage into a functional living area.
Addition to an Existing Structure
Building an addition onto your home specifically for an ADU gives you the freedom to design the space from scratch. Whether it's a ground-level expansion or a second-story addition, this type of ADU allows for more customization. Homeowners can work with architects to blend the new unit seamlessly with the existing structure, ensuring aesthetic continuity. In many cases, additions are designed with aging relatives in mind, offering easy access and privacy while keeping loved ones nearby.
Detached Structure
For those with larger properties, a detached ADU offers the most flexibility. This type of unit is essentially a small, standalone home built on the same lot as your primary residence. Detached ADUs can range from tiny houses to more spacious, multi-room dwellings. In Massachusetts, where zoning regulations are often more relaxed in suburban or rural areas, detached structures can be an ideal solution for homeowners looking for a completely separate living space. These units provide maximum privacy for tenants or family members and can be designed to complement the main home’s style.
Read more about the benefits of ADUs in Massachusetts in this blog post: Should I Build an ADU in Massachusetts? Benefits of Building an ADU
How VALERE Architects Can Help You with your ADU Project
At VALERE Architects, we bring a blend of creativity and expertise to designing ADUs that are both functional and beautiful. We work closely with homeowners to navigate every step of the process. Our Design + Build approach brings your project from the initial design and permitting to construction and final inspection. The process is a seamless collaboration between the homeowner, architect, and construction team.
Whether you're converting an existing space or building a new unit, reach out to us today to discuss how we can help bring your ADU vision to life.