ADU
As you begin exploring your property expansion options, you’ll likely see mention of accessory dwelling units in Massachusetts. A modern accessory dwelling unit installed on your existing property can often be more cost-effective than upsizing to a larger property.
If you’re ready to contact your local full-service ADU construction business, there’s still one decision left to make: detached or attached. While both options offer great value to property owners, you can base your decision on the information below.
What Are Detached and Attached ADUs?
Before deciding whether to proceed with a detached or attached ADU, it’s a good idea to know what they are!
An attached ADU is built as an addition to your home, meaning it shares walls and structure with your home. In contrast, a detached ADU is a standalone structure on the same property. You might refer to it as a backyard cottage or a small standalone home.
Comparing Detached and Attached ADUs
Comparing attached and detached accessory dwelling units in Massachusetts, it’s clear to see there are many differences between the two.
Cost and Construction
Cost is a major factor in any remodeling project, and a modern accessory dwelling unit is no exception. It’s important to understand the costs associated with an ADU because they may influence your decision to proceed with ADU construction or upgrade to a larger property.
An attached ADU tends to be less expensive than a detached one as it uses the existing utilities and structure of your current home, such as the walls, roof, and utility lines. Because many localities treat attached ADUs as home additions, permitting is often faster.
Detached ADUs tend to cost more than their attached counterparts because they are full construction projects that require a separate foundation and utilities. If your budget is limited, an attached ADU is the more cost-effective option, but a detached ADU can add the most value to a property.
Privacy and Use
Privacy and use are worthwhile considerations as your ADU goals can determine the most appropriate option. If you intend to use your ADU for multigenerational living, such as with aging parents, caregivers, or adult kids, an attached ADU can be ideal. It’s less private than a detached one because it has shared walls and is closer to the house.
Detached ADUs offer the most privacy, making them ideal as rentals or to ensure the occupants feel fully independent. Such ADUs tend to be more attractive to long-term tenants and can boost the resale of your overall home.
Lot Size and Design Flexibility
If you have a tight lot or a small yard, an attached ADU is undoubtedly the best way to make the most of your space. Your chosen ADU design and build contractor can design the ADU to blend in with your existing home. In contrast, a detached ADU requires a generous yard and space for a separate building.
Permits, Rules, and Regulations
Whether you’re building a house from the ground up or an ADU, you’ll always be required to abide by rules, regulations, and permits. However, you may find that they are more straightforward for accessory dwelling units in Massachusetts.
Under Massachusetts law, you can build attached, detached, and internal ADUs in single-family zones without discretionary zoning relief. Local rules still apply, such as lot coverage, utilities, and setbacks. There are also sometimes more permits and regulations required for detached ADUs.
Rest assured that whether you opt for an attached or detached ADU, a highly regarded ADU design-build company will handle all permits, rules, and regulations on your behalf.
Which Should I Choose: Detached ADU or Attached ADU?
Whether you choose an attached or detached modern accessory dwelling unit depends on your goals, preferences, and budget.
Choose an attached ADU if you:
- Want a budget-friendly option
- Have a small lot
- Want easy access to your ADU
Choose a detached ADU if you:
- Desire privacy
- Wish to use it as a rental property
- Have enough space for a detached ADU
- Are willing to spend more to add more value to your property
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
If you’re ready to learn more about accessory dwelling units in Massachusetts, talk to the expert team at Republic Building Contractors. We proudly provide a full-service ADU design and construction service, which means we manage the entire design and construction process under one roof!
Whether you have questions or are ready to proceed with your build, contact us today. We look forward to guiding you through this memorable ADU construction process.
