ADU Design & Build
Free quotes from independent local ADU designers and design-build contractors for attached and interior in-law apartments in Wakefield, Reading, Melrose, Stoneham and the North Shore, MA.
Learn more about design & build →Add an in-law apartment, now allowed by right in Massachusetts.
Since February 2025, most single-family lots in Massachusetts can add one accessory dwelling unit without a special permit. Tell us about your property and an independent local ADU designer or builder can give you a free quote.
Why North Shore homeowners are building ADUs now
The Affordable Homes Act, signed in August 2024, made one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot allowed by right in single-family zoning districts across Massachusetts, starting February 2, 2025. According to Mass.gov, towns can no longer require a special permit, owner occupancy, or a family relationship for a protected ADU.
People build them for aging parents, adult children, a caregiver, or rental income. An ADU can be inside the house, attached, or a separate small building, and it must have its own entrance and stay under the size cap.
"By right" does not mean "no rules." Towns may still apply site plan review, setbacks and height limits, and Title 5 septic requirements where there is no sewer (see MassDEP's ADU guidance). The state rules are in 760 CMR 71.00.
How it works
- Fill out the short form. Tell us your town and what is going on.
- A local pro contacts you. They talk through the job with you and set up a visit if needed.
- Get a quote and decide. Requesting a quote is free, and you are never obligated to hire.
Ways to add an ADU
Garage Conversion ADU
Convert an attached or detached garage into an in-law apartment.
Learn more about garage conversions →
Detached ADU (Backyard Cottage)
Build a detached backyard cottage ADU.
Learn more about detached adus →Why the 2025 ADU law matters
The rules changed statewide. Here is what that means for a North Shore lot.
Allowed by right
Since February 2, 2025, one ADU per lot is allowed by right in single-family zoning districts. Towns cannot require a special permit for a protected ADU.(Mass.gov: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs))
No owner-occupancy or family requirement
Towns cannot require the owner to live on the property or require that the ADU be occupied by family.(Mass.gov: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), 760 CMR 71.00: Protected use accessory dwelling units)
Size and entrance rules
A protected ADU can be no larger than half the main house's gross floor area or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller, and must have its own entrance.(760 CMR 71.00: Protected use accessory dwelling units)
Local rules still apply
Towns may still use site plan review, setbacks and dimensional rules, short-term rental limits, and Title 5 septic requirements.(Mass.gov: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), MassDEP: Guidance on Title 5 compliance for accessory dwelling units (PDF))
Where we can help
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
Choosing an ADU designer or builder
- Ask to see ADUs the designer or builder has completed, ideally in your town.
- In Massachusetts, structural work generally requires a licensed construction supervisor, and contractors working on an existing owner-occupied home of 1 to 4 units generally must be registered home improvement contractors. Ask for both numbers and check them on Mass.gov.
- Ask who handles zoning and building permits, site plan review if required, and utility connections.
- Get a written scope that separates design, permitting, site work, utilities and construction.
- Ask how they confirm the unit stays under the state size cap and meets egress rules before you pay for full drawings.
ADU questions
Is North Shore ADU Pros a builder?
No. We are a free service that connects homeowners with independent local professionals, who are responsible for their own work, pricing, licensing, permits, and insurance.
Does it cost anything?
No. Requesting a quote is free and you are never obligated to hire anyone. We may be paid by the professionals we connect you with.
What towns do you cover?
Wakefield, Reading, Melrose, Stoneham, Lynnfield, Saugus, Woburn, Malden, Lynn, Peabody, North Reading and Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Is this legal advice?
No. Zoning questions for a specific property should go to your town's building or planning department or an attorney.
How many ADUs have been approved in Massachusetts?
The state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities reported 2,084 ADUs approved and 2,824 applications statewide from 2025 through the first half of 2026.
How much parking can a town require?
No more than one space for a protected ADU, and none if the lot is within half a mile of a commuter rail, subway, ferry or bus station.