ADUs Are By-Right in Massachusetts

Thanks to the Affordable Homes Act of 2024, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) up to 900 sq ft can now be built “by right” in single-family zoning districts across the state—eliminating the need for special permits in most cases.

At J.P. Hoffman Design Build, we guide you through every step so you can capitalize on this opportunity with minimal friction.

Common ADU Configurations

Accessory Dwelling Units can take on several forms depending on your property, zoning, and goals. Common configurations include:

  • Detached structures: Small standalone building in the backyard.
  • Above-garage apartments: Maximize vertical space without expanding the footprint.
  • Garage conversions: Transform an existing garage into livable space.
  • Basement or lower-level ADUs: Create a separate suite within the existing home.

Benefits of Building an Additional Dwelling Unit

Flexible living for every stage

Create independent space for older parents, adult children, or renters while staying in your neighborhood and home.

Smart income and equity

An ADU adds value and creates potential rental income, all while improving how your property works for you.

Future-proof your home

Whether thinking ahead for aging-in-place or multi-gen arrangements, an ADU gives you lasting options.

Simpler zoning

With the new law, most towns no longer require special variances, streamlining timelines and reducing uncertainty.

J.P. Hoffman’s ADU Process:
Your Design-Build, Streamlined

When you work with J.P. Hoffman Design Build, you get one team from idea to completion.

  • Consultation & Feasibility

    We evaluate your lot, local regulations and your goals, and give you realistic options.

  • Design & Scope Development

    We design the ADU, finalize scope, select finishes and coordinate with specialty trades—all within your budget.

  • Permitting & Planning

    We handle permit filings, logistics, and schedule so you’re ready for construction.

  • Construction & Delivery

    Built with precision and care, your ADU is completed on time and on budget with our craftsmanship standard.

  • Support & Warranty

    We stand behind our work with a clear warranty and ongoing guidance so your new unit continues to perform.

Why Choose J.P. Hoffman Design Build for Your Additional Dwelling Unit

J.P. Hoffman Design Build is a full-service design, build, remodeling, and general contracting firm serving communities south of Boston.

Family-owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jason and Megan Hoffman, we lead with integrity, craftsmanship, and care—values that guide every decision from first conversation to final walkthrough.

Many firms say they value trust. We designed our entire process around earning it.
Most builders send a salesperson.

JPH clients meet directly with Jason Hoffman: our CEO, master carpenter, and lead designer—combining architectural vision and construction expertise in the very first conversation.

From there, Jason not only invests our most experienced resources up front, but also begins assembling the ideal team of innovators, designers, and craftsmen.

Investing our most experienced resources at the start sets your project up for success from day one.

One team handles design, engineering, and construction from start to finish.
Realistic cost ranges are provided early—based on actual project data, not ballpark guesses.
Designs are both beautiful and buildable.
Other firms take on as many projects as they can. JPH limits large-scale additions to one at a time.

Hear What Our Clients Say

“We have been doing home improvement projects, small to large, for over 30 years… Jason is the finest all-around talent / house-smith that we’ve had work on our home.”
MARK • NORWELL, MA
“Jason possesses a rare combination of attributes that afford him the simultaneous perspective of an architect, an engineer, and a builder. The end result is a unique, well thought out, elegant extension of our home that truly reflects our highest aspirations.”
VITO • EASTON, MA
“I feel lucky to have found someone that is the epitome of what you hope for when hiring someone you’re counting on to make your vision a reality. I believe Jason is as good as they come and that over-delivering is in his DNA!”
JEFF • SHARON, MA
“We needed help with our 1920s Colonial… J.P. Hoffman was able to beautifully integrate the design and build of the room to meet our needs and keep the home in it’s original, but much improved state.”
NINA • EASTON, MA

Ready to Explore Your ADU Project?

Call us at (508) 472-6723 or complete the form to schedule a consultation.

We’ll talk about your goals, property, budget, and how we can build an ADU that works for your every-day life.

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