C.E. & Sons Construction LLC
ADU Construction on the South Shore
Accessory dwelling units for South Shore homeowners. Family owned, licensed, insured.
Short answer: An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a separate living space on the same lot as a single family home. It might be a converted basement or garage, an addition, or a small detached cottage. C.E. & Sons Construction takes on ADU projects as your general contractor, managing the licensed trades so you have one point of contact.
You work directly with the owners from the first visit to the final walkthrough, with clear communication every step of the way.
Types of ADUs
Basement Conversion
Turn basement space into a separate living unit.
Garage Conversion
Convert an attached or detached garage into living space.
Addition
Add a new unit attached to your existing home.
Detached ADU
A small separate home on your lot, such as a backyard cottage.
Massachusetts ADU Rules in Plain English
✓ One ADU is allowed by right on most single family lots, with no special permit
✓ Up to 900 square feet, or half the floor area of the main house, whichever is smaller
✓ Towns can’t require you to live on the property
✓ Towns can require no more than one parking space for an ADU, and none if the property is within half a mile of a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station
✓ You still need a building permit, and the unit has to meet the state building code
✓ Towns can still set rules like setbacks and height, and can limit short term rentals
✓ A second ADU, or one larger than 900 square feet, may need local approval
These rules come from the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, which took effect on February 2, 2025. Boston follows its own ADU rules. Rules can change and vary by town, so check with your building department before you plan. We’re glad to help you through it.
How an ADU Project Works
1
Free consultation. We talk through your property, your goals and your budget.
2
Feasibility. We look at size limits, setbacks and town requirements with you.
3
Plans and permits. We work with your architect or designer and handle the permit process.
4
Construction. We manage the licensed trades and keep you updated each week.
5
Final walkthrough. We go over every detail with you before we call it done.
Who ADUs Are For
Family Close By
A place for parents, adult children, or guests, with their own space and entrance.
Rental Income
Long term rental income can help offset the cost. Your town may limit short term rentals, so check local rules first.
Aging in Place
A one level unit can make staying in your home easier. See our accessibility renovation guide.
ADU Questions
Can I build an ADU on my property in Massachusetts?
Often, yes. Since February 2, 2025, Massachusetts allows one ADU by right on most single family lots, with no special permit. Setbacks, height, utilities and the building code still apply, so tell us about your property and we’ll talk through what’s possible.
How big can an ADU be?
Up to 900 square feet, or half the floor area of the main house, whichever is smaller. A larger unit may need local approval.
Do I have to live on the property?
No. Massachusetts doesn’t allow towns to require owner occupancy for these ADUs.
Do I need to add parking for an ADU?
Not always. A town can require no more than one parking space for an ADU, and none if the property is within half a mile of a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. Check with your building department for your property.
Do these rules apply in Boston?
Boston follows its own ADU rules. If your property is in Boston, start with the city’s requirements, and tell us about your project so we can talk through what’s possible.
Areas We Serve
Abington, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Cambridge, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Rockland, Weymouth, West Bridgewater, Whitman, and surrounding South Shore communities.
Thinking About an ADU?
Request a free estimate or call or text us at (781) 277-7175. Tell us about your property and we’ll talk through what’s possible.