ADU/ Secondary Dwelling

An Additional Dwelling Unit should feel like it was always meant to be there. Whether you are imagining a welcoming in-law suite, a private guest retreat, a pool house for relaxing and entertaining, or a rental space that brings extra income, we create ADUs that are functional, beautiful, and lasting. Every detail is designed to fit seamlessly with your property while adding value you can enjoy for years to come.Let’s create an Additional Dwelling Unit that is as thoughtful as it is enduring.

The Oak ADU Difference

An Additional Dwelling Unit is more than an extra building. It is a way to create meaningful space that blends seamlessly with your home and elevates how you live.

  • Purpose-built design – Every plan is shaped around how you want to use the space, whether for family, guests, or rental income
  • Seamless property fit – Architecture, scale, and materials chosen to connect naturally with the main home
  • Everyday livability – Layouts that balance privacy, comfort, and function in a compact footprint
  • Start-to-finish expertise – Guidance through design, permitting, construction, and final details

At Oak, an Additional Dwelling Unit is never an afterthought. It is a thoughtfully designed extension of your property, built with care and attention so it feels like it belongs from the very first day.

Our Additional Dwelling Unit Process

Every Additional Dwelling Unit is a balance of creativity, function, and compliance. Our process makes the journey smooth while delivering a finished space that feels right at home on your property.

1. Understanding Your Vision

We start by learning how you want to use your ADU, whether for family, guests, or rental purposes, and the style that inspires you.

2. Designing with Purpose

Together, we create a plan that makes the most of your space, selects materials, and ensures the design blends seamlessly with your main home.

3. Navigating Zoning and Permits

We guide you through the requirements for building an ADU in your area, including Massachusetts guidelines for Accessory Dwelling Units, so you can move forward with confidence. This includes any site plans or engineering needed to assess your land for the option of an ADU.

4. Preparing Your Property

Before construction begins, we handle approvals, order materials, and prepare the site to protect and respect your property.

5. Bringing the Plan to Life

Our skilled team manages construction from start to finish, focusing on quality, precision, and keeping the project on track.

6. Final Walkthrough and Handover

We review every detail together, ensure the ADU meets your expectations, and leave you with a fully finished space ready for its purpose.

Inspiration for ADUs and Secondary Spaces

An Additional Dwelling Unit can be designed for so much more than extra space. It might be a serene retreat for visiting friends, a dedicated place for aging parents, a creative studio for your work, or a rental that generates steady income. Each project begins with understanding how you want the space to function and how it can enhance your property for years to come.

Additional Dwelling Unit FAQs

In many cases, yes. An ADU adds livable square footage, which can make your home more appealing to future buyers. It can also create income potential if used as a rental.

ADUs can be built with full kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and private entrances. We can also include custom features like built-in storage, workspaces, and outdoor living connections.

Yes, we can incorporate energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and systems to lower long-term operating costs and improve comfort.

Absolutely. An ADU can function as a guest house one season, a rental another, or even as a home office or creative studio, depending on your needs over time.

Size limits vary by property and location. We help determine an ideal size that balances comfort, functionality, and compliance with local rules.

It depends on the design and intended use. Some ADUs share utilities with the main home, while others have independent water, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Yes! Certain ADU buildings may not qualify if it has a bedroom.  Every system is rated for a specific number of bedrooms.  If your home has maxed out your septic capacity a bedroom will not be allowed in the ADU if you do not remove one in the main house. We have extensive experience navigating this specific topic and can walk you through all the questions and complexities around it.

Start Planning Your Additional Dwelling Unit Today

Your Additional Dwelling Unit should be more than extra square footage. At Oak, every ADU project is an opportunity to build it better, creating a space that blends naturally with your property while serving your goals. From guest houses to pool houses, in-law suites to creative studios, we design and build for both beauty and purpose, giving you a place that works for today and adapts for tomorrow.