Considering an ADU?
You Don't Have to
Navigate It Alone.
Independent guidance for Massachusetts homeowners
from initial feasibility through construction.
The ADU Process is Complex. You Don’t Have to Navigate it Alone.
Most Massachusetts homeowners start their ADU journey with more questions than answers. Is my property suitable? What will this actually cost? How do I get it built? Without independent guidance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by zoning laws and contractor quotes.
Can You Build It?
Before you spend thousands, find out what your property can actually support. Zoning, setbacks, utilities, septic, building codes, and site conditions can all affect your options. We help you uncover the obstacles before you commit to a design.
What Will It Cost?
An ADU's price can change dramatically depending on how and where it's built. Construction method, site work, utilities, and contractor pricing can all affect the bottom line. We help you understand the costs, compare your options, and reduce expensive surprises.
How Do You Get It Done?
An ADU can involve architects, engineers, contractors, town officials, inspectors, lenders, and a seemingly endless stream of decisions. We help you navigate the process, coordinate the moving parts, and keep your project on track.
Before you tackle those questions, start with a Feasibility Review.
The ADU Feasibility Review: Your Roadmap to Success
Before you spend thousands on plans or commit to a contractor, know what you're getting into.
Our ADU Feasibility Review gives you a clear picture of what may be possible on your property, what challenges you may face, and what the project could cost.
We analyze your property's zoning and setbacks, evaluate utilities and infrastructure, explore the ADU options that make sense for your property, and develop a realistic preliminary budget. You'll come away with a clearer understanding of your options — and a practical roadmap for what to do next.
- Zoning & Setback Analysis
- Utility & Infrastructure Assessment
- Identification of ADU Options
- Preliminary Cost Estimating
- Key Risks & Potential Obstacles
- Recommended Next Steps
Comprehensive ADU Consulting
From initial concept to final inspection, we provide the independent expertise you need.
Project Planning & Design Guidance
Once you know an ADU is feasible, we'll help you determine the best path forward—from selecting the right products and professionals to developing a realistic project plan.
Explore our servicesContractor & Bid Evaluation
Compare proposals, understand what's included, identify potential omissions, and make a more informed decision about who you hire.
Explore our servicesOwner's Representation
Stay informed and represented throughout the project. We can help coordinate contractors and consultants, monitor progress, and help you navigate changes and unexpected issues.
Explore our services
Experience You Can Build On
Building an ADU is more than a construction project. It's a series of decisions involving zoning, design, contractors, costs, permits, inspections, and countless details that can affect the outcome.
Bay State ADU Advisors brings a combination of construction experience, building knowledge, municipal experience, and business consulting expertise to help homeowners navigate those decisions.
With decades of experience in residential construction and renovation, a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's License, training in home inspection, and years of experience working with contractors and municipalities, Michael Aarons understands the process from both the practical and planning perspectives.
The goal isn't to sell you a particular building system, contractor, or design. It's to help you make informed decisions that are right for you and your property.
Meet MichaelHow It Works
1. Start With a Conversation
2. Evaluate Your Options
3. Develop Your Roadmap
4. Move Forward With Confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my property can accommodate an ADU?
There isn't a simple answer based solely on lot size or the size of your existing home. We look at the property as a whole—including zoning and setbacks, existing structures, access, utilities, septic or sewer considerations, site conditions, and applicable building requirements.
The goal isn't simply to determine whether an ADU is technically possible. It's to help you understand which options are realistic for your particular property.
Do I need an architect before contacting you?
No. In fact, it can make sense to talk with us before hiring an architect or designer. An ADU Feasibility Review is intended to help you understand what may be possible on your property, identify potential obstacles, and consider your options before you spend money developing detailed plans.
If an architect, engineer, surveyor, or other professional is needed, we'll help you understand who you need and when you need them.
Can you tell me how much my ADU will cost to build?
We can develop a preliminary cost estimate based on the information available at the feasibility stage, but no responsible advisor can give you an exact construction price before the project is designed and site conditions are understood.
We look at factors such as the type of ADU, size, construction approach, utilities, site preparation, and other known or potential costs. As the project develops, we can help you evaluate contractor proposals and understand why costs may differ.
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions—not give you a deceptively precise number.
Do you work with my town or building department?
We can help you understand the municipal process and prepare for interactions with the appropriate town or city departments. Depending on the scope of the engagement, we can also help you identify questions that need to be answered and navigate issues that arise during permitting and construction.
There are many variables that determine what permits need to be obtained and who should "pull" them. We can help you understand why it is important if a certain permits are obtained and who applies for them.
Every Massachusetts municipality has its own processes and procedures, so we'll help you understand what applies to your project.
Do you recommend contractors or modular home companies?
We can help you understand what to look for when selecting a contractor or modular unit, evaluate proposals, and identify questions or potential gaps in a bid.
If you choose to ask us for recommendations, we'll be transparent about the basis for those recommendations and any relationship we may have with a third party.
Our role is to help you make an informed choice—not steer you toward a particular company.
Do you manage the construction?
We can provide as much or as little project guidance as you need. Depending on the services you select, that may include helping you evaluate contractors and proposals, coordinating with project professionals, monitoring progress, helping you understand changes and unexpected issues, and advocating for your interests as the homeowner.
We don't replace your architect or contractor. We provide an experienced, independent perspective to help you navigate the project.
Is an ADU always a good investment?
An ADU can provide additional living space, accommodate family members, create rental income, or increase the flexibility of a property. But the costs, financing, site conditions, intended use, and long-term plans all matter.
We'll help you understand the potential benefits and costs so you can decide whether an ADU makes sense for you.
Should I talk to you before I talk to a contractor?
In many cases, yes.
A contractor can tell you what they believe it will cost to build something. An architect can help design it. But before you get that far, you may benefit from an independent look at whether the project makes sense in the first place.
Starting with a Feasibility Review can help you identify potential problems, understand your options, and approach architects and contractors with a much clearer idea of what you're trying to accomplish.
It's often less expensive to discover a problem before you design around it.
