Accessory Dwelling Units Built by 13 Gables Inc
13 Gables Inc is a fully licensed and insured general contractor based in Central Massachusetts, offering custom Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction throughout the state. With over 38 years of experience in custom home builds, renovations, and site development, the company brings practical expertise to ADU projects across Central Massachusetts and the Metro West area.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit located on a single-family residential lot. Also referred to as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, ADUs provide a self-contained living space that typically includes a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Property owners pursue ADU construction for a range of reasons:
- Increased property value — An ADU can raise a home's market value.
- Rental income — ADUs can be rented long- or short-term to generate additional income.
- Multi-generational living — Provides independent housing for family members on the same property.
- Flexible use — Can serve as a home office, studio, or guesthouse.
ADU Services Offered by 13 Gables Inc
13 Gables Inc manages the full ADU construction process from start to finish. Their services cover the following stages:
- Consultation & Planning — Assessing the lot, discussing goals, and developing a suitable design approach.
- Design & Permitting — Ensuring the ADU meets all local building codes and reflects the homeowner's preferences.
- Construction — Handling all aspects of the build, from foundation through to finishing.
- Project Management — Providing clear communication and oversight throughout the project.
The company works with several common ADU types, including:
- Detached ADU — A separate structure from the main house, often referred to as a backyard cottage or Casita.
- Attached ADU — Built as an extension to the existing home.
- Garage conversion — Transforms an existing garage into a livable space.
- Basement or interior ADU — Built within or below the main home's footprint.
13 Gables Inc holds multiple active contractor licenses and carries a strong track record for quality and compliance. The company offers transparent pricing, detailed estimates, and one-year limited warranties on their work. Projects are managed with attention to timelines and clear communication at each stage.
Massachusetts ADU Law — What Homeowners Should Know
As of February 2, 2025, Massachusetts enacted significant changes to its housing policy through the Affordable Homes Act. This legislation allows homeowners in single-family residential zoning districts to build ADUs "by right" — meaning no special zoning board approvals or variances are required, provided basic state requirements are met.
Key points of the new law include:
- ADUs must be no larger than 900 square feet or half the gross floor area of the main home, whichever is smaller.
- There are no minimum lot size requirements for adding an ADU.
- The ADU must have its own exterior entrance.
- Homeowners cannot be required to install separate utility connections unless mandated by state law or the utility provider.
- Municipalities cannot restrict occupancy by age or relationship, or impose higher design standards than those applied to single-family homes.
- Stricter standards may apply in historic districts, but local rules cannot outright prohibit a compliant ADU.
Projects must still follow local building codes and permitting processes, but the approval pathway is now more straightforward and protected under state law. 13 Gables Inc is positioned to help homeowners navigate these updated regulations, guiding projects from initial concept through to completion in line with current Massachusetts requirements.
With decades of regional experience and a comprehensive service model, 13 Gables Inc offers homeowners a practical path to building an ADU — whether the goal is a detached ADU builder project, a garage conversion, an in-law suite, or another form of accessory dwelling unit on their property.