Frequently Asked Questions

Many ADU projects are completed in approximately 90 days from construction start to final walkthrough. Timeline depends on municipal permitting, site preparation requirements, and weather conditions. Early planning and coordination with local regulations help keep projects on schedule.

ADU sizes range from approximately 400 to 1,000 square feet depending on local municipal regulations. Portland and surrounding towns have different zoning requirements that affect maximum size and placement. A property consultation determines what's allowed on your specific lot.

Turnkey construction means one contractor manages site preparation, electrical, plumbing, roofing, framing, finishing, and project coordination from start to completion. This eliminates the need to hire and schedule multiple subcontractors separately. Everything is handled under one contract with unified communication and accountability.

Every ADU is designed around your property layout, family needs, and municipal requirements. Floor plans, exterior finishes, and interior selections are personalized through collaboration during the planning phase. Standard plans serve as starting points but adapt to fit your specific goals and lot conditions.

ADUs are accessory dwelling units built on the same property as your primary residence and typically range from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Tiny homes emphasize efficient layouts in smaller footprints but serve similar purposes—guest housing, family quarters, or independent living space. Both are custom-designed and permanently constructed on your property.

Design-build means one contractor handles planning, permitting assistance, construction, and completion, eliminating coordination gaps between separate designers and builders. This streamlines scheduling, reduces miscommunication, and keeps one point of contact accountable throughout the project. Changes during construction are resolved faster without negotiating between multiple contracts.

Municipal regulations throughout Maine vary by town and affect setbacks, lot coverage, and placement relative to the primary residence. Zoning research and early planning ensure your ADU design complies with local requirements before construction begins. A property consultation identifies what's allowed on your specific lot and how site conditions affect placement.

You gain independent living space with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and utilities while keeping family members on the same property. The ADU functions as a separate residence but shares the lot with your primary home. Property taxes typically increase based on the added square footage and assessed value.

Detached ADUs preserve privacy for both households with separate entrances, utilities, and living areas, while additions share walls and systems with the main home. Detached builds avoid disrupting your existing home during construction and offer flexibility if family needs change. Municipal setback rules sometimes make detached structures easier to permit than expansions.

Understand your primary goal—housing aging parents, adult children, guests, or rental income—and have a general sense of your property's usable space. Knowing your lot size, existing structures, and any previous conversations with your town's planning office helps focus the consultation. The contractor will assess site conditions, explain local regulations, and recommend suitable floor plans during the meeting.

ADUs create additional housing units on existing residential lots without requiring new land development or infrastructure expansion. They provide long-term rental options, workforce housing, or family accommodations that increase available housing stock. This approach uses already-developed property more efficiently while keeping housing within established neighborhoods.

The contractor researches local zoning requirements, assists with permit applications, and coordinates designs to meet municipal codes before construction starts. This phase identifies setback rules, utility connections, and any site-specific restrictions that affect the build. Early planning prevents costly changes or delays once construction begins.