Our Services · Full Design
ADU plans built for aging in place & income.
Complete architectural design for your Cape Cod accessory dwelling unit — drawn around single-level living, rental potential, and the realities of building on the Lower Cape.
Designing Your Cape Cod ADU
A design that does three jobs at once
The right accessory dwelling unit lets you age in place, downsize in place, and add real rental income — without selling the house or leaving the Cape. That starts with thoughtful design. We combine architectural expertise with deep knowledge of Cape Cod's environment, town bylaws, and the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act so your ADU is beautiful, livable, and approvable.
Whether you envision a standalone cottage, a garage or basement conversion, or an addition, our design team creates spaces that maximize long-term value — single-level layouts, no-step entries, and rentable configurations planned in from the very first sketch.
How It Works
Our comprehensive design process
A thorough, transparent path from first conversation to a permit-ready package.
Free Consultation
We start with a no-obligation conversation about your goals, budget, and timeline, then visit your property to assess site conditions and ADU possibilities.
Concept Development
We create preliminary concepts exploring layouts and orientations — weighing aging-in-place features and rental income potential side by side.
Design Refinement
Working closely with you, we refine floor plans, elevations, and 3D views until every detail fits how you actually want to live.
Technical Development
We produce detailed construction drawings, specifications, and material selections that comply with 780 CMR and your town's adoption of the state ADU law.
Engineering Integration
We coordinate structural, mechanical, and electrical systems into a cohesive, efficient design suited to Cape Cod's coastal climate.
Permit-Ready Package
Your final package includes everything needed for permitting, setting up a smooth transition into construction.
Why Our Design Service
Local expertise, income-aware design
Local Expertise
Years of work with Cape Cod's architectural traditions, town bylaws, and conservation requirements across the eight Lower Cape towns.
Aging-in-Place Built In
Single-level living, no-step entries, wider doorways, and curbless baths designed from the start — comfortable now, ready for later.
Income-Aware Layouts
We design with rental potential in mind so your ADU can offset taxes, insurance, and upkeep — turning your largest asset into a working one.
Regulatory Navigation
Designs account for the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act and each town's local rules, avoiding costly revisions later.
Climate-Responsive
Insulation, ventilation, and orientation tuned to Cape Cod's seasons for comfort and lower energy costs year-round.
3D Visualization
Realistic renderings let you experience your ADU before construction, supporting confident decisions and fewer surprises.
Built for the Lower Cape
Special considerations for Cape Cod ADUs
Climate Resilience
- Wind- and storm-resistant detailing
- Elevated designs for flood-prone lots
- Insulation tuned for Cape winters
- Natural cooling for summer
- Roofs sized for snow loads
Environmental Protection
- Low-impact site development
- Stormwater management
- Native landscaping integration
- Preserving existing vegetation
- Coastal ecosystem protection
Aesthetic Integration
- Traditional Cape architectural elements
- Historically appropriate materials
- Scale complementary to the main home
- Window placement for privacy
- Harmony with neighborhood context
What You'll Receive
A complete, build-ready design package
Complete Construction Documents
Floor plans, elevations, sections, and details that give builders clear guidance for accurate construction.
3D Renderings
Realistic exterior and interior visualizations so you can see the finished ADU before the first nail.
Specifications Package
Material and fixture selections, finishes, and performance requirements that support quality construction.
Code Compliance Documentation
Analysis confirming adherence to building code, accessibility, and energy standards for a smoother permit.
Preliminary Budget Estimates
Realistic construction cost projections to help you plan financially — provided in good faith as part of our process.
Let's Talk
Ready to design your Cape Cod ADU?
The first conversation is free. Tell us about your property and what you're hoping to achieve — we'll provide a preliminary design before any estimate.
Schedule Your Design ConsultationVern Hatt · Licensed Construction Supervisor #CS62739 · Home Improvement Contractor #177590