Property and Site Conditions
Lot size, topography, existing structures, visible environmental considerations and conditions that may affect construction.
ADU Feasibility
A Practical First Step in Planning an ADU
DS Benoit is a participating Feasibility Study Provider in the MHP Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program, a statewide initiative administered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership in collaboration with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
Through the program, we help property owners better understand the site conditions, local requirements, utilities, preliminary planning considerations and high-level budget factors that may influence an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) project.
A feasibility study is intended to support early decision-making before a property owner commits substantial time and money to design and construction.
Official program information
MHP ADU Incentive ProgramWho Is Eligible?
The MHP Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program is available for a property that:
- is located in Massachusetts;
- is located in a zoning district that allows residential use; and
- has not previously received a Feasibility Study through the MHP Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program.
Program eligibility and requirements are subject to change. Visit the MHP ADU Incentive Program website for current information.
Early planning
What an ADU Feasibility Study Considers
Local Requirements
Zoning district, dimensional requirements, setbacks, height, parking and other local considerations that may influence the project.
Construction Access and Site Preparation
Equipment access, grading, drainage, demolition needs, vegetation or tree considerations and the general complexity of preparing the property.
Water and Wastewater
Public water, private well, municipal sewer, septic capacity, potential connections and possible upgrade considerations.
Electrical and Utilities
Existing electrical service, possible capacity needs, overhead or underground service and other utility-routing considerations.
Preliminary Planning and Budget
High-level planning options, important limitations, estimated cost ranges, likely timeline and possible next steps.
The process
How the MHP Feasibility Study Process Works
- 01
Initial Inquiry
The homeowner contacts DS Benoit and provides basic information about the property and the proposed ADU.
- 02
Intake Conversation
We discuss the homeowner’s goals, the existing home, possible ADU type and the information currently available.
- 03
Property Visit
An on-site assessment considers access, grades, existing structures, utilities, septic or sewer, drainage and other visible site conditions.
- 04
Research and Evaluation
The study considers applicable local requirements, site constraints, utility conditions, preliminary planning options and high-level cost factors.
- 05
Written Feasibility Study
The homeowner receives a practical written summary of the findings and possible next steps.
- 06
MHP Submission
The completed study and supporting information are submitted through the MHP program portal. MHP may approve the study or request clarification.
An Early Planning Study — Not Final Design or Approval
An MHP feasibility study is an early planning tool based on the information available at the time of review. It does not include:
- Architectural plans
- Structural or civil engineering plans
- Construction documents
- Permit applications
- A fixed construction proposal
- A guarantee that an ADU can be permitted or constructed
Any cost information included in the study is preliminary, nonbinding and subject to change as design, permitting, site conditions and contractor pricing develop.
DS Benoit is an independent Feasibility Study Provider and is not an agent, employee or contractor of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. A homeowner is not obligated to proceed with construction or retain DS Benoit for additional services after receiving a study.
Practical site experience
A Construction Perspective From the Start
DS Benoit brings practical experience in foundations, septic systems, utilities, excavation, grading and drainage to the early ADU planning process. That site-construction background can help homeowners better understand the physical work that may be required before an ADU project moves into design and construction.
Explore ADU Foundations & Site WorkOfficial information
Massachusetts ADU Resources
MHP ADU Incentive Program
Program information for eligible Massachusetts homeowners considering an ADU.
Massachusetts ADU Information
State guidance on accessory dwelling units in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts ADU FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about protected-use ADUs.
760 CMR 71.00 Protected Use ADU Regulations
Official Massachusetts regulations for protected-use accessory dwelling units.
Massachusetts ADU Design Challenge Showcase
Examples from the Commonwealth’s ADU design challenge.
MassHousing ADU Loan Program
Financing information for eligible Massachusetts homeowners.
About the MHP ADU Incentive Program
As a participating Feasibility Study Provider (Provider) in the MHP Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program, we provide property owners with Feasibility Studies and are paid $500 for each completed study by the program. Providers may charge property owners up to an additional $500 for the Feasibility Study. Feasibility Studies help property owners understand the considerations in building an accessory dwelling unit on their property. Other services beyond Feasibility Studies may be offered for which contractor selection is solely at the property owner’s discretion.
The MHP Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program is a statewide initiative administered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, in collaboration with and on behalf of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Eligibility, restrictions, and offers are subject to change or cancellation. Please visit mhp.net/ADU for full details.
Considering an ADU?
Contact DS Benoit to ask about an MHP feasibility study and the early property, site and utility considerations involved in planning an ADU.