In-Law Apartments/ADU
The Build Savvy team specializes in additions, in-law apartments, and interior remodels. We are well-versed in the Design-Build process and would love to help you realize your project dreams.
In-Law Apartment aka Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
In-law apartments serve as a great means to keep family together, while allowing separate and comfortable space for all. The Build Savvy team has completed multiple in-law apartments and in-law suite additions throughout N.H. Whether it’s building an addition or redesign of the existing space (sometimes a little of both), we can transform your home to meet your needs.
Click here to see photos and details of an in-law apartment we recently completed in Pelham, NH. If you are looking for an In-Law Apartment Contractor, we can help you bring your project to life.
Fun Facts about In-Law Apartment Construction & NH ADU Law (HB 577)
-In-law Apartments will always require full architectural plans, and they usually consist of a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room & small laundry area.
-An in-law will require a stand-alone heating/Air conditioning system, plumbing pipes run from the main house, a sub-panel for electrical, full or frost wall foundation, siding and roofing to match the main house, new stairway or entry area, and a door to main house.
-Prior to July 1st, 2025- (Before new state law- HB 577), some municipalities could require special permit approval or prohibit detached units; the new law overrides that
-One ADU must be allowed “by right” in every zoning district where single-family homes are permitted in NH. Towns can no longer require special exceptions or conditional use permits for one unit.
-In other words, an ADU only requires a standard building permit… no more Planning Boards and Zoning Boards to muck up the works!
-ADUs can now be attached or detached (e.g., above a garage, backyard cottage) in the state of NH
-Local ordinances cannot impose extra lot size, frontage, setback, frontage or space limits beyond those required for the principal single-family home
-Statewide minimum ADU size is not explicitly dictated by statute in HB 577, but local zoning cannot prohibit ADUs that are at least 750 square feet where a size limit is imposed.
-Under the 2025 revisions to New Hampshire’s ADU law (HB 577), the total living area of an accessory dwelling unit must not exceed 950 square feet unless a municipality authorizes a larger size
-Municipalities may impose standard zoning requirements such as design compatibility and adequate water/septic capacity
-Because an in-law apartment adds a bedroom to your home, your septic system (if you are not on public sewer) will either need to be re-designed and/or replaced, depending on its age and condition.
-Build Savvy has re-designed many septic systems for this purpose, and if needed, will coordinate a septic replacement.
-Towns cannot require occupants to be related to the homeowner. ADUs can serve as in-law apartments, rental units, home offices with living space, or caregiver housing — not limited to family members.
-The State of NH has required that all towns permit in-law apartments in order to allow families to stick together, and to quell the housing crisis.
-Although the state requires this, each town has the right to set their own regulations that fall within the state requirements.
How long does it take, and how much is this muffler gonna cost me???
Project Timeline: 2-3 Months pre-planning & selections/ 6-9 Months of construction from start to finish
Project Cost (750-1,000 square feet): $375,000 and up
Hybrid/Smaller Addition with existing home interior remodeling: $250,000 and up
Something you can be sure of: From pre-planning and design to town permitting and final construction, Build Savvy handles every step so you don’t have to.
