As housing costs continue to rise across Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts, many homeowners are exploring Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a way to create flexible, affordable housing options for family members, caregivers, or renters.

To help members and community residents better understand what’s involved, Self-Reliance has launched a new ADU Resources page on our website.

What you’ll find on the new ADU Resources page

The new page brings together practical, plain-language information to help you navigate the early stages of planning an ADU, including:

  • An overview of what ADUs are and how they are commonly used

  • Design and construction topics, such as site constraints, utilities, wastewater and safety considerations

  • Financing and incentive options, including state programs that may help make an ADU more affordable

  • Energy and efficiency considerations, so new units are comfortable, resilient, and cost-effective to operate

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already deep into planning, these resources are designed to help you ask better questions and make informed decisions.

Why we created these resources

We hear from members who are considering ADUs for:

  • Aging parents or adult children

  • Family members with disabilities

  • Long-term housing stability

  • Additional income to help offset rising costs

At the same time, ADUs can be complex. Regulations, financing, construction costs, and energy choices all matter—and misinformation can be costly. This new resource hub is part of our ongoing commitment to clear, unbiased guidance that puts people first.

This is just the beginning

The ADU Resources page will continue to grow as policies change and new programs become available. We encourage you to check back periodically and share the page with neighbors, family members, and local decision-makers who may also be navigating these questions.

👉 Visit the new ADU Resources page here:
https://selfreliancefuelcoop.org/adu-resources/

If you have suggestions for additional topics or questions you’d like us to address, please let us know—we’d love to hear from you.