Egress issues are to be considered for whatever sort of ADU you are considering. Be sure to check with your town building department to determine what the size and location requirements are for second egresses.

In New England, forest and brush fires aren’t something we usually worry about—but they are worth considering, especially if you’re building a standalone ADU on a lot with trees and brush. Many areas of Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts are heavily wooded, with underbrush that blends naturally into the landscape—including where new homes are going up.

As we build more into these “wildland” areas, fire risk grows, particularly during droughts. That’s where the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code comes in. This code offers guidance to help protect homes in fire-prone areas, and it’s becoming increasingly important for New England homeowners and builders.