SOMA Living April 2025

CONTRACTOR’S CORNER

IS AN ADU FOR YOU?

In October 2020, Maplewood passed legislation allowing for Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), with South Orange following a few years later. ADUs are intended to take the pressure off a tight rental market, help homeowners with property taxes, and provide an alternative solution for aging parents. The ADU must be smaller in square footage and height than the main home. While regulations vary by municipality, finished space around here is limited to 800 sq ft. Either the main structure or the ADU must be occupied by the owner. Finally, the unit may not be used for short-term rental such as Airbnb. Perhaps the single largest challenge in constructing an ADU is plumbing. In many cases, the main drain line will connect directly to the street, often utilizing a pump to overcome the slope and distance from the road. Typically, this results in demolishing most, if not all, of the driveway. Existing garage conversions would need to have footings at a minimum of 3’, which very few do. Also, the dwelling must comply with updated insulation requirements. This could necessitate added framing to allow for additional insulation space. Cost estimates range from $200,000 to $300,000, not including architect fees or finishes such as tile, cabinets, sinks and faucets, countertops, or light fixtures, which could add up to another $50,000. Given that expense, it’s not surprising that only about half a dozen units have been completed in Maplewood and South Orange combined.

HOME RENOVATION SPECIALISTS

Kitchens Bathrooms Basements Attic Additions

SOMA resident and Columbia High School parent serving the South Orange and Maplewood community for over a decade

Rich Quadrini is the proprietor of MSO Homes. If you’d like a specific topic discussed here or have questions about a project please contact him directly. (518) 441-5479 or msohomes.com

Rich Quadrini www.msohomes.com (518) 441-5479 | rquadrini69@gmail.com

Licensed Contractor 203K Certi ed Contractor License #13VH09229900

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