An Accessory Dwelling Unit

When a family in Dunbarton, NH, decided to open their home to a close friend moving from several states away, they knew they needed to add more space to their home. The best solution was to convert their partially finished basement into a fully equipped Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). This would create a private, comfortable space for their friend to live in while also staying close to the family.

The basement was originally divided into two large, unfinished spaces and had great potential. However, significant work was needed to transform it into a living space. Ideally, the space would have all of the amenities of an apartment. The layout would include a kitchen, a bathroom, a comfortable living area, and even an office. This was a special project, as each element of the space was carefully considered by both the homeowners and the future tenant to ensure it met the needs of everyone in the household. 

Kitchen and Bathroom:

We started by designing a small but efficient kitchen, complete with all of the essentials. A cabinet showroom in Nashua, NH, worked with us to design this space, complete with a stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator.

The bathroom was designed to be both functional and spacious, with enough room to accommodate a washer and dryer. This was very important, as it allowed them to do their laundry without interfering with that of the rest of the house. We also included a small closet in the bathroom, adding valuable storage space for essentials.

Structural Updates: 

The transformation process required a few updates to the structure of the basement. We replaced over 200 square feet of the existing ceiling to ensure a smooth, finished look. The family had already selected flooring, which we installed for them, adding warmth and style to the space. We then replaced two windows, improving both the aesthetics and energy efficiency of the entire basement.

Bringing It All Together

With the major construction completed, we painted the entire space to create a cohesive color scheme while also adding warmth. The result was a beautiful Accessory Dwelling Unit that felt like a natural extension of the family’s home. This project not only provided a practical solution for the family’s needs but also added value to their home by creating a sizeable living space that can be used for years to come.