Backyard Home (ADU) Blog

This blog provides the information needed to plan your backyard home project and build an ADU on your property. We cover everything from financing to eligibility to construction.

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LIVE SESSION: ADU Rules In Amherst Massachusetts

Watch this live session at the Amherst Senior Center to learn about the rules for backyard tiny homes in Amherst, Ma

 

Amherst Massachusetts is a GREAT city for backyard tiny homes (aka detached ADUs).

The cities zoning regulations give homeowners a great set of tools to build in their backyards to create space for family, an income-producing rental or even sell the right to build in unused yard space and get a lump sum of cash.

In March, we were welcomed by the Amherst Senior Center to present to city’s residents. The attendees had great questions allowing us to go super deep into developing backyard tiny homes in Amherst.

This video covers many aspects about backyard tiny homes:

  • Construction techniques

  • The approval process

  • Set back requirements

  • Design guidelines

  • Who can live in the tiny house

  • Utility connections

  • Private financing options

  • Public, subsidized financing options for people with a disability

 
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How to sell your backyard (Video)

Backyard ADUs has developed a strategy that allows homeowners to sell the “right to build” a small home in their excess yard space.

 

Homeowners don’t need to subdivide their properties in order to sell part of it!

Across New England, there are countless in-town properties that can’t officially be subdivided, but have plenty of space for another detached home to be constructed on it. Backyard ADUs has developed a strategy that allows homeowners to sell the “right to build” a small home in their excess yard space.

We use Condominium law to make this possible. Condo bylaws serve as an overlay to city records and legally divide a property into two distinct assets and properties. They allow a property to be split right down the middle without applying for a formal subdivision. Cool.

With this strategy, a homeowner can receive a lump sum payment for their unused yard space and be part of the solution in helping create more quality housing. And, get an awesome new neighbor.

Watch Our Recent Webinar to Learn More:

 
 
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