Making Room for Work, Family, and the Future in South Portland
Kerri’s 569 sqft, 1 bed, 1 bath ADU.
Photo Credit: Tom Bell
Creating Space Without Leaving Home
Like many homeowners, Keri Ouellette and her husband found themselves at a crossroads. Their South Portland home worked well in many ways, but as both began spending more time working remotely, the limitations of the space became increasingly clear.
Kerri’s 569 sqft, 1 bed, 1 bath ADU. Photo Credit: Tom Bell
With only about 1,250 square feet in the main house, they needed room to work, room to live, and room for whatever the future might bring. Rather than moving, they started exploring ways to make their existing property work harder for them.
The Challenges
Before settling on an ADU, Keri and her husband considered a traditional addition to their home. However, the layout of their property made an addition more complicated and expensive than they anticipated.
They wanted a solution that would:
Create dedicated workspace outside the main house
Add long-term value to the property
Preserve flexibility for future life changes
Fit comfortably within their existing neighborhood
"The ADU sounded like a better investment." - Keri Ouellette
The Process
Once the feasibility work confirmed the project would work on their lot, the family moved forward with a detached modular ADU.
The design focused on creating a comfortable, efficient space that could serve multiple purposes over time. Initially, the ADU would function as a dedicated workspace and guest accommodations. Down the road, it could become housing for family members, generate rental income, or adapt to other needs as life evolved.
One of the biggest surprises was how quickly the project came together. Compared to a traditional site-built addition, the modular process dramatically reduced construction time and disruption.
The home was built off-site while site preparation occurred simultaneously, allowing the project to move forward efficiently once installation day arrived.
The Result
Today, the ADU provides exactly what Keri and her husband were hoping for: breathing room.
Kerri’s kitchen. Photo Credit: Tom Bell
They have dedicated space to work, greater separation between work and home life, and the peace of mind that comes from having options for the future.
Rather than solving a single problem, the ADU created flexibility. Whether it's accommodating family, hosting guests, creating housing opportunities, or simply adapting to changing circumstances, the space is ready when they need it.
"It’s nice to have space available if something were to happen and our situation changed." - Keri Ouellette
Key Takeaways
The Goal: Create dedicated workspace while adding long-term flexibility and value.
The Build: A detached modular ADU in South Portland, Maine.
The Best Part: Gaining space for today's needs while creating options for tomorrow.