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Turn your basement into

Convert your basement into a versatile ADU to boost your property value, generate rental income, and provide extra space for whatever you need. 

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UNLOCK YOUR HOME'S FULL VALUE 

Turning a basement into an ADU is a smart financial decision, but the process can be difficult and stressful.

Think about the wasted potential as your basement sits unused, gathering dust, cluttered with forgotten items. In Boston's skyrocketing real estate market, transforming this space could significantly elevate your home's value and usability.

Our experts will guide you through the ADU renovation process, ensuring that you can:

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INCREASE YOUR
PROPERTY VALUE
INCREASE YOUR
PROPERTY VALUE
Enhance your home's market value instantly with a basement ADU conversion.
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CREATE INCOME STREAMS
CREATE INCOME STREAMS
Turn your basement into a lucrative rental space for steady extra income.
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GAIN EXTRA SPACE IN YOUR HOME
GAIN EXTRA SPACE IN YOUR HOME
Transform your basement into versatile space for family, guests, or storage.
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UPGRADE SYSTEMS + UTILITIES
UPGRADE SYSTEMS + UTILITIES
Install modern, energy-efficient utilities and reduce your energy bills.

HOMEOWNERS IN BOSTON: REQUEST A COMPLIMENTARY ASSESSMENT

Curious to learn more about how a basement ADU could enhance your income and home value?

CASE STUDY: FORT HILL GARDEN UNIT

End-to-end delivery of value-add basement conversion in historic Roxbury neighborhood.

We have extensive experience transforming basements from underutilized and forgotten spaces to beautiful rooms that you want to use.

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Fort Hill Garden Unit: Turning a dirt-floor basement into a revenue-producing garden unit.

Start your ADU journey with our easy three-step process.

1
Request Your Assessment Share some info about your home, and we'll calculate the income, value, and lifestyle benefits of transforming your basement into an ADU.
2
Discuss With An Expert Get expert guidance to help you secure financing, understand permitting, find the right contractors, and plan your renovation. 
3
Start Your Project Kick off your basement renovation project with confidence, knowing you have the expert support you need to make it a success.
FULL SERVICE DELIVERY + PARTNER IDENTIFICATION

Identify trusted partners so you can complete your project with ease.

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Code + Permits
Code + Permits We handle code compliance and permitting, ensuring your basement ADU meets legal requirements smoothly and efficiently.
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Contractors
Contractors Skilled contractors execute the construction with precision, turning your basement into a high-quality ADU on time and within budget.
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Suppliers
Suppliers We source top-quality materials from trusted suppliers, ensuring durability and aesthetics for your ADU conversion.
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Architects
Architects Our architects design innovative, functional layouts that maximize your basement space for an ideal ADU setup.
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Interior Design
Interior Design Our interior designers create stylish, comfortable interiors that make your ADU a welcoming and attractive living space.
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Property Managers
Property Managers Our property managers offer end-to-end services, from tenant placement to maintenance, ensuring your ADU remains profitable and well-maintained.
(Nicole) Delivery Partner

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Sonia AirBnB Guest

"Michael's place is excellent! The apartment itself is breathtaking - full of thoughtful details and great amenities! Highly recommended."

Eric Byrne Contractor

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Portrait Nicole Fichera Hourglass Collaborative Vice President of Marketing

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Portrait Nicole Fichera Hourglass Collaborative Vice President of Marketing

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Portrait Nicole Fichera Hourglass Collaborative Vice President of Marketing

Adding a unit creates value,
but making it happen is hard

Imagine the wasted opportunities as your basement gathers dust or becomes a dumping ground for rarely used items. With real estate prices in Boston soaring, every square foot of your home could be turned into valuable living space, enhancing your property's value and functionality. Yet, here it sits—idle and unproductive. Furthermore, navigating city regulations for construction and remodeling can be daunting, deterring many from even considering such a project.

Increase Property Value
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Additional Income Stream
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Enhanced Energy Efficiency
and Utility Improvements
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Extra Space for
whatever you need
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BENEFITS OF ADUS

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) play a critical role in diversifying housing options within the city.

Michelle-Wu
Mayor Michelle Wu City of Boston
“To help more multigenerational families… this year we will eliminate barriers for residents to build ADUs citywide, and support local contractors in getting them built."
Jesse-Kanson-Benanav
Jesse Kanson-Benanav Executive Director
Abundant Housing Massachusetts
”ADUs are a gentle way to add more homes to our neighborhoods, while ensuring that families stay together by providing housing for grandparents, recent graduates, or loved ones with disabilities."
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AARP Article: "ADUs Are Good for People and Places"
"Generally measuring between 600 and 1,000 square feet, ADUs work well for the one and two-bedroom homes needed by today’s smaller, childless households, which now account for nearly two-thirds of all households in the United States."

“To help more multigenerational families… this year we will eliminate barriers for residents to build ADUs citywide, and support local contractors in getting them built."

Michelle-Wu
Michelle Wu
Mayor
City of Boston

”ADUs are a gentle way to add more homes to our neighborhoods, while ensuring that families stay together by providing housing for grandparents, recent graduates, or loved ones with disabilities."

Jesse-Kanson-Benanav
Jesse Kanson-Benanav
Executive Director
Abundant Housing Massachusetts

"Generally measuring between 600 and 1,000 square feet, ADUs work well for the one and two-bedroom homes needed by today’s smaller, childless households, which now account for nearly two-thirds of all households in the United States."

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AARP
Article: "ADUs Are Good for People and Places"
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Get started today

Sign up for a complementary assessment to understand how much value your basement could create--for you, your family, and your community as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)? Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are additional residential units that can be built either within an existing home or outside of it, such as in a smaller detached dwelling. In Boston, and a growing number of other cities, they can be added without the need to navigate complex zoning and special approval processes. Most often they are created by converting existing basements, attics, and garages into new units.
Why should I convert my basement into an ADU? Converting your basement into an ADU increases your property value, provides rental income, and creates additional living space for family and guests.
Is my basement suitable for conversion into an ADU? Most basements can be converted to an ADU, but there are many factors that influence the cost and ease with which a conversion can be completed. When you schedule a free assessment, our team will conduct an analysis to determine if your basement meets the requirements for conversion.
What are the zoning and permitting requirements for ADUs? Zoning and permitting requirements vary by location. We handle all the necessary processes to ensure your ADU complies with local regulations, saving you time and hassle.
How will the conversion impact the existing structure of my home? We strive to minimize disruption and maintain the integrity of your home’s structure. In some cases, we’ll recommend making structural improvements based on your project goals. 
Will my property taxes increase after converting my basement into an ADU? Property taxes may increase due to the added value of the ADU. The process of updating your property taxes to reflect a new home value is dictated by your local county or town–who have their own timeline for appraisals. We recommend consulting with a tax professional to understand the specific implications for your property.
Can I customize the design of my ADU? Absolutely! We offer personalized design services to ensure your ADU meets your needs and preferences, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
How will an ADU affect my home's resale value? An ADU can significantly increase your property value. We provide expert advice on maximizing this value through thoughtful design and quality construction.
What financing options are available for ADU conversions? We connect you with vetted financing options, including home equity loans, personal loans, and ADU-specific programs, helping you find the best solution for your financial situation.
What disruptions should I expect during the construction process? While some disruption is inevitable, we manage the project to minimize inconvenience. In most cases, work will be confined to the basement with little to no impact on other living spaces on the ground and upper floors. We provide a detailed timeline and keep you informed every step of the way.
Will an ADU affect my insurance premiums? Adding an ADU may affect your insurance. We recommend consulting with your existing policy provider to understand the specific implications for your property.
What are the potential rental income and occupancy rates for an ADU? This depends on your location and project goals. We can provide market analysis and business model advice to help you estimate potential rental income and understand occupancy rates for ADUs in your area.
Are there any legal restrictions or HOA regulations I need to be aware of? We handle all zoning and permitting processes, ensuring your ADU meets all local legal requirements. We can also review your HOA agreements and advise on potential impacts, regulations, and approvals required.
How energy-efficient will the new ADU be? We prioritize energy efficiency in our designs, incorporating the latest insulation, windows, and HVAC systems to ensure your ADU is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Basement-to-ADU conversions are also an excellent opportunity to upgrade your whole home’s utilities further enhancing your energy efficiency.
Can I convert my basement into an ADU if it has a low ceiling or no windows? We have experience delivering projects with low ceilings and no windows and we specialize in creative solutions for challenging spaces. Our team will assess your basement and suggest modifications, such as lowering the floor or adding egress windows, to meet safety and habitability standards.
How do I get started with my basement-to-ADU conversion project? Request an initial assessment. We'll discuss your vision, assess your basement, and provide a detailed plan and estimate for your project.
Why choose FWD Partners for my basement-to-ADU conversion? FWD Partners serves as your Owner's Representative and project manager, looking out for your best interests. We connect you with vetted financing options, contractors, and consultants, manage communication and coordination, and provide expert advice on the business model if your ADU will be used as a rental property.
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Want to uncover the hidden potential in your basement?

Share your story, describe your property, and outline your goals, and we'll create a custom ADU Feasibility + ROI Assessment just for you.