FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a Dwelly home?

Construction costs vary depending on your location, local labor rates, material prices, and finish selections. Because we believe in transparency, our Dwelly Planning Package is designed to help you get a reliable cost estimate from a local builder before committing to full construction documents. As a general rule of thumb, most high-quality homes in New England fall between $300 and $600 per square foot, not including site work or utilities.

What kind of site works best for an ADU?

Every property has its quirks, but the most important factors are topography, drainage, sunlight, and utility access.

A level, well-drained site keeps foundation costs low.
Southern or western sun exposure improves passive solar performance and helps with energy efficiency.
The closer your build is to a public road and utilities, the less you’ll spend on trenching and site development.

If your site has steep slopes or ledge, your contractor may need to adjust the foundation design—something our team can help you plan for.

Can Dwelly help me evaluate land before I buy it?

Yes! We offer site consultation services to help you understand how your property—or the one you’re considering—fits with Dwelly’s ADU designs, local zoning, and your budget. Reach out through our email hello@studiodenden.com, and we’ll schedule a quick call to review your site.

Do I need a building permit?

Almost always, yes. Permitting requirements depend on your municipality, but we’ve included all the drawings and notes typically required for review in each Dwelly plan set.

We always recommend confirming local requirements with your building department and, if needed, engaging a local architect or engineer of record to ensure compliance with site-specific codes.

How long does it take to receive my drawings?

Planning Package: Instant download upon purchase.
Build Package: Instant download upon purchase. Call scheduled depending availability. Link to Call booking included in Build Package.

Can I build more than one Dwelly home with the same plan?

Each plan purchase licenses you to build one home. If you’d like to build additional units or use the plan for multiple sites, we offer discounted multi-build licenses—just email hello@studiodenden.com to discuss.

Are Dwelly plans stamped by an architect or engineer?

Our standard plans are not stamped, as requirements vary by jurisdiction. However, Dwelly is able to provide guidance if your local authority requires additional architectural review.

Do the plans include kitchen and bathroom layouts?

Yes! Each Dwelly plan includes detailed interior layouts for kitchens and bathrooms, with cabinetry based on standard modular sizes. You can source from IKEA, Semihandmade, or your local millworker—whatever fits your aesthetic and budget.

Are Dwelly plans code compliant?

All Dwelly designs are created to meet or exceed the International Residential Code (IRC) and energy performance standards typical of New England’s climate zones. However, every municipality has its own rules—so before building, you’ll need to:

Confirm zoning and building code requirements with your local department.
Engage a local professional if additional documentation or adjustments are required.

Does Dwelly build homes?

We don’t build directly, but we’re happy to recommend qualified contractors who are familiar with panelized and high-performance construction. We also collaborate with prefab manufacturers to make Dwelly’s ADU shells faster and more accessible to assemble.

Where is Dwelly based and where can I build one?

Dwelly is based in Rhode Island, and our plan sets are designed for New England climates—especially Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where new ADU legislation makes building easier than ever.

That said, our plans can be adapted anywhere in the U.S. with local engineering review.

How can I contact Dwelly?

We’d love to hear from you!