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ADU Builder in Exeter, NH

Accessory Dwelling Units Designed and Built for Exeter Homeowners - In-Law Suites, Garage Conversions, and Custom ADUs

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Accessory Dwelling Unit Construction in Exeter, NH

Exeter has long been one of the most sought-after towns on the Seacoast - strong public schools, a walkable downtown, and family-oriented neighborhoods that hold their value. But the same qualities that make Exeter desirable also make housing here expensive. More homeowners are turning to accessory dwelling units as a practical way to add space for aging parents, generate rental income, or give adult children an affordable foothold close to home.

Under New Hampshire's updated ADU law (HB 577, effective July 2025), Exeter must allow both attached and detached ADUs by right in every residential zone. No conditional use permits, no special exceptions - just a standard building permit and the right contractor. Bradford Construction Management is a licensed ADU contractor serving Exeter, NH and Rockingham County, bringing commercial-grade project management and daily jobsite documentation to every build.

We serve homeowners throughout the greater Exeter area, Stratham, Newfields, Brentwood, Kensington, East Kingston, and Hampton.

ADU Types We Build in Exeter, NH

Every lot is different, and so is every homeowner's situation. We evaluate your property, talk through your goals, and recommend the ADU type that fits your budget, timeline, and how you plan to use the space.

Detached Accessory Dwelling Units

A standalone structure on your property, completely separate from the main house. Maximum privacy for both homeowner and occupant. Under HB 577, detached ADUs are now allowed by right statewide - no special permits needed in Exeter.

Attached ADUs and In-Law Suites

An addition connected directly to your existing home. Ideal when lot size or budget favor building onto what's already there. We design private entrances, separate living areas, and full kitchens so the space works as a true independent unit.

Garage-to-ADU Conversions

Convert an existing garage or build living space above it. Often the most cost-effective path since the foundation and structure are already in place. NH law now allows conversions of existing structures even if they don't meet current setback requirements.

Basement Conversion ADUs

Turn underused basement space into a fully finished accessory dwelling unit. Basement ADUs maximize your existing footprint without changing the exterior of your home. We handle egress requirements, waterproofing, and mechanical systems.

Backyard Cottages and Studios

A smaller, purpose-built structure for a home office, guest house, or rental unit. Backyard cottages fit well on Exeter lots where a full detached ADU isn't needed but the homeowner wants flexible, independent space.

Why Exeter Homeowners Choose Bradford Construction Management

Most contractors build your project and move on. We built an entire service model around not doing that.

NH-Licensed General Contractor

Fully licensed and insured for residential construction in New Hampshire. MA HIC #201908. Comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation on every project.

Rockingham County Permit Expertise

We navigate Exeter's zoning board, planning department, and building inspections. One team manages all the paperwork from lot feasibility to certificate of occupancy.

Design-Build Under One Roof

No juggling separate architects, engineers, and contractors. One accountable team takes your project from concept through design, permitting, construction, and final inspection.

Transparent Pricing

Detailed scope and clear pricing before work begins. Every line item reviewed together. Change orders documented and approved before anything changes. Explore financing options.

Daily Photo Documentation

Every active jobsite is photographed every day. You see exactly what happened, what's next, and where your money went - without having to ask.

Lifetime Support via BHS

After the final walkthrough, we don't disappear. Bradford Home Services provides ongoing maintenance, small repairs, and warranty follow-through for the life of your project.

How We Build Your Exeter ADU - Step by Step

From the first property visit to handing you the keys, here's what working with Bradford looks like.

Free Property Assessment

We visit your Exeter property to evaluate ADU feasibility - lot size, setbacks, utility connections, and zoning classification. You leave with a clear picture of what's possible and a realistic budget range.

Custom Design and Permits

Our team designs your ADU and submits all permit applications to the Town of Exeter. We manage the paperwork, coordinate with the building department, and keep the timeline on track.

Licensed Construction

Our crews build on schedule with daily photo updates and regular progress communication. You'll have access to our project management platform so you always know what's happening on site.

Walkthrough and Certificate of Occupancy

We complete all final inspections and walk through the finished unit together before sign-off. Then Bradford Home Services is here for ongoing support.

ADU Pricing for Exeter, NH

Every ADU project is unique - pricing depends on size, configuration, site conditions, and finish selections. Our free ADU Lookbook includes detailed floor plans, exterior styles, and transparent pricing for every model we offer.

Exeter, NH ADU Zoning Rules and Permit Requirements

New Hampshire's ADU laws changed significantly in 2025. Here's what Exeter homeowners need to know before starting a project.

Under HB 577 (effective July 1, 2025), Exeter must allow one attached or detached accessory dwelling unit by right in every zone that permits single-family homes. No conditional use permits or special exceptions are required - just a standard building permit. This replaced the previous framework that only guaranteed attached ADUs.
Municipalities cannot restrict ADU size to less than 750 square feet. Maximum allowable size is 950 square feet unless Exeter authorizes a larger unit. This applies to total living space including kitchen, bath, and sleeping areas.
Under the updated law, ADUs follow the same setback, lot size, and dimensional requirements as the primary dwelling. Exeter cannot impose additional restrictions on a property simply because it includes an ADU. This is a significant change from previous rules.
Existing structures, including detached garages that don't meet current setback or lot coverage requirements, can be converted to ADUs without zoning relief. This opens up options for many older Exeter properties with existing garages or outbuildings.
Exeter may require that the property owner live in either the primary dwelling or the ADU, but cannot dictate which unit the owner must occupy. ADUs may be rented as independent dwelling units. Short-term rental rules may be subject to additional local ordinances - confirm with the Town of Exeter before listing on platforms like Airbnb.
Building permits are required for all ADU construction in Exeter. The ADU use must be recorded by deed addendum at the Registry of Deeds, and the lot cannot be converted to a condominium or separate ownership. Bradford Construction Management manages the full permitting process on behalf of our clients. Reach out for a free consultation.

Exeter may have additional local requirements beyond state minimums. We verify current zoning details with the Town of Exeter before every project.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★
Luke R.

Bradford Construction was phenomenal on our multi-stage, 10-month complete rebuild. Rick and the whole crew surpassed any expectations we had going into the project.

★★★★★
Michael J.

Excellent customer service and quality work throughout project. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Jon A.

Rick and his team did a great job on our home. Communication was solid throughout, we always knew what was happening and when. Quality of work is excellent. Would definitely recommend.

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Frequently Asked Questions - ADUs in Exeter, NH

Yes. Under New Hampshire's updated ADU law (HB 577, effective July 1, 2025), all municipalities including Exeter must allow one attached or detached ADU by right in residential zones that permit single-family homes. No conditional use permit or special exception is required. Local size and design standards apply.
ADU costs depend on the type, size, site conditions, and finish selections. Our ADU page includes detailed pricing for each model we build. You'll receive detailed, transparent pricing as part of your initial project quote. Contact us for a free estimate.
Yes - all ADU construction in Exeter requires building permits from the Town of Exeter Building Department. The good news is that ADUs are now permitted by right, so no special hearings or conditional use processes are needed. Bradford Construction Management manages the complete permit application process for our clients.
Exeter permits detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, basement conversions, and in-law suite additions. Each type has different design considerations and cost ranges. We evaluate your property and recommend the option that makes the most sense for your lot, budget, and goals.
Timelines vary by project scope. Garage conversions typically take 3 to 5 months from permit approval to completion. New detached ADUs generally run 6 to 10 months. The design and permitting phase adds 2 to 4 months before construction begins. We use commercial-grade project management tools and daily documentation to keep projects on schedule.
Yes, ADUs in Exeter may be rented as independent dwelling units. Short-term rental rules (such as Airbnb) may be subject to additional local ordinances. We recommend confirming current short-term rental regulations with the Town of Exeter before listing. Long-term rentals are permitted and represent a strong income opportunity in the Seacoast market.
Unlike most contractors who disappear after the final payment, Bradford Construction Management provides ongoing support through our sister company, Bradford Home Services. This includes seasonal maintenance, small repairs, warranty follow-through, and system check-ups for the life of your ADU. We're the contractor who never leaves.

Serving Exeter and Surrounding Rockingham County Communities

Bradford Construction Management builds accessory dwelling units throughout Exeter and the surrounding towns of Rockingham County.

Exeter, NH Stratham, NH Newfields, NH Brentwood, NH Kensington, NH East Kingston, NH Hampton, NH Hampton Falls, NH Raymond, NH Epping, NH

We also build ADUs in Portsmouth, NH, Andover, MA, Newburyport, MA, Ipswich, MA, and across the Merrimack Valley and North Shore. Visit our Exeter page for the latest project updates.

Start Your Exeter, NH ADU Project - Get a Free Estimate

Ready to add an accessory dwelling unit to your Exeter property? Whether you're exploring the idea or ready to break ground, we'll walk you through every step - from feasibility and design through permitting, construction, and ongoing support. One team, one point of contact, start to finish.