Find the Perfect Blueprint for Your ADU
Browse free municipality-approved blueprints, or shop premium architect-designed plans from our vetted partners. Purchase, download, and start building.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island have both passed landmark ADU legislation. Below you'll find free, publicly available ADU blueprints and design resources sourced directly from state programs, municipalities, and planning councils.
MAPC Model ADU — Studio / 1-Bed Detached
Model plan from MAPC's ADU design resources. Designed for by-right compliance under the new state law.
View at MAPC →
MassCEC — MyMassADU Resource Center
The Commonwealth's official ADU resource center. Enter your address to preview an ADU on your lot, review financing options, and follow the pre-development steps.
Open MyMassADU →
MHP ADU Resource Kit — Starter Plans
Massachusetts Housing Partnership resource kit with starter ADU floor plan concepts and compliance checklists.
View Resources →The State's Award-Winning ADU Designs — Free to Download
The Healey-Driscoll Administration's statewide design challenge drew more than 100 submissions from designers across nearly 50 municipalities. An independent jury of eight architects, builders, planners, and housing professionals selected eight winners. Every full design package — posters, scaled floor plans, elevations, and wall sections — is publicly available at no cost. The links below open the official submissions hosted on Mass.gov.
1st PlaceFabricated Module, Local Dwelling: A New England ADU
2nd PlaceEco Gable
3rd PlaceGood Fences, Good Neighbors
What's in each design package — and what to know
Each download generally includes a cover sheet with designer contact information, multi-page concept posters, a scaled floor plan, exterior elevations, and a wall section from foundation to roofline. The challenge focused on detached ADUs up to 900 SF, since detached designs depend less on site-specific conditions.
These are professionally drafted starting points, not site-specific construction documents. Information was provided by the designers and has not been independently verified by the Commonwealth. Before building, every plan needs adaptation by a licensed architect or engineer for your lot, soil, utilities, and local code, and must clear municipal permitting. Downloads are governed by the Commonwealth's ADU Designs User Agreement.
The ADU Exchange does not build ADUs, pull permits, or perform construction. We connect homeowners with the professionals, tools, and resources to move a project forward.
Rhode Island ADU Law — Statewide Legislation
Rhode Island passed statewide ADU legislation in 2024 requiring municipalities to allow ADUs by right, with both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom allowances.
Providence ADU Guide — Illustrated Configs
Providence's comprehensive public ADU guide with illustrated configurations and zoning requirements.
View Providence Guide →RIHousing — ADU Planning Resources
RIHousing ADU resources including eligible configurations for FHA 203(k) financing.
View at RIHousing →AARP Rhode Island — ABCs of ADUs
AARP RI's comprehensive ADU guide with design concepts and permitting guidance for homeowners.
View AARP Guide →Official Rhode Island ADU Resources
Architect-Designed ADU Plans — Coming Soon
Premium, permit-ready blueprints from vetted architectural partners are on the way. Preview the collection below — these plans aren't available for purchase yet. Request a consultation to be first in line when they launch.
The Cape Cottage — 650 SF Detached
Classic New England shingle-style detached ADU with open living, full kitchen, and covered entry. Designed for coastal and suburban lots.
What's Included
The Garage Flip — 2-Car Conversion
Turn your 2-car garage into a modern living space. Engineered for common New England garage footprints with full kitchen and ADA-friendly bath option.
What's Included
The Basement Suite — Below-Grade 1-Bed
Purpose-built basement ADU plan with egress windows, moisture management specs, separate entrance design, and full independent living layout.
What's Included
The Modern Flat — 900 SF Detached
Maximizes the 900 SF by-right limit with a modern open floor plan, two bedrooms, and energy-efficient design specifications for New England climate.
What's Included
The Attic Loft — Above-Grade Conversion
Attic-to-ADU conversion with dormer additions, knee wall optimization, separate stair entrance, and vaulted ceiling living area.
What's Included
The Addition Wing — Attached 1-Bed
Side-addition ADU that connects to your primary home while maintaining a fully independent entrance, kitchen, and living space.
What's Included
Sell Your Designs on The ADU Exchange
Reach thousands of homeowners actively planning ADU builds across New England. You set the price — we bring the buyers and handle everything.
You Set Your Price
Price your blueprints however you want. We handle payment processing, secure file delivery, and customer support. You focus on designing.
We Bring the Buyers
The ADU Exchange drives homeowner traffic through our marketplace ecosystem — homeowner central, trades portal, social, email, and partner referrals.
Passive Revenue Stream
Upload once, sell forever. Every time a homeowner purchases your design, you earn 80% automatically. No invoicing, no chasing payments.
Consultation Leads
Homeowners can request a direct design consultation with you through your listing. Get paid for the blueprint AND land custom design work.
Build Your Reputation
Your firm name, logo, and ratings appear on every listing. As reviews build, you become the go-to ADU architect in New England.
Compliance Support
Our team helps ensure your designs align with Massachusetts and Rhode Island ADU regulations so buyers can move confidently to permitting.
Start Selling Your ADU Designs Today
Apply to become an ADU Exchange Design Partner. Once approved, upload your plans, set your prices, and start earning.
Apply to Be a Design Partner →What to Know About ADU Blueprints
Size Matters — Know Your Limits
In Massachusetts, by-right ADUs must be under 900 SF or 50% of the primary dwelling. In Rhode Island, 1-bed units max at 900 SF and 2-bed at 1,200 SF (or 60%). Always confirm with your municipality.
Free Plans Are Starting Points
Municipality-supplied blueprints are excellent references. Most need adaptation by a licensed architect to meet your specific lot, soil, and local code requirements before permitting.
Permit-Ready vs. Conceptual
Partner designs include construction drawings, MEP plans, and specifications needed for a building permit. Free public plans are typically conceptual and require professional adaptation.
Match the Plan to Your ADU Type
Detached, garage conversion, basement, attic, or addition — each has unique structural requirements. Choose the right type from the start.
Have a Blueprint? Let's Build It.
Once you've found the right plan, The ADU Exchange connects you with a Master Certified GC to bring it to life.