Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in New Bedford, MA — Costs $84,740 to $494,317

What does accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction cost in New Bedford? Average $211,850, ranging $84,740–$494,317. Labor runs $45.44/hr locally — 41% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

New Bedford, MA Market

+41% vs national

Labor Rate

$45.44/hr

Material Index

131

Avg Permit Cost

$2,104

Median Home Price

$444,214

New Bedford is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 41% above the national average, New Bedford is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in New Bedford is valued at $444,214, putting this project at about 47.7% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 80% ROI.

Low Estimate

$84,740

National: $60,000

Mid-Range

$211,850

National: $150,000

High End

$494,317

National: $350,000

Per Sq Ft

$353

National: $250

Duration: 6-18 months
DIY: Hard
Permits: Required
ROI: 80%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction Cost Calculator for New Bedford

Adjusted for New Bedford's labor rate ($45.44/hr) and material costs (index 131).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in New Bedford

$211,850

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for New Bedford market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (50%)$105,925

At New Bedford's average rate of $45.44/hr (51% above national avg)

Materials (50%)$105,925

Material cost index 131 (31% above national baseline of 100)

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction vs. Home Value in New Bedford

MetricNew BedfordNational Avg
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction (Mid-Range)$211,850$150,000
Median Home Price$444,214$350,000
Project as % of Home Value47.7%42.9%
Estimated ROI80%80%
Median Household Income$111,078$75,000

What Affects the Price in New Bedford

  • 1Local labor rates ($45.44/hr in New Bedford)
  • 2Material cost index (131 vs national 100)
  • 3Attached vs detached
  • 4Size and bedroom count
  • 5Kitchen and bath quality
  • 6Local ADU regulations

Popular Upgrades

  • Full kitchen
  • Separate entrance
  • Solar panels for energy independence

Planning a Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in New Bedford

Building permits are typically required for a accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction in New Bedford. The average permit fee in this area is $2,104, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 6-18 months from start to finish.

A accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In New Bedford, skilled contractors charge an average of $45.44/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $111,078, many New Bedford residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $211,850 represents 191% of the typical household's annual income.

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