One, two, three. It only takes three small steps, a pull on the door handle and a new “dweller” walks through the door to a new home — an accessory dwelling unit.   

Stepping through the door of an ADU feels like entering a tiny, perfectly curated world — like a scene from a social media post of a popular tiny house. The rooms are compact but pristine, almost untouched. A bed is made to perfection, accented by teal hues that match the trim and roof of the home. A teal lamp sits neatly on a corner table, contributing to the quixotic feel of the bedroom.  

This particular ADU was built by Frank DiMauro, a retired architectural design-build firm owner on a mission to change how ADUs are viewed — and used — in Rhode Island. 

“Everyone is asking me about ADUs,” DiMauro said. “I’m dedicating my time to reducing the cost of affordable, attainable ADU housing while increasing its sustainability and energy efficiency,” he said, of his time in retirement.

DiMauro, who is concerned about Rhode Island’s housing future, sees ADUs as part of the solution to the state’s housing challenges. “I just completed building a studio on my property to show it’s possible,” he said. “It saved about 12 percent of the overall cost while surpassing national energy codes. I want to share this knowledge with the public. It’s the future of building construction,” he said.

Changes in legislation 

Up until 2024, building an ADU in Rhode Island involved numerous restrictions. However, in June 2024, new regulations made it easier for homeowners. Restrictions on who can live in an ADU were lifted, allowing homeowners to rent to anyone they choose, not just family members. Additionally, the requirement for a specific ADU permit was replaced with a standard building permit. 

These changes have sparked plenty of questions. Edward Tanner, principal planner and zoning enforcement officer in Bristol, said, “Every day, I get at least one call about ADUs.” One point of confusion, according to Tanner, is the misconception that anyone can build an ADU like the one DiMauro created — a separate unit from the main house. Tanner clears this up by asking callers a simple question: “Do you have 20,000 square feet of land for a separate building?” He explained, “Most people in Bristol don’t.”

What is an accessory dwelling unit? 

According to Tanner, the new legislation passed in June provides clearer definitions and regulations, standardizing ADU rules across the state. Now, ADUs must be attached to an existing structure unless the homeowner has at least 20,000 square feet of land to build a separate unit. 

One obstacle to ADU growth, Tanner noted, is resistance from communities that fear a change in their neighborhood’s aesthetic. “The idea that more dwelling units are bad comes from people wanting their neighborhoods to stay the same,” he explained. “People are concerned about overcrowding and the overall look of the area,” he went on to say.

DiMauro understands these concerns as well. “The fear is that affordable housing will bring in the wrong people,” he said. “But affordable housing is now for people like police officers, firefighters, and town hall workers — people who contribute to the community and need housing,” he commented. DiMauro is committed to building ADUs that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, more fire-resistant and aesthetically pleasing. “This is about providing first-time homebuyers with more options,” DiMauro said.

While he believes ADUs like his should be available to more people, he acknowledges the issue of land restrictions and hopes those regulations will also change.

Tanner also highlighted a complication. If someone tries to convert an existing structure, like a garage, into an ADU, zoning laws can become problematic. “If you need to tear down the garage and rebuild, it no longer counts as an ‘existing building,’ ” Tanner said. 

The future of housing

Inside DiMauro’s ADU, a lofted second bedroom is accessible by a ladder, while a small table that has a checkers board painted onto it sits with two chairs overlooking the living room that comes with a full size sofa —  that same teal color dominating a floral pattern. The kitchen, though compact, is fully equipped with all the amenities found in larger homes.

With fewer barriers to building ADUs and a growing demand for affordable housing, DiMauro hopes these small but functional units will become a more common sight in the Ocean State. “It’s the future of housing in Rhode Island,” he said.

He also pointed out that it isn’t homeowners with larger properties who oppose ADUs. In fact, many of them support the idea, envisioning ADUs as a way for their children to eventually take over the family home while they downsize and live in an ADU on the same property.