What is an ADU?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are dwellings accessory to and sharing a lot with a primary residence. Accessory dwelling units are either attached (AADUs) or detached (DADUs) from the primary residence.
Planning an ADU? First step, determining your goals for the ADU.
What are your goals for building an ADU? The use or uses of the ADU will dictate many aspects of the ADU from size and location level of finish and budget. ADUs have many potential uses from rental income to housing a family member to the sale as a condominium. These uses will likely change over time and it is important to consider this when planning. It is common for people to use an ADU as a short term rental for a time to help recap the construction costs before converting it to a long term rental or moving in themselves.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Seattle? And how to establish a budget for your DADU?
How do I establish a realistic budget for my DADU? Building a detached ADU represents a significant investment. A good first question to ask when deciding if adding an ADU is a wise investment is, how will I establish a budget for the DADU? While it may be hard to put a value on how a well designed home makes you feel or the value of having a family member living nearby, some qualities are easier to asses. If that family member is an aging parent who would otherwise be living in an assisted living facility, it is relatively easy to look at the costs of local facilities. Many people plan to use their cottages to generate rental income or for sale. In these cases, a careful consideration of the rents and sales prices in your area and anticipated costs can help you establish a budget range. Having established a realistic budget based on your needs and values will guide the many decisions that make up the design process.
Does building an ADU make sense? How do I determine if it does?
Design goals, site conditions, zoning codes and construction budgets. At one2adu we can help you get the information you need to make informed decisions before you start your project. And then we continue throughout the design permitting and construction process so that you get the best value for your DADU budget. We will help evaluate your options from pre-approved plans to semi-custom design, and custom design.
Can I build a DADU on my property?
If you live in Seattle the answer is most likely yes. Seattle has some of the most permissive ADU regulations in the country.
How do I save money building a DADU?
The simple answer is by making good design decisions taking careful consideration of your budget, your goals, and your property and local regulations. The best way to avoid costly mistakes is to hire one2adu at the beginning of the planning process.
Can I build a DADU myself?
Yes, you can act as a general contractor for your own DADU project and many of our clients do. These folks range from homeowners building one DADU in their backyards to large developers building multiple units.
Common DADU regulations in Seattle.
We helped shape the Seattle rules around ADUs. We use our extensive experience to guide homeowners and builders by evaluating the potential and limitations of their properties before they start their projects.
We pay special attention to constraints that are most likely to make building a DADU cost prohibitive or not possible at all. City rules concerning lot coverage, environmentally critical areas, tree protection and drainage or other utility considerations all impact DADUs. Fortunately, we can assist our clients understand these regulations and how they impact the potential for their property during their initial consult.
How big can a DADU be?
In Seattle both AADUs and DADUs can be 1,000 sq. ft. In size. The specific regulations vary by zone.
How many ADUs are allowed?
In Seattle up to two attached ADUs or one attached ADU and one detached ADU are allowed in addition to the primary residence on a NR zoned property.
Is owner occupancy required for ADUs in Seattle?
No, ownership is not required for ADUs in Seattle. Prior to recent code changes to encourage the construction of more ADUs, the property owner was required to live in either the ADU or the primary residence.
Does Seattle charge impact fees for ADUs?
No, Seattle does not charge impact fees for the addition of an ADU to a property. The county does levy a sewer impact fee for new ADUs of around $6,500.
How will Washington State wide ADU legislation affect my Project?
Yes, but we won’t know exactly how until Seattle updates their land-use code.
Can I sell my DADU separately?
Yes, you can sell your DADU separately from the primary residence. In NR zones DADUs can be sold separately using a condominium agreement.
How Can I Finance My ADU?
We can offer our clients referrals to local lenders.
These are the most common ways people pay for the construction of an ADU.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or Home Equity Loan: If you have equity in your home, you can use that as collateral to borrow money against it and finance the construction of your ADU.
Cash-Out Refinance: This option allows you to refinance your existing mortgage and take out a larger loan to cover the cost of building an ADU.
Construction Loan: This type of loan is specifically designed for financing construction projects and can be used to build an ADU. The interest rate and fees for a construction loan are higher than for a loan based on home equity. Typically the term for construction loans is short. Some lenders provide construction loans that can be rolled into long term fixed rate loans.
Cash: Using cash provides the most flexibility.
What can I build and how much will it cost? We have been assisting our clients to objectively answer these questions about ADUs and guiding them through the process of designing and permitting of ADUs since 2009.
About one2adu
One2adu is a collaborative of accessory dwelling unit (DADU) design and permitting specialists. We offer a one stop shop for planning, design, and permitting of ADUs in the Seattle area. With hundreds of units completed we can efficiently guide you through the process of planning and building your ADU. Our streamlined process helps our clients realize the full potential of their properties and while saving time and money.