Backyard Cottages & Investment Suites

Washington’s new zoning laws (HB 1337) have unlocked potential across the Puget Sound. Whether you are in Kirkland, Seattle, or Tacoma, we handle the complex permitting to build custom DADUs, rental suites, and multi-generational homes.
Logo of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties with white text and house icons on a blue background.
Master Builders Association (MBA)
HB 1337 Compliant builder logo
HB 1337 COMPLIANT BUILDER
Blue rectangular sign with white outline of California state and location pin icon next to the text 'MULTI-COUNTY ZONING EXPERTS'.
MULTI-COUNTY ZONING EXPERTS
Blue rectangular sign with a white bar chart and dollar symbol showing upward growth, next to the text 'ROI FOCUSED DESIGN'.
ROI FOCUSED DESIGN

What is Your Goal?

arrow-growth icon

Passive Income & ROI

Maximize the new 'Two Units Per Lot' allowance. Build a high-yield rental DADU that pays your mortgage. We specialize in durable, tenant-proof finishes and separate utility metering.

Potential Rent
$1,800 - $2,500/mo
heart icon

Aging in Place & Dignity

Keep mom and dad close, but independent. We build single-story, accessible "Granny Flats" with universal design (curbless showers, wide doors) right in your garden.

Assisted Living Savings
~$6,000/mo

2025 Project Estimates

Project Type
Size (Approx)
Est. Investment Range*
Best For
Garage Conversion
300 - 500 sq ft
$70k - $180k
Home Office / Airbnb
Basement Suite (AADU)
500 - 800 sq ft
$90k - $200k
In-Law Suite
Detached Cottage (DADU)
600 - 1,000 sq ft
$180k - $400k
Rental / Aging Parents
Two-Story Family House
1,000+ sq ft
$390k - $580k
Max Family Space

*Estimates vary based on site conditions (slopes, utility variance), finish level, and jurisdiction. Book a Feasibility Study for an exact quote.

We Speak "Code" So You Don't Have To.

file-check icon

The HB 1337 Unlocked

Washington State now allows two ADUs per lot in urban growth areas. We know how to design site plans across the Puget Sound that maximize this density, whether it is two detached units or a combination of attached and detached, without triggering expensive variances.

location icon

Navigating Local Jurisdictions

From the hills of Bellevue to the residential zones of Tacoma, every building department has unique quirks. We have the experience to navigate permits across 20+ local jurisdictions.

building icon

The "Condo" Opportunity

Did you know you can now legally sell your DADU separately? In many Puget Sound jurisdictions, 'condo-ization' allows homeowners to turn a backyard cottage into a sellable asset while keeping their primary residence independent. We assist with the Unit Lot Subdivision process from start to finish.

A small wooden guest house with large glass sliding doors and warm interior lighting, next to a larger house during twilight.

The Custom Stick-Built Cottage

Built on-site to match your main home's architecture perfectly. Our DADUs offer 50-year durability and superior structural integrity compared to modular boxes. We specialize in custom floor plans that maximize natural light and flexible living spaces.

Modern studio room with beige bed, sofa, round wooden coffee table, and white kitchen cabinets under vaulted ceiling and large glass sliding doors showing greenery outside.

The Garage Conversion

The fastest path to ROI. We handle the complex "Change of Use" permits required to turn your cold, underutilized garage into a warm, legal, income-generating apartment or a high-end home office.

Elderly man using a walker walking down a hallway in a bright home with a living room on the left and a bedroom on the right.

The Accessible Multi-Gen Suite

A "Forever Home" in your backyard. We design with Universal Design principles featuring zero-step entries, 3-foot wide doorways, and reinforced medical-grade backing for luxury hardware. Ideal for aging parents or family members needing a safe, independent space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to upgrade my septic system?
  • Often, yes. King County typically requires septic capacity for 150 gallons per day per bedroom. We handle the engineering tests to confirm your system's limits.
How long does permitting take?
  • It varies by city. Auburn and Kent are currently faster than Seattle. We typically see 3-5 months for permits, and 4-6 months for construction.
Can you build Prefab?
  • Yes. While we specialize in custom stick-built for longevity, we can install high-quality prefab units if speed is your primary goal.

Our Clients Trust Us

See what they say:

Lets Get in Touch!

We will contact you immediately as soon as you book a call