DADU Workshop - July 15th

Thinking about the long-term use of a home and designing for flexibility is an important part of preparing for an uncertain future. DADUs allow people more flexibility to accommodate a growing family, changing work requirements, and to provide supplemental rental income. DADUs also provide valuable small housing stock in desirable neighborhoods.

Do you want to learn more about DADUs and meet others (virtually) thinking about building a DADU? Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn about what is possible in this unique webinar sponsored by the Phinney Neighborhood Center. In this workshop we will answer questions for people planning to build a backyard cottage, including explanations of what is possible given the new zoning rules. We will also discuss budget ranges for recently completed DADUs and financing options along with case studies.

Register:  Register

Date: Thursday July 15th

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: $20 Suggested donation to the PNA

Location: Online

DADU TOUR - SUNDAY, JULY 11TH (2:00 TO 5:00 PM)

Join us a we resume DADU tours.  The 1st cottage we are hosting is a recently completed  2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath on Capitol Hill.  The owner's built this DADU as part of a family compound. Their next adventure is a complete remodel of the main house to add an additional floor and an ADU. In the near term the DADU will be rented out and the owner's are accepting applications. 

What: DADU open house

When: Sunday, July 11th (2-5 pm)

Where: 2419 E Aloha St, Seattle

The new DADU is located behind the main house and entered via a temporary walkway on the right side of the house. Bring a mask. The DADU is small and the number of people inside will be limited. For rental info and applications contact the owner at 206.551.3390.

DADU Workshop - March 10th

Thinking about the long-term use of a home and designing for flexibility is an important part of preparing for an uncertain future. DADUs allow people more flexibility to accommodate a growing family, changing work requirements, and to provide supplemental rental income. DADUs also provide valuable small housing stock in desirable neighborhoods.

Do you want to learn more about DADUs and meet others (virtually) thinking about building a DADU? Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn about what is possible in this unique webinar sponsored by the Phinney Neighborhood Center. In this workshop we will answer questions for people planning to build a backyard cottage, including explanations of what is possible given the new zoning rules. We will also discuss budget ranges for recently completed DADUs and financing options along with case studies.

RSVP to hold your place.

Date: Wednesday, March 10th

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Suggested Donation

Location: Online

Happy New Year!

To a safe holiday season and to harnessing your imagination in the new year.

mazama cabin 1,300 sq. ft. 2 bed 2 bath.

BALLARD DADU ON HOUZZ

THIS BALLARD DADU WAS #2 ON THE LIST OF MOST POPULAR HOUZZ TOURS OF 2020

DADU’s are trending in 2020

We will write more about trends for 2020 and our projections for 2021. It will not be a surprise to know that DADUs are more popular than ever. More people are building DADUs to house a family member, to add space to their family compounds, and as rentals.

To read the story

More photos

DADU workshop today - November 19th

Wondering can I build a DADU on my property? Join Bruce Parker founder of microhouse and Stefan Hansmire of Hansmire Builders to learn what is possible and how to establish a realistic budget for your DADU. We will cover the basics of the Seattle land use code as it pertains to DADUs and have time at the end to answer questions about how they might apply to your specific project.

Time: Thursday 11/19 at 7:00 pm
Location: Online
Suggested donation $20 PNA members, $30 general public.
All proceeds support the Phinney Neighborhood Association

Register

SEATTLE DADU WORKSHOP THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 7:00 PM

backyard cottages for fun and profit

DADU’s can be used for many things, including housing a family member, a short term rental, a home office, or all of these things at different times. Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn about what is possible and how to budget for a DADU.

Time: Thursday 11/19 at 7:00 pm
Location: Online
Suggested donation $20 PNA members, $30 general public.
All proceeds support the Phinney Neighborhood Association

Register

SEATTLE DADU WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH 7:00 PM

Thinking about the long-term use of a home and designing for flexibility is an important part of preparing for an uncertain future. DADUs allow people more flexibility to accommodate a growing family, changing work requirements, and to provide supplemental rental income. DADUs also provide valuable small housing stock in desirable neighborhoods.

Do you want to learn more about DADUs and meet others (virtually) thinking about building a DADU? Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn about what is possible in this unique webinar sponsored by Sustainable Ballard. In this workshop we will answer questions for people planning to build a backyard cottage, including explanations of what is possible given the new zoning rules. We will also discuss budget ranges for recently completed backyard cottages and financing options along with case studies.

Donations for Sustainable Ballard will be accepted.

Date: Wednesday September 30th

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Suggested Donation

Location: Online

Register:

MADISON VALLEY DADU FEATURED IN SEATTLE MET

Patti and Austin’s backyard cottage

Read the story

Ballard DADU featured in the Houzz

A Homeowner Loved His New ADU So Much He Moved In

read the story

SEATTLE DADU WORKSHOP TODAY 7:00 PM

Thinking about the long-term use of a home and designing for flexibility is an important part of preparing for an uncertain future. DADUs allow people more flexibility to accommodate a growing family, changing work requirements, and to provide supplemental rental income. DADUs also provide valuable small housing stock in desirable neighborhoods.

Do you want to learn more about DADUs and meet others (virtually) thinking about building a DADU? Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn about what is possible in this unique webinar sponsored by Sustainable Ballard. In this workshop we will answer questions for people planning to build a backyard cottage, including explanations of what is possible given the new zoning rules. We will also discuss budget ranges for recently completed backyard cottages and financing options along with case studies.

Donations for Sustainable Ballard will be accepted.

Date: Tuesday June 30th

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Suggested Donation

Location: Online

Register Here

Tiny House Podcast - Talking DADU's with microhouse's Bruce Parker

DADU podcast

As members of the tiny house community struggle to legalize tiny house around the country, many cities are already making it easier to build smaller homes in the back yards of existing houses. Bruce Parker is the founder and lead designer of MicroHouse, a company that designs backyard cottages and small houses in Seattle, Washington. These can take multiple forms, but are usually referred to as ADU's or DADU’s in Seattle. Bruce is here to tell us about what it takes to build a DADU in Seattle. Warning: the sticker shock may be… well.. shocking. Plus, we'll talk what design elements and choices lend themselves to a beautiful and functional small space.

DADU workshop Thursday 4/23 at 7:00 pm

Our DADU workshop scheduled for this Thursday has been moved online. Sign up for more information and updates.

backyard cottages for fun and profit

Backyard cottages can be used for many things, including housing a family member, a short term rental, a home office, or all of these things. Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn about what is possible and what is going on with the industry right now.

Time: Thursday 4/23 at 7:00 pm
Location: Online
Suggested donation $20 PNA members, $30 general public. All proceeds support the Phinney Neighborhood Association

DADUs - Resiliency and Planning

Thinking about the long-term use of a home and designing for flexibility is an important part of preparing for an uncertain future. Adding a DADU or ADU to an existing home is an important consideration. ADUs allow people more flexibility to accommodate a growing family, changing work requirements, and to provide supplemental rental income.

Building a DADU starts with planning and we are here to help

The first questions we usually answer for people planning to build a backyard cottage are about feasibility, cost, and design which are all interrelated. A preliminary site assessment, which we can do over the phone or via email, is the first part. At that time, we can discuss budget ranges for recently completed backyard cottages.

To get started, contact us with your address and the goals for your cottage. We’ll be in touch a schedule a phone meeting from there. 

DADU open house Sunday March 15th - postponed

Our next backyard cottage open house at 2433 1st Ave N has been postponed indefinitely for health concerns. We will be posting a video walk through soon.  

About the DADU: This cottage features a lower level office with separate entrance and a garage, with a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit above.  The DADU is 800 sq. ft. total in size. 

Photos and video coming soon.

Upcoming Workshop Thursday April 23rd from 7-9:00 pm

Backyard Cottages for Fun and Profit

Backyard cottages can be used for many things, including housing a family member or as a short term rental. Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Stefan Hansmire Builds to learn what is possible and how to establish a realistic budget for your cottage.

Location: Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 3
Cost $20 PNA members, $30 general public. All proceeds support the Phinney Neighborhood Association

DADU workshop Register

SEATTLE DADUs - TOP TRENDS FOR 2020

2019 brought sweeping new code changes to Seattle's Backyard Cottage/DADUs. Here's what we are expecting to see more of in 2020.

1. Family Sized 

Seattle’s newly adopted land-use code now allows cottages to be taller and larger – up to 1,000 sq. ft. in size. With this extra space many new cottages are being designed and built with 2 or even 3 bedrooms. Up until now, most cottages were designed for aging parents or as rentals to accommodate an individual or couple. These new larger cottages are often being designed for families with children — such as a 900 sq. ft. cottage we are designing in Ballard for a family of five and a 1,000 sq. ft. cottage for a family of four. In both cases the owners will move into the new cottages with their families and rent out the existing primary residence.

2. Extra Units

The new code now allows a DADU and an ADU.  (previously only

one or the other was allowed). Many people who have existing ADUs are exploring the option of adding DADU to their properties.  There are limitations with the new rules to keep in mind. Adding a 2nd ADU to an existing single family residence will likely trigger extensive building code driven upgrades, including adding sprinklers to the entire structure.  If the new second unit is a DADU the DADU will need to meet green building standards or made affordable to and reserved solely for "income-eligible" households for a period of 50 years.

3. Maximizing the value of your property

With housing prices and rents in Seattle still at all-time highs, many people including building developers are seeking to unleash the potential of their back yards.  For example, one developer is planning to add DADUs to their entire portfolio of existing rental properties. This is possible now that owner occupancy is no longer required. 

Builders of new residences are also adding DADUs and AADUs.  We are currently working on one project where the existing residence is being remodeled and an ADU added. The existing lot is then being divided and a new residence, with an AADU and DADU, is being built on the newly created lot.  This development is taking advantage of an over sized lot to create density in a desirable neighborhood while preserving and updating the existing historic home.

4. Going Condo

The use of condominium agreements to sell the primary residence and the DADU separately is probably the biggest trend of 2019 and will only continue.  While creating a DADU adds value to a property as a whole,  an even higher value can be obtained by selling the primary residence and the DADU separately.

5. Building Value

Building a DADU is a significant long term investment. Designing to achieve the maximum potential for the individual lot in light of zoning restrictions and the unique goals of their owners is and will continue to be the best way to achieve the highest value for this investment. Assisting to prioritize goals and achieve potential is in light of code restrictions and construction cost trade-offs is a challenge we enjoy and that we look forward to continuing in 2020. 

LAURELHURST DADU - SERENITY ACHIEVED AFTER HEAVY LIFTING

This 575 sq ft backyard cottage features a green roof, open web trusses, a compact kitchen, and a bedroom below.  

Our overarching goal in designing cottages is to create spaces that are inviting to live in. Here that goal was achieved in no small part by the use of natural light and complementary finishes. The plan itself in many ways is a quite simple 14ft x 28ft box. Modifications of that box to take advantage of its surroundings make it live large.  

The serene exterior of this DADU illustrates one of our favorite design principles. Difficult sites often have the greatest potential. This cottage is located on a steeply sloping environmentally critical area (ECA) site. The fist challenge was that the buildable area is located below and behind the main house and the only access was via a narrow concrete stairway. However, the little used yard nestled in among mature trees was the best and only possible location for the cottage.  

Protecting the view for the primary residence was another challenge. To achieve this we flipped the plan with the main living space on the ground floor and placed the bedroom below and accessed via a ships ladder. The bedroom itself features a sliding glass door and abundant natural light. To increase the sense of openness and add warmth we utilized exposed joists for the ceiling. We also used this technique upstairs which features open web trusses. The cottage itself is quite small but feels larger in part because of the aforementioned trusses but also the abundant use of windows which allowed us to "bring the outside in". Here we benefited from the mature trees and integrated landscaping. The site design and retaining walls were shaped by the need to keep as much of the excavated earth on site as possible. Soil removal had to be done by hand, often in buckets, up a narrow stair and carried to the street.

This 575 sq ft backyard cottage features a green roof, open web trusses, a compact kitchen, and a ship’s ladder to the bedroom below (also accessible via stairs from outside). The primary view of the cottage from the main house was from above. We used a green roof for environmental reasons and to provide an attractive vista.

The use of open web trusses allowed us to create a light and airy space while providing the required support the weight of the green roof.

The sloping site allowed us to locate a daylight bedroom in the basement. The lower level basement is accessed via a ships ladder.

The daylight basement room is cozy and light filled.

The limited access meant that large equipment could not access the site. As a result, all excavation had to be done by hand and excess soil was removed in buckets.

DADU NEW CODE WORKSHOP - THURSDAY NOV. 21ST.

Can you build a DADU? The rules for backyard cottages have been radically changed. Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn what is possible under the new code and how to establish a realistic budget for your cottage.

Please Join us on November 21st at the PNA. Space is limited, RSVP here.

Thursday November 21st,  7:00 pm.  

Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association

6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

what is a DADU worth? more than you might think

Choosing to build a backyard cottage is an important long term decision. A good first question to ask when making that decision is how will I establish a budget for the cottage? 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. For others building a new cottage may be less expensive than remodeling their existing house to more closely meet their needs. For example, new cottages can incorporate universal design components to assist those with mobility impairments.

Many people plan to use their cottages to generate rental income. In this case, a careful consideration of the rents in your area and anticipated costs can help you establish a budget range. And increasingly people are using condominium agreements to sell DADUs separately from the primary residence. These are five recent condominium sales of DADUs in Seattle.
https://www.redfin.com/WA/Seattle/11040-1st-Ave-NW-98177/unit-B/home/168914668
https://www.redfin.com/WA/Seattle/4536-Eastern-Ave-N-98103/unit-B/home/160472609
https://www.redfin.com/WA/Seattle/8511-2nd-Ave-NE-98115/unit-B/home/168660388
https://www.redfin.com/WA/Seattle/3202-NW-70th-St-98117/unit-2/home/168674693 (The primary residence sold as well)
https://www.redfin.com/WA/Seattle/538-B-NE-92nd-St-98115/home/169451063

In the past real estate appraisers have struggled with how to value backyard cottages and other ADU's primarily because there were simply not enough comparable sales to serve as a guide. With the sales of DADUs as condominiums and the sale of houses with houses becoming more common that task is getting easier.