ADUs & SECONDARY LIVING SPACES
An accessory dwelling unit is a small home, not an oversized spare room. It needs thoughtful circulation, storage, daylight, privacy, utilities, durability, and code compliance within a compact footprint.
Prestige Home Services builds and renovates ADUs and secondary living spaces in Northwest Washington, including detached structures, converted areas, and substantial interior build-outs where the property and jurisdiction allow them.
Confirm Feasibility Before Designing Finishes
Zoning, setbacks, parking, lot coverage, access, utilities, septic or sewer capacity, fire separation, and building-code requirements can determine what is possible. These questions should be addressed before the owner invests heavily in a layout or finish package.
The path differs for a detached ADU, garage conversion, basement unit, or addition. Existing structures may require upgrades to foundations, framing, insulation, windows, egress, ventilation, or fire-resistance.
Make a Compact Plan Live Larger
Successful ADUs use circulation and storage efficiently. Kitchen work zones, laundry, mechanical equipment, closets, bathroom clearances, furniture placement, and outdoor access should be planned together. Natural light and privacy are especially important when the unit sits close to the primary home.
Built-ins, carefully sized cabinetry, pocket or swing-door strategies, and multi-use spaces can improve function without relying on gimmicks.
Coordinate Utilities and Building Systems
Electrical service, water, sewer or septic, heating, ventilation, hot water, and metering affect cost and feasibility. Detached work adds trenching and site restoration; conversions may reveal capacity or routing limits in the existing building.
- Planning and permit coordination appropriate to the jurisdiction
- Foundation, framing, insulation, windows, egress, and fire separation
- Compact kitchen, bathroom, laundry, storage, and mechanical planning
- Durable flooring, cabinetry, counters, trim, and easy-maintenance finishes
- Site access, utilities, drainage, exterior work, and owner privacy
Build for Long-Term Use
An ADU may serve family, guests, rental occupants, or future caregivers over time. Durable materials, practical storage, comfortable access, sound control, maintainable systems, and a clear relationship to the primary home make the investment more adaptable.
What We Review for an ADU Project
- Property, jurisdiction, zoning, setbacks, parking, utilities, and site access
- Existing structure, foundation, framing, egress, insulation, and fire separation
- Layout, privacy, storage, accessibility, daylight, and outdoor connection
- Kitchen, bathroom, laundry, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing needs
- Design, engineering, permits, selections, schedule, and budget priorities
ADU Questions
Can every property add an ADU?
No. Local rules, lot conditions, utilities, septic or sewer, access, and existing development all affect feasibility. The property must be evaluated.
Is converting a garage always cheaper than building new?
Not always. Foundation, slab, moisture, insulation, ceiling height, egress, fire separation, utilities, and replacement parking can make conversions more involved than expected.
Can an ADU be designed for aging family members?
Yes. Door widths, thresholds, bathroom clearances, shower design, circulation, lighting, and future support needs can be considered from the beginning.
Treat the ADU as a Complete Home
Prestige helps owners move from feasibility and layout through coordinated construction and durable residential finishes.
Related services: Additions and Structural Renovations · Cabinetry and Built-Ins · Whole-Home Remodeling