JUNE 27, 2025
Issue 6
Q: I know this is just the first question from a client but I expect there will be a number to follow. I am just dipping my toes into ADU land and definitely want to develop expertise and local resources. But the question is, where do I begin? I want to be a good resource for my clients, so educating ME is the first step. What do you suggest?
A. Great question! I have a several great ideas for you to begin to get the lay of the land. This is assuming you already know the ins and outs of HB 1337 (if not, that would be my first recommendation - learn about the state parameters as those rules will apply to most cities and UGAs in Washington State. The course linked above is a good option to learn more). Then I suggest that you learn WHEN the new laws will take effect in your localities if they haven't already by looking up your county's Comprehensive Plan due date. Each City and County planning under the Growth Management Act must update their Comprehensive Plans which are due between 2024 and 2027. Learn more here. The new ADU laws go into effect no more than 6 months after the Comprehensive Plan due date.
Once you have done that, then it is time to learn more about the players and options in your local market. Even if your area isn't expected to implement ADU rules until 2028 (this will be the case for less-populated counties), you can start to build relationships now that will help you when that moment arrives.
STEP 1: The first step is to do a little desktop research to learn about any local builders who are indicating on their website or online that they build ADUs. Do a search for "<YOUR CITY> build ADU" and see what you get.
STEP 2: I would then head to your local planning or building department (whomever issues building permits). They can tell you about local ADU projects and who may be involved.
STEP 3: Your MLS may have a way to search for ADUs (NWMLS does). See what is available and see what you can learn from looking at the supplements, see if a builder is listed, reverse-engineer a permit search.
STEP 4: Make a call to your local Builders Association. They should have an idea about what types of projects their builders are doing and who they can refer you to.
This should give you a list of several builders and/or design firms who are working in the ADU space which is a great first step.
Once you have this list - make some calls to these builders. Start with saying something like, "Good afternoon, <Builder>. My name is <Agent Name> and I am beginning to get questions from my clients about ADUs. I would love to have a builder to refer them to when they are ready to take that step. Do you have some time to talk through how you work with clients who want to build an ADU?"
One other resource that you are going to get questions about is ADU design. I do encourage you to watch Designing an ADU with Denise as a great way to get started.
Some Cities are offering a selection of permit-ready designs:
- The City of Seattle's guide can be found here:
- The City of Poulsbo is developing their own options:
- City of Renton:
- City of Port Angeles (yes, really!):
- Even Wenatchee is getting into the act:
The great thing about these permit-ready ADU galleries is it provides people who are thinking about building an ADU some ideas and a sense of what others are thinking of doing in their area. Also, it makes the permit process friendlier!
There are a few more things to consider...
