If you’re a homeowner in Bellevue or Redmond, you may have noticed a growing trend in your neighborhood: Detached Accessory Dwelling Units, or DADUs. These smaller, standalone homes — often built in backyards — are becoming increasingly popular in this region for a number of reasons. With housing prices continuing to rise and space becoming scarcer, DADUs offer a smart solution to maximize your property’s potential, generate rental income, or create a separate living space for family members.
But let’s be honest: the idea of starting a construction project, especially one as significant as building a DADU, can feel overwhelming. There’s the design, the permits, the timeline, the budget — and perhaps most importantly, finding the right general contractor to bring your vision to life.
In this article, we’ll explore why DADUs are taking off in Bellevue and Redmond, and provide you with everything you need to know about hiring a general contractor to build your dream DADU. By the end, you’ll feel informed and ready to take the next steps confidently.
Why DADUs Are the Future of Housing in Bellevue and Redmond
1. Maximizing Property Value
If you live in Bellevue or Redmond, you know how competitive the real estate market is. Property values have soared in recent years, making every square foot of land more valuable. Adding a DADU to your property is one of the best ways to maximize its value without having to sell or move. Whether you use it as a rental property or a guest house, a well-designed DADU can increase your home’s overall worth by tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.
2. Generating Rental Income
With demand for housing at an all-time high in the Eastside, building a DADU opens up the opportunity for rental income. Whether you’re considering short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb or long-term leases, a DADU can provide you with a reliable income stream. Given the desirability of living in Bellevue and Redmond — close to tech hubs like Microsoft and other major employers — there’s no shortage of potential tenants.
3. Creating Space for Family
Many homeowners are drawn to the idea of building a DADU to provide extra space for family members. Whether it’s aging parents who need to live closer for care, or adult children returning home, a DADU offers privacy and independence while keeping loved ones nearby. This flexibility is invaluable in multi-generational living arrangements, especially in high-cost housing markets like Bellevue and Redmond.
4. Supporting Sustainability and Smart Growth
Both Bellevue and Redmond are known for their progressive approaches to urban planning, with a strong focus on sustainable housing. Building a DADU aligns with these goals by utilizing existing land for housing rather than expanding into undeveloped areas. With cities pushing for more density and smart growth, DADUs are seen as a solution to help meet housing demands without drastically altering neighborhood character.
Hiring the Right General Contractor for Your DADU Project
Now that we’ve covered why DADUs are gaining popularity, let’s dive into the most critical part of the process: hiring a general contractor. Whether you’ve built a home before or this is your first construction project, selecting the right contractor can be the difference between a smooth, successful build and a stressful, over-budget nightmare.
Here’s how to make sure you hire the right general contractor for your DADU project in Bellevue or Redmond.
1. Start with Research
Before you start making calls, it’s essential to do your homework. Bellevue and Redmond have specific building codes and regulations for DADUs, so you’ll want to work with a contractor who is experienced with these rules.
Check References and Reviews: Look for contractors with a strong local reputation. Sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Houzz can provide insight into their work quality. More importantly, ask for recommendations from neighbors or friends who have recently completed similar projects.
Licensed and Insured: Make sure any contractor you consider is licensed and insured in Washington state. This is critical for both your protection and theirs.
Specialize in DADUs: Not all contractors are created equal. Some may specialize in new home builds, while others are more experienced in smaller projects like DADUs. Look for contractors who have a portfolio of completed DADUs or similar projects in the Bellevue/Redmond area.
2. Interview Multiple Contractors
It can be tempting to go with the first contractor who seems like a good fit, but it’s important to interview at least three to four potential contractors before making your final decision.
During these interviews, ask key questions such as:
Have you built DADUs before? Make sure they have experience with this specific type of project. Bellevue and Redmond have unique zoning laws and building regulations, so you’ll want someone who’s navigated these successfully.
Can you provide references from previous clients? Reach out to past clients to ask about their experience working with the contractor. Did the project stay on budget? Was it completed on time? Were there any unexpected challenges, and how were they handled?
What’s your approach to managing timelines and budgets? A good contractor will be upfront about costs and timelines, and should have a system in place to manage both.
3. Get Detailed Estimates
Once you’ve interviewed several contractors, ask each for a detailed estimate. This should include:
A breakdown of costs: including labor, materials, permits, and any other expenses.
Project timeline: A realistic timeline with start and completion dates, as well as key milestones.
Payment schedule: Ensure that the payment schedule is tied to project progress rather than time elapsed. For example, payments should be due upon completion of specific tasks (like pouring the foundation) rather than at set calendar intervals.
Compare these estimates carefully. Be wary of bids that are significantly lower than the others — this could be a red flag for cutting corners or hidden costs down the line.
4. Check Licensing and Insurance
Washington state requires all contractors to be licensed and insured. You can verify a contractor’s license through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ website. Don’t skip this step — an unlicensed contractor can cause serious problems if something goes wrong during the build.
Insurance is equally important. Make sure your contractor carries both general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. This protects you in case of accidents, property damage, or injuries during the project.
5. Review the Contract Carefully
Once you’ve chosen your contractor, the final step is signing the contract. This document is your protection throughout the project, so take time to review it thoroughly. The contract should include:
Scope of work: A detailed description of what the contractor will do, including all materials and finishes.
Payment terms: A clear breakdown of the payment schedule, including amounts and due dates.
Warranties: Information on any warranties for materials and labor.
Change orders: An outline of how changes to the project will be handled and what additional costs might be involved.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Future by Hiring the Right General Contractor
Building a DADU in Bellevue or Redmond is a fantastic way to enhance the value and functionality of your property, but the success of your project hinges on hiring the right general contractor. By doing your research, interviewing multiple candidates, and carefully reviewing contracts, you’ll set yourself up for a successful, stress-free build.
Your future DADU can be a rental income generator, a place for family, or a beautiful addition to your property — and it all starts with finding the right person to make it happen. Take your time, do it right, and enjoy the incredible benefits of adding a DADU to your Bellevue or Redmond home.