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Bringing More Natural Light Into a Compact DADU
A cottage behind a house and trees can still feel bright. Start with the 8 percent glazing rule, then plan windows around privacy, glare and heat.
How Roof Design Affects a Small Backyard Home
Roof slope decides which materials the code allows, how water drains and how roomy the cottage feels. Settle the shape early with your designer.
Exterior Siding Choices for Seattle Backyard Cottages
The wall behind the siding matters as much as the siding itself. Compare fiber cement, wood, vinyl and metal, and see what Seattle’s code requires.
Estate Planning Considerations When Relatives Live in a DADU
When a parent moves into the cottage, questions about ownership, free rent and heirs come up early. Write down the plan and check the tax rules.
Can a DADU Be Owned or Sold Separately in Seattle?
A Seattle DADU permit does not create a separate property. Selling a cottage on its own usually means a condominium structure, with legal help.
Insurance Questions to Ask Before Starting a DADU
A homeowner policy written for one house may not fit once a cottage goes up. Ask your agent about the build, rental use, earthquakes and liability first.
How Might Building a DADU Change Your Property Taxes?
A new cottage can raise assessed value. Washington law lets the assessor add permitted construction to the rolls each year, valued as of July 31.
How Might a DADU Affect Your Property Appraisal?
An appraiser values a property with a backyard cottage on permits, nearby sales, quality and market demand, not on what the cottage cost to build.
What Do Construction Lenders Need From an ADU Project?
Construction lenders release money in stages as work is done, so they want complete plans, a registered contractor, an itemized budget, a schedule and permit status.
Using Home Equity to Help Fund a DADU
A HELOC lets you draw on home equity as construction bills arrive. The tradeoffs are variable rates, higher payments at repayment and your home as collateral.