Garage to ADU
Convert your garage into a permitted ADU — rental income on your existing lot.
Garage-to-ADU conversions for Tacoma homeowners — design, Pierce County permitting, structural work, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, kitchen/bath, and finishes. One contractor. Written proposals. A dedicated project manager through final inspection.
- Full ADU permitting in-house
- Written proposals & timelines
- Dedicated project manager
What we handle in a garage-to-ADU conversion.
From the initial feasibility check to a move-in-ready rental unit:
- ADU feasibility and design — lot coverage, setback compliance, and floor plan layout within Pierce County and City of Tacoma DADU rules.
- Full permitting — change-of-occupancy, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and structural permits pulled in-house.
- Structural upgrades — foundation reinforcement, roof framing modifications, and any shear wall requirements for the new occupancy classification.
- Plumbing rough-in — bathroom, kitchenette, and laundry connections brought to the structure and tied to the main sewer or a new lateral.
- Electrical service — dedicated panel or sub-panel for the ADU, with all circuits, outlets, and fixtures planned for a complete rental unit.
- HVAC and ventilation — ductless mini-split installation or extension of the home system, with proper ventilation for kitchen and bath.
- Kitchen and bath — kitchenette cabinetry, countertops, appliances, bathroom tile, fixtures, and finishes.
- Exterior improvements — separate entrance, egress windows, and any exterior cladding or trim work to match the main house.
Garage-to-ADU projects start with a free on-site consultation. You leave with a written proposal — full scope, permits, trades, and a realistic timeline.
How it works
Our 3-step process.
Feasibility & design consultation
On-site walkthrough and ADU feasibility review. We check lot coverage, setbacks, and Tacoma DADU rules, then discuss floor plan options. You leave with a written proposal covering full scope, permitting, and a realistic timeline.
Permitting & utility coordination
All permits pulled in-house — change-of-occupancy, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and structural. Utility connections coordinated. Materials ordered and trades scheduled before demo begins.
Build & finish
Demo, structural work, rough plumbing and electrical, inspections, HVAC, insulation, drywall, kitchen and bath, flooring, paint, and final inspection. Your dedicated project manager coordinates every trade to final certificate of occupancy.
What sets us apart for garage ADU conversions in Tacoma.
Full ADU permitting handled in-house
Tacoma ADU permitting involves multiple permit types and coordination between departments. We manage every permit — structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical — directly. No permit runners, no hand-off delays.
DADU rules expertise
Tacoma's detached ADU rules on setbacks, lot coverage, owner-occupancy requirements, and utility connections are specific and change periodically. We know the current requirements and design your ADU to meet them before the first permit application.
One proposal for the whole scope
ADU conversions involve structural, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finish trades. We put the complete scope — every line item, every trade — in one written proposal so you have a clear picture before anyone picks up a tool.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Tacoma?
Yes — the City of Tacoma allows garage-to-ADU conversions under its DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit) rules, subject to setbacks, lot coverage maximums, and utility requirements. We conduct a feasibility review at the consultation to confirm your specific property's eligibility.
What permits are required for a garage-to-ADU conversion in Tacoma?
A change-of-occupancy permit is required, along with separate permits for plumbing, electrical, mechanical (HVAC), and any structural work. We pull all of them in-house and manage the plan review and inspection sequence.
How long does a garage-to-ADU conversion take?
From signed proposal to final certificate of occupancy, typically 3–5 months — permitting runs 4–8 weeks, construction 6–12 weeks depending on scope. Your written proposal includes a realistic phase-by-phase timeline.
Does the ADU need its own utility meters?
It depends on how you intend to rent it. A sub-metered ADU is more attractive to long-term tenants. We discuss the utility configuration options during the consultation and price accordingly.
Are you licensed for ADU work in Washington?
Yes — we are fully licensed and insured in Washington. We're happy to share documentation before the project begins.
What rental income can I expect from a Tacoma garage ADU?
Rental rates for ADUs in Tacoma vary by neighborhood, size, and finish level. We can discuss realistic expectations during the consultation — we've completed enough Tacoma ADU projects to give you grounded figures rather than optimistic projections.
Ready to explore an ADU conversion?
Start with a free on-site consultation. We'll review your property, discuss ADU design options, and follow up with a written proposal covering full scope.