Custom ADU Construction in Bellevue, WA
At DR Construction, we design and build high-quality accessory dwelling units for homeowners who want more usable space, more flexibility, and more long-term value from their property. If you are exploring rental income, multi-generational living, a private guest space, or a backyard retreat, our team brings a full-service design-build approach to every ADU project. As a trusted general contractor serving Bellevue and nearby King County communities, we handle the process from concept to completion with clear communication, quality craftsmanship, and practical guidance every step of the way. DR Construction highlights its residential construction and remodeling work in Bellevue, Newcastle, Renton, Issaquah, and Sammamish, and describes the company as licensed, bonded, and insured with service dating back to 2006.
Why Homeowners Are Investing in ADUs
With housing costs staying high across the Eastside, accessory dwelling unit construction has become one of the smartest ways to add flexibility without leaving the home you already love. An ADU can work as a rental unit, an in-law suite, a private office, a guest house, or a comfortable home for adult children or aging parents. Washington State now requires fully planning cities and counties to allow two ADUs on residential lots that allow single-family homes within urban growth areas, with some limitations, which has made these projects more viable in many locations.
For Bellevue homeowners, that creates real opportunity. The City of Bellevue has updated its ADU rules to remove barriers such as owner-occupancy requirements and off-street parking requirements, while also increasing ADU size limits and prioritizing simpler pathways for more housing types.
Our Full-Service Design-Build Approach
We know most homeowners do not want to juggle separate designers, permit consultants, engineers, and builders while hoping everything lines up. That is why our process is built around one team managing the project from start to finish.
We begin every project with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals, property layout, and budget. From there, we develop a custom plan that fits your vision while staying grounded in Bellevue zoning, site constraints, and code requirements. Once the design is ready, we manage permitting, site preparation, construction, and finishing so the project moves forward in a coordinated way.
Our ADU services include:
- Custom detached ADU construction
- Attached accessory dwelling unit construction
- Backyard cottage builder services
- Garage conversion planning and construction
- In-law suite construction
- ADU design and build coordination
- Bellevue and King County permitting support
- Site prep and utility connections
- Interior and exterior finishes
- Small home construction tailored to your lot and goals
This design-build structure helps reduce delays, improve accountability, and keep communication simple from day one through final walk-through. Bellevue’s Development Services process includes permit application, plan review, contractor approval, and inspections, so having a builder who can manage those moving parts is a major advantage.
Built Around Bellevue and King County
ADU projects are never just about floor plans. They also depend on what your lot can support, what the city allows, and how the permit path works in practice. We stay focused on those local realities so your project is not only beautiful, but buildable.
Bellevue’s current ADU reforms removed owner-occupancy rules, removed off-street parking requirements, and increased size limits to 1,200 square feet or 40 percent of the structure, whichever is larger. The city also uses online permitting through MyBuildingPermit and publishes 2026 permit fee information through its fee ordinance and estimator tools.
For surrounding King County areas, the county’s March 2026 ADU guidance says urban properties may allow up to two ADUs per lot, that no additional off-street parking is required, and that conversions from existing structures including garages may be allowed even when the structure is legally nonconforming for setbacks or maximum impervious surface.
That local knowledge matters whether you need a detached ADU builder, help with a garage conversion, or support for in-law suite construction on a more constrained site.
Why Homeowners Choose DR Construction
We believe the best ADU projects come from a process that is personal, organized, and transparent. Our clients are trusting us with a major investment, so we make communication and craftsmanship central to the experience.
Homeowners choose us because we offer:
- A custom ADU builder approach instead of one-size-fits-all plans
- Residential remodeling and construction experience across the Eastside
- Clear communication throughout design, permitting, and construction
- Tailored solutions based on lifestyle, lot conditions, and budget
- Licensed, bonded, and insured professionalism
- A reputation for quality work in Bellevue and nearby communities
DR Construction’s site says the company brings years of hands-on experience, nearly two decades of Bellevue-area remodeling work since 2006, and over 25 years of construction experience on some service pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to build an ADU in Bellevue, WA?
Costs vary based on size, design complexity, site conditions, utilities, and finishes. Bellevue publishes fee tools for permits, but the most accurate project number comes from a property-specific consultation.
How long does it take to complete an ADU project?
Timelines vary depending on design scope, permitting, and construction complexity. Bellevue’s process includes application, plan review, contractor approval, and inspections, so schedule depends heavily on project specifics.
Do I need permits to build an ADU in Bellevue?
Yes. ADUs require permits and inspections. Bellevue handles this through its residential permitting and online submittal systems.
Can an ADU be used as a rental property?
Often, yes. Bellevue removed owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs, which can support rental flexibility, though owners should still confirm current local rules for their specific use.
What types of ADUs can we build?
We build detached ADUs, attached ADUs, backyard cottages, garage conversions, and custom in-law suites tailored to each property and homeowner.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
Request a Free Consultation for Your ADU Project
At DR Construction, we make ADU construction feel manageable because we know how to connect the big picture to the small details. From zoning research and permitting to craftsmanship and final finishes, our job is to help you move forward with confidence. Whether you need a DADU builder, a backyard cottage builder, or an experienced team for ADU design and build in Bellevue, we are ready to help you create a space that adds real value to your home and your life. Request a free consultation and get your ADU project started today.