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Resources

ADU 101 | Virtual Workshops for the ADU Enthusiast

This page was updated with new resources on March 29, 2021.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be sources of income, homes for grandparents, or opportunities to expand the pool of affordable housing. And, they can take many forms, from freestanding backyard cottages to retooled basements or attics. Whatever ADU means to you, this four-part series of free webinars will answer your basic questions about planning, financing, design, and construction.

The ADU 101 series was organized by O-POP with generous support from the South Sound Section, Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association. It was held virtually in 2021.

The weeds: We are providing this information to introduce you to the kinds of resources available as you plan your ADU. We don’t endorse any product or service in particular, just the concept of building ADUs in general. If you have a favorite resource you’d like to share, please let us know at opopnow@gmail.com.

Happy ADUing!

Planning & Design | March 27

Watch the event video!

Who’ll be living in your ADU? Will it be you or a family member? Or are you planning to rent it out? Is the way it’s used likely to change over time? These are all questions you’ll need to address before you start planning your project. Our panelists discussed these and other design considerations, including level of finish, value engineering, the challenges of creating a new dwelling on a shared property, and how to think about organizing a small space.

Jason Taellious | Artisans Group

Matt Hutchins | Cast architecture

Design Inspiration

Several architecture and design firms in the region have expertise in planning and designing ADUs. The following examples are provided to help you envision the possibilities.

Rules and Regulations | February 27

Watch the event video!

Local governments are making it easier than ever for you to build your own ADU. Our online rules and regs workshop reviewed the different kinds of ADUs and the regulatory steps from concept through completion for the cities of Olympia and Lacey. Along with the City of Tumwater, they are now offering pre-approved ADU plans that will help streamline your experience even more. We’ve listed some links to online resources to get you started.

Catherine McCoy | City of Olympia

Jessica Brandt | City of Lacey

City of Tumwater

Thurston County

Financing | March 13

Watch the event video!

Luke Bowerman | occasional local developer

Pro formas are indispensable tools for projecting income and expenses from your housing investment. Every project should have one. But if you’re seeking a loan from a financial institution, you’ll need one for sure. The links below will take you to two sample pro formas with instructions—one for simple projects and a “thorough” version created by the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The ADU calculator is provided by San Mateo County in California, but it provides an easy-to-understand way to play around with different cost and income scenarios. They’ll help you calculate everything without needing to do a lot of math.

Lindsey Bamba | OlyFed

If you own your home, you probably took out a 15- or 30-year mortgage. But when it comes to ADUs, a broad array of options are available, some of which don’t require a huge amount of home equity. OlyFed offers a menu of options.

Construction | April 10

Watch the event video!

Two local contractors address the process of building an ADU, including the advantages and disadvantages of building new, converting an existing structure, and purchasing a prefabricated ADU. They shared their knowledge of the site constraints that should be factored in, the impacts of existing utilities like sewer and septic, and the process of getting bids and hiring contractors.

Off White | Brand X Design and Construction

Pete Chramiec | Bicycle Homebuilding

Find a Contractor

Resources for Renting Your ADU

Though we didn’t host a workshop on renting your ADU, we did come across some resources you may find helpful. Here are a few of them:

Further Reading - Please Support Local Booksellers!

Backdoor Revolution: The Definitive Guide to ADU Development by Kol Peterson (2018)

From the publisher: Accessory Dwelling Units are a form of residential infill housing that are poised to revolutionize housing in the United States. Unlike other urban development trends, this one is being driven by homeowners, not professional developers. Through case studies, expert interviews, firsthand anecdotes, images, and data analysis, Backdoor Revolution reveals the opportunities, challenges, and best practices of ADU development for homeowners, including costs, financing, design, zoning barriers, and regulatory loopholes. With sections written for policymakers and small housing advocates, Backdoor Revolution offers insightful analysis and a succinct prescription for solutions to municipal and institutional barriers for ADU development.

In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats: Your Guide to Turning One House Into Two Homes by Michael LetchField (2011)

From the publisher: In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats is the first book to explore the many designs, uses and benefits of this time-honored and emotionally satisfying living arrangement. In-law units take many forms and they're all shown here: attic, basement and garage conversions, bump-out additions, carve-out suites, and backyard cottages. This book covers every aspect of turning one house into two homes. With more than 200 color photographs, 50 floor plans and architectural details, and a lively, personable voice, In-laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats is perfect for homeowners who want richer lives and a more secure future.

The ADU 101 workshop series was organized O-POP with thanks to the South Sound Section (Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association) and OlyFed for their support.