2-minute screening • $19 property readiness report

Thinking About Building an ADU in Seattle?

Before you spend thousands on architects, permits, or contractors… you want the answer to one simple question: Is my property a good candidate for an ADU — or is it going to turn into a money pit?

Here's the truth:

Seattle ADU rules can hinge on zoning, lot size thresholds, and whether you already have a structure you can convert. Most homeowners don't learn this until they're already deep in the process. This readiness check gives you clarity first.

Start the 2-minute check $19 • instant delivery
If this report doesn't give you at least one useful insight about your property, email us within 24 hours and we'll refund the $19. No questions asked.
Built from Seattle's published ADU guidance and zoning rules, simplified into plain language for homeowners.

What you get

  • Readiness decision: Likely / Possible / Unlikely
  • The top reasons behind the decision
  • Next steps tailored to your biggest concern (cost, allowed, timeline, where to start)
  • A summary of your key inputs (zoning, lot size range, ADU type)

Who this is for

  • Seattle homeowners exploring an ADU
  • People choosing between attached vs detached vs conversion
  • Anyone who wants clarity before spending on design

How it works

  • You answer 8 quick questions (about 2 minutes).
  • You pay $19.
  • You get an instant readiness report you can print and save.
Start the 2-minute check No account required
Informational screening only. Not legal advice. Always confirm feasibility with Seattle SDCI and a qualified professional.
Example Report
Sample Report — What You'd Receive
NR zoning · 5,200 sq ft lot · existing detached garage · concern: cost
Illustrative example
Your inputs
ZoningNeighborhood Residential (NR)
Lot sizeOver 5,000 sq ft
Existing structureDetached garage
ADU typeConvert existing structure
GoalExtra rental income
Biggest concernCost
✅
Readiness verdict

Likely a strong candidate

Your property clears the key thresholds for a garage conversion ADU in NR zoning.

Why this verdict
Lot size works in your favor. Seattle's NR zoning allows a DADU on lots of 3,200 sq ft or more. At ~5,200 sq ft you clear that bar comfortably — no variance needed.
Garage conversions are typically the lowest-cost ADU path. You're not building from scratch — the footprint, foundation, and roof already exist. Most conversions in Seattle run $80K–$150K depending on finish level, vs. $180K–$300K+ for a new detached build.
One thing to verify: setbacks. Your garage's distance from the rear and side property lines must meet current setback rules (typically 5 ft rear, 5 ft side in NR). If the garage was built decades ago it may be non-conforming — worth a quick SDCI pre-application before hiring anyone.
Owner-occupancy requirement was removed in 2019. You no longer need to live on-site to rent an ADU in Seattle. As a rental income play, there's no legal obstacle to leasing it out.
⚡ Your concern: Cost

Because cost is your top concern, your full report opens here — with a breakdown of what actually drives budget overruns on garage conversions and the one permit-phase decision that catches most homeowners off guard.

Your next-step checklist

Your personalized checklist is in the full report

Tailored to your zoning, structure type, and biggest concern.

4-step action checklist Cost breakdown by phase The setback question to ask first
Get my report — $19
Start the 2-minute check — $19

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