ADU & DADU Construction in Gig Harbor, WA

Build More Space, Flexibility, and Value on Your Property

Looking for a way to add living space to your property in Gig Harbor? An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) or DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) can provide a practical solution for housing family members, creating a private guest suite, generating rental income, or simply adding flexible space for changing needs.

At Tru Lee Construction, we specialize in adu construction and building high-quality ADUs and DADUs that are designed to fit your needs, complement your property, and provide long-term value. From the initial planning stages through final construction, our team is committed to delivering thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and a smooth construction experience.

A detached unit sits apart from the main house or primary house, giving you added privacy and a flexible living space.

Custom ADU & DADU Construction

Every property is different, and every homeowner has unique goals. Whether you're interested in a detached backyard cottage or an attached adu within the existing structure, such as a basement adu or basement apartment, we work closely with you to create a space that is both functional and attractive.

Our ADU and DADU construction and home renovation services include:

  • Detached accessory dwelling units
  • Backyard cottages
  • In-law suites
  • Guest houses
  • Rental units
  • Garage conversion
  • Site preparation
  • Foundation construction
  • Framing and structural work
  • Interior and exterior finishing

We focus on creating spaces that are comfortable, efficient, and built to last, with creative ways to repurpose underused areas while keeping function and durability first.

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Why Homeowners in Gig Harbor Are Building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

ADUs and DADUs have become increasingly popular throughout Gig Harbor because they offer homeowners greater flexibility and long-term benefits.

Additional Living Space

Create a comfortable space for aging parents, adult children, extended family, or long-term guests, whether as a private guest suite or a flexible living space set apart from the main house. That separation from the primary house gives households more privacy and a truly flexible space over time.

Rental Income Opportunities

Many homeowners use ADUs as rental properties to help offset mortgage costs and generate additional income, and some also consider short-term rentals, though it’s important to understand local regulations before using a unit that way.

A DADU can also serve as a rental property, generating income, with many owners earning about $1,500–$2,500 per month.

Increased Property Value

A professionally built ADU can add significant value to your property and increase its appeal to future buyers, and a permitted adu may further improve resale potential. For many homeowners, a DADU is a smart investment because it can increase property value, with homes that have DADUs selling for 35% more on average.

Flexible Use

ADUs can serve as a guest suite, a home office, a hobby space, a studio, or private living quarters, and they can adapt as your needs change. That kind of thoughtful design can make all the difference when creating truly flexible space.

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Why Choose Tru Lee Construction?

Homeowners throughout Gig Harbor trust Tru Lee Construction because we focus on quality workmanship, clear communication, and dependable service, with broader experience serving Seattle homeowners across the Seattle area as well.

  • Skilled craftsmanship
  • Professional project management
  • Honest communication
  • Quality materials
  • Attention to detail
  • Commitment to customer satisfaction

We work with experienced builders to deliver high-quality DADUs with a service-focused approach from planning through construction.

  • Our goal is to build a DADU that serves your needs today while, when planned correctly, becoming both a smart investment and a permitted ADU that adds lasting value to your property for years to come.

Types of ADUs

Homeowners have several options when it comes to adding an ADU to their property:

  • Detached ADU (Backyard Cottage): A standalone structure separate from the main house, ideal for privacy and independence.
  • Attached ADU: Built as an extension of the primary dwelling, sharing at least one wall with the main house.
  • Basement ADU: Created by converting an existing basement into a secondary housing unit, perfect for properties with limited outdoor space.
  • Garage Conversion: Transforms an existing garage into a livable ADU, maximizing the use of existing structures.
  • Tiny Homes: Compact, efficient units that can serve as an affordable ADU option.

When planning your ADU project, consider factors such as lot size, zoning regulations, and design fees to ensure your new space complies with local requirements and fits your property’s needs.

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How it works

  • 1. Initial Consultation

    We discuss your goals, property, and how an ADU or DADU can work for you.

  • 2. Planning & Project Development

    Our team helps determine the best approach for your property and construction needs through a feasibility review that accounts for site conditions, code limits, and jurisdiction-specific requirements. For a seattle dadu, that means reviewing your Seattle property for access, utilities, setbacks, and other local factors before design moves forward.


    We also confirm how new rules affect planning, including applicable zoning rules, height limits, and whether you must provide off street parking. As a baseline in Seattle, homeowners need at least 3,200 square feet of lot size for one DADU per single-family lot, DADUs must not exceed 1,000 square feet in size, no owner-occupancy is required, and the key benefits of current code updates include that seattle zoning may allow two ADUs on a single-family lot.


    Permit timelines vary by jurisdiction, with many projects taking about four to six months, while some approvals in king county can take up to a year.

  • 3. Detailed Proposal

    You'll receive a clear scope of work, project timeline, and pricing information framed as the total project cost and final budget. The cost to build depends on key factors such as site conditions, design fees, utility connections, foundation work, and structural engineering. In Seattle, the average cost of a DADU ranges from $350,000 to $650,000, with a realistic budget of $400,000 to $600,000; construction costs typically range from $205,000 to $322,000, and project management fees can add $48,000 to $87,000 to the final budget.

  • 4. Construction

    Our team builds your ADU/DADU with precision and consistent communication, coordinating all utility and plumbing installations to ensure proper connections and compliance with building codes.code compliance

  • 5. Final Walkthrough

    Before completion, we review the finished project with you to ensure everything meets expectations.

Serving Gig Harbor and Surrounding Areas

We proudly provide ADU and DADU construction services throughout Gig Harbor and nearby communities. Whether you're planning a detached backyard cottage, guest house, or income-producing rental unit, we're here to help bring your vision to life, and we also support broader home renovation goals when you need additional living space. Depending on the property, the project may take shape as a guest suite, rental-ready unit, or garage conversion.

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Ready to discuss your ADU or DADU project? Contact Tru Lee Construction today to talk through your adu project goals, budget, and timeline, schedule a consultation, and learn more about your options for adding functional living space to your property. During the estimate, our team can also explain construction costs and walk you through the full construction process.