ADU and DADU Builders in Issaquah, WA
Issaquah allows at least two ADUs on a lot, and state law does not let it cap one below 1,000 square feet.
- We map every critical area and buffer on and next to your lot first.
- We file on MyBuildingPermit and plan around the city's review targets.
- You approve a written, itemized price before work starts.
By appointment. Limited start dates.
- Over 200 projects
- 4.9 on Google
- 20+ years of experience
- WA license VOLCABI792C6
ADU types Issaquah allows
Issaquah's code names three kinds of ADU: attached, detached and internal. A garage conversion can be any of them.
Attached ADU
A unit added to the side or back of the house, sited around any slope, stream or wetland buffer the lot carries.
Internal ADU
A converted basement or lower floor with its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance. It adds no footprint, which matters on a lot with hazard buffers.
Detached ADU (DADU)
A backyard cottage on its own foundation, placed where the critical areas map leaves room for it.
Garage conversion
An attached garage becomes an attached ADU and a detached one a DADU, using a footprint that is already built.
The ADU and DADU difference is explained on ADU Builders Across the Greater Seattle Area. For garage work that stays part of the house, see Garage Conversion, and for the main house, home remodeling in Issaquah.
What decides an ADU in Issaquah
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The Issaquah rule
At least two units under HB 1337
Issaquah updated its land use code to comply with the state ADU law, HB 1337, which allows at least two accessory dwelling units on one lot in addition to the main house. Applications go through the city's Level 1 review.
What we doWe confirm the zoning for your parcel and prepare the Level 1 submittal.
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The Issaquah rule
About half the lots carry a critical area
The city estimates that about 47 percent of its single-family lots carry a critical area or buffer, and the ADU submittal must show every one on and next to the property. Slopes of 40 percent or more carry a default buffer of 50 feet from the top and toe (IMC 18.802.130), which a critical area study can reduce.
What we doWe pull the critical areas map before design, so the unit is placed outside the buffers from the first sketch.
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The Issaquah rule
Old coal workings
Coal mine hazard areas sit on Issaquah's critical areas list under IMC 18.802, beside landslide, erosion, seismic and steep slope hazards. Building on land shown on the city's or the state's coal mine maps falls under those standards.
What we doWe check your address on both coal mine maps at the first visit.
Lots within 200 feet of Lake Sammamish, or along Issaquah Creek and its East Fork, also fall under the Shoreline Master Program.
Issaquah ADU permits and timeline
The City of Issaquah Permit Center issues building permits inside city limits, online only.
- Filing: applications and plans go through MyBuildingPermit.com; the city does not accept paper plans.
- First review: the city's target for single-family building permits is 4 weeks.
- Later rounds: 3 weeks for the second review and 1 week for each round after that.
- The clock: those targets start once the permit fees are paid, so a complete first submittal saves the most time.
- Before issue: the city asks for the contractor's Washington license and an Issaquah business license.
How we build your Issaquah ADU
The land is checked before the design starts, and one team carries it through.
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Maps and written price
We pull the hazard, slope and shoreline maps for your lot and send a written, itemized estimate.
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Design and Level 1 review
We draw the unit, mark every critical area and buffer the submittal asks for and file on MyBuildingPermit.
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Build and warranty
One project manager runs the build through each inspection, backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty.
Why homeowners hire us
Volcano Builders is a licensed general contractor, WA license VOLCABI792C6, a short drive from Issaquah.
Over 200 projects
Remodels and additions finished company wide.
20+ years
Our founder, Bar, has been building for 20+ years.
132+ cities
The cities we serve in 8 Western Washington counties.
4.9 on Google
Rated 4.9 on our main Google Business Profile.
See Our Completed Remodeling Projects and the Remodeling Warranty for the Greater Seattle Area.
A finished bathroom in Issaquah
An ADU is built around a kitchen and a bathroom. This bathroom remodel shows the finish level our crews bring to every kitchen and bath.
What homeowners say about working with us
Volcano Builders did a great job on our master bathroom. The tile work and finishing touches were great. Even though they weren't the cheapest quote we got, you can tell they care about quality.
Volcano builders did a phenomenal job on my bathroom remodel. They exceeded my expectations on many levels. Their designer helped me pick out all the tile and bathroom accessories to make sure everything matched in style. Communication was great and response time very fast whenever I had questions for them. They estimated the project would take 5-6 weeks but finished in 4 weeks! Excellent job! Loooooove my new bathroom! Including pics of the Before… and the After!
I had an amazing experience with Volcano Builders! Bar was incredibly kind, communicative, and made the whole process smooth. We completely redid the bathroom,new flooring, vanity, tub, and wall tiles, and it turned out fantastic. I'm so happy with their work that I'm already planning my second bathroom and hopefully the kitchen too. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality work and great service!
Read more of our Google reviews, word for word, with video reviews from finished homes.
Our workmanship warranty
- 2 years standard. Our installation and labor are covered for 2 years from substantial completion.
- Up to 5 years. You can extend the workmanship coverage up to 5 years for an added charge, set in your contract.
- Not transferable. Coverage stays with the homeowner who signed the contract and does not pass to a new owner.
- Materials. Materials, finish materials included, carry the manufacturer's or supplier's warranty, and we help you file a claim.
Remodeling Warranty for the Greater Seattle Area
Related: Kitchen Remodeling Portfolio Across the Greater Seattle Area, Bathroom Remodeling Portfolio Across the Greater Seattle Area, ADU Builders Across the Greater Seattle Area, Home Remodeling Contractors in Issaquah, WA.
Issaquah ADU questions
How many ADUs can I have on an Issaquah lot?
At least two, in addition to the main house. Issaquah updated its code for the state ADU law, HB 1337, and an ADU can be attached, detached or inside the house.
Will a critical area stop my Issaquah ADU?
It can move or shrink it. About 47 percent of single-family lots in the city carry a critical area or buffer, slopes of 40 percent or more carry a default 50 foot buffer under IMC 18.802.130, and the ADU submittal has to show every critical area on and next to your lot.
How long is the permit review for an ADU in Issaquah?
The city targets 4 weeks for the first review of a single-family building permit, 3 weeks for the second and 1 week for later rounds, counted from when the permit fees are paid.
I live in Klahanie or Mirrormont. Does Issaquah issue my permit?
No. Klahanie permits come from the City of Sammamish, and Mirrormont, in unincorporated King County, goes to King County. We confirm the right office for your address first.
How do I get a price for an Issaquah ADU?
Book a consultation below. We check the maps for your lot, talk through the unit and send a written, itemized price before any work starts. For background, read How Much Does It Cost to Build an ADU? and our Remodeling Pricing Guide.
Book your Issaquah ADU consultation
Four quick steps. Tell us about your project and we’ll reach out to discuss it and see if we’re the right fit.