Rental Income Potential
A well-designed 1-bedroom ADU in neighborhoods like Fairhaven or Columbia can generate 1,500–1,500–2,200/month in rent, depending on size and amenities.
Bellingham ADU Builders: Your Trusted Partner for Custom ADUs and DADUs
If you’re a homeowner in Bellingham, WA, looking to add space, income, or flexibility to your property, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Detached ADU (DADU) could be the perfect solution. At Bellingham ADU Builders, we specialize in designing, permitting, and constructing high-quality ADUs that align with Bellingham’s 2023 zoning updates and Washington State’s HB 1337 regulations. Whether you’re planning a backyard cottage for rental income, a multigenerational living space, or a sustainable aging-in-place solution, our team ensures a seamless process from concept to completion.
First of all...
Why Build an ADU in Whatcom County?
Bellingham’s housing market is one of the most competitive in Washington State. With a median home price of $625,000 and a rental vacancy rate below 1%, ADUs offer a practical way to address affordability challenges while increasing your property’s value. Here’s what makes ADUs a smart investment:
Increased Property Value
A well-designed 1-bedroom ADU in neighborhoods like Fairhaven or Columbia can generate 1,500–1,500–2,200/month in rent, depending on size and amenities.
Multigenerational Flexibility
ADUs provide private living spaces for aging parents, adult children, or guests without compromising privacy.
Sustainability
Modern ADUs prioritize energy efficiency, with options like solar panels, heat pumps, and low-flow plumbing to reduce utility costs.
Why Choose Us?
How We Simplify Your ADU Project
Unlike general contractors, we focus exclusively on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and detatched accessory dwelling units (DADUs). This specialization allows us to navigate Bellingham’s unique permitting landscape, design constraints, and neighborhood aesthetics with precision. Our end-to-end services include:
Free Site Assessments
We evaluate your lot’s zoning, topography, and utility connections to determine the best ADU placement and design.Permit Management
From Type I (streamlined) to Type III (complex) permits, we handle all paperwork, revisions, and inspections.Custom Design-Build Services
Whether you prefer a modern prefab unit or a traditional craftsman-style DADU, our designs blend functionality with curb appeal.Cost Transparency
We provide detailed estimates with no hidden fees, including financing options like HELOCs and construction loans.
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Featured Portfolio Project
Fairhaven Backyard Cottage
In 2023, we completed a 750 sq ft DADU in Fairhaven for a retired couple. The unit features a main-floor bedroom, ADA-compliant bathroom, and a rooftop solar array.
Total cost: $315,000.
The home owners now earn $2,100/month or $25,200 annually in rental income while using the space part-time for visiting family.
The Accessory Dwelling Unit Contractor Process
1. Send a request
First things first – send a request to us to start the process.
2. Site Walk-through
We will do a walk-through of your property to scope out the project and look for any issues.
3. Design & Planning
Choose a building design and plan to the specifications of your property.
4. Permitting
Permits in the city of Seattle are mandatory and we help you along with the process.
5. Build
Once everything is approved we will start the building process.
6. Completion
After the build, we always do quality control and inspection for project completion.
Client Reviews
“We didn't know exactly what we wanted with our ADU but Bellingham ADU Builders helped us along during the whole process. Thanks guys!”
Alex H.
“Bellingham ADU Builders was an excellent company to work with throughout the building process. They made everything stress-free.”
Benny S.
“Bellingham is only getting more crowded so the option to build an additional DADU was key for our family housing.”
Alyssa W.