Backyard Cottages 101: Rules, Costs, and Timelines

A free 90-min session for Issaquah-area homeowners on what backyard cottages actually cost, what the rules allow, and how long they take.

Backyard cottages — also called detached ADUs or DADUs — have become a common question for Eastside homeowners. The rules have changed in recent years, and most of what people know comes secondhand: a neighbor's project, a headline, a number someone heard once.

This 90-minute session covers the three things worth knowing before you start:

• What the rules allow today — and what's specific to where you live
• What building one actually costs — a real range from projects we've built, and the factors that move it
• How long the process takes — from first conversation to finished structure

We'll also walk through a quick way to check whether your own lot is likely to qualify.

You don't need to be ready to build. Most people in the room are still deciding whether a backyard cottage makes sense for them at all, and this session is built for that stage. Nothing is sold in the room.

The last half hour is set aside for questions, which is often the most useful part of the evening. Bring yours.

This is one of a series of free homeowner education sessions we're holding across Eastside communities this fall.

Wednesday, October 14
Doors 5:45 · Program 6:00–7:30 PM
Free to attend · Free parking

Hosted by Dream DADU, a design-build firm on the Eastside, and presented by our founder, Toph Villa. Held at Gibson Hall in Issaquah.

Reserved parking is available behind the building — the posted signs read "Load and Unload Only," but those spots are held for our guests for the evening. Free street parking is also available nearby.

Please let us know if you need any accommodations to attend.
client@dreamdadu.com