For more than seven years, we’ve been immersed in Seattle’s ever-changing regulations, permitting requirements, construction methods, and design opportunities. As the city has evolved its approach to backyard housing, we’ve grown alongside it.
What began as a small operation has grown into a dedicated team of architects, project managers, crew leaders, and construction professionals focused on one thing: helping homeowners successfully build accessory dwelling units.
Today, we help clients create everything from custom-designed backyard cottages and attached ADUs to prefabricated and modular homes that are craned or transported onto a site. We’ve built foundations for factory-built homes, remodeled existing structures into legal dwelling units, completed fully custom design-build projects, and worked with many of Seattle’s pre-approved DADU plans. No matter the path, our goal remains the same: creating high-quality homes that stand the test of time.
For founder Michael, this work has always been about more than construction.
Backyard homes provide tangible solutions for lifestyle choices. They allow homeowners to age in place near family, create housing for adult children or aging parents, generate rental income, establish a private home office, build a creative studio, or simply gain flexibility as life changes.
Seattle continues to grow, and thoughtfully designed ADUs and DADUs offer a practical way to add housing while preserving the character of the neighborhoods we love.
Michael is deeply involved in every project. When you work with Ballard Backyard Cottages, you’re not handed off to a sales team and left to figure things out yourself. You work directly with Michael and a team that has spent years solving the unique challenges of building backyard homes in Seattle.
Anyone who has been through a construction project knows the process can feel overwhelming. Permits, budgets, scheduling, unexpected conditions, and countless decisions can quickly become stressful.
Our experience building ADUs and DADUs throughout Seattle helps us anticipate challenges before they become problems.
We’ve spent years refining our systems, relationships, and construction processes to create a smoother experience for homeowners. From initial feasibility and permitting through construction and final inspections, our team stays focused on communication, transparency, and efficient project delivery.
Because ADUs and DADUs are all we do, our clients benefit from specialized knowledge that comes only from hands-on experience building these homes year after year.
We continually look for ways to make projects more efficient without sacrificing quality, including:
Connect with Michael and the Ballard Backyard Cottages team to discuss your ADU or DADU project today.