If you’re new to construction, you might feel unsure about the process that will take place in your backyard during the construction of your DADU. However, when you know what to expect and the steps involved, it can provide transparency and help you make confident decisions throughout the construction process. Starting from breaking ground, here’s what you can anticipate over the next 6 to 8 months, give or take.
Demo begins with the arrival of heavy machinery, such as shovels, saws, bulldozers, and dumpsters, to clear the land and prepare it for the foundation. It is not uncommon to uncover buried treasures, interesting artificats and in this case a mysterious underground chasm.
A DADU foundation consists of footings, foundation walls, a slab or floor system, and anchor bolts or straps. Other necessary components may include drainage systems, insulation, and vapor barriers depending on the project’s requirements and local building codes. During the foundation phase, underground plumbing and some electrical preparation are done. The plumbing for your DADU will be attached to the main house. Our South Park DADU’s foundation required all of these components, as well as Pin Piles to secure the structure from settlement issues. We also installed radiant heat in the foundation, which will serve as the source of warmth for this 450 square foot, single story, one bedroom backyard cottage.
During this phase of construction, the walls can start going up. The process may vary depending on the design of your DADU. Some people choose to buy a DADU built off-site, craned in, and placed on top of the foundation, like the Mini O, which is stands for Mini Office, while others opt to construct the shell on-site piece by piece or in the form of a flat pack. With the flat pack option, the walls and some other components are pre-assembled and shipped as a kit. Some Seattle Pre-approved designs come with pre-built environmentally conscious Sip Panels.
Utility rough-in refers to installing pipes, wires, and other necessary components for the various utilities in new home construction before the walls and ceilings are finished. This includes the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Essentially, it’s the pre-installation of all the necessary utilities required for the home before the final finishes are added. This process ensures the home functions properly and meets all the required codes and regulations. Plumbing goes in first followed by electrical
Installing windows on new construction involves several steps. First, the rough opening must be framed to fit the size of the window. Then, a waterproof barrier is installed around the opening to prevent water from seeping in. The window is then placed in the opening and secured with screws or nails. Insulation is installed around the window to prevent air leaks. Finally, the window is trimmed and sealed with caulking to ensure a tight fit and prevent drafts. The exterior also needs to be prepped with a protective sheet before the hardy board siding goes on.
Insulation is a crucial step in the construction process that involves filling the walls and ceiling with materials that help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the house. In this DADU, two types of insulation are required: fiberglass for the walls and foam for the ceiling. Once the insulation is in place, the drywall can be installed, followed by the floor and ceiling. The floor of this DADU will be a professionally finished concrete slab. Siding is also typically installed around this time, although its timeline may differ since it is not dependent on insulation.
Finishes, furnishings, and equipment (FF&E) refer to the items that are added to a exterior and interior of a building. to make it functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Finishes typically include materials such as flooring, wall coverings, paint, and trim. Furnishings refer to the movable items that are added to a space to make it functional and comfortable, such as chairs, desks, and tables. Equipment refers to the non-moveable items that are added to a space to make it functional, such as kitchen appliances, lighting fixtures, and HVAC systems. The FF&E phase of a project typically comes after the construction phase, and is the last stop before your move in!
To ensure a smooth and timely move-in process, it’s important to prepare in advance. One way to do this is by making your selections and purchases early on in the project, which can help avoid supply chain issues. However, it’s essential to work closely with your contractor and a design specialist when making decisions before the DADU is even built. Check out our article on planning the interior of your DADU for more information.
Building a DADU involves several steps, including obtaining the necessary permits, preparing the site, laying the foundation, framing the structure, installing insulation, drywall, flooring, and siding, and finally, finishing the interior and exterior.
Visit the Gallery to see photos of the Finished South Park DADU
It’s important to work with a qualified contractor who can guide you through the process and ensure that your DADU meets all local building codes and regulations. With proper planning and execution, a DADU can be a valuable addition to your property that provides additional living space and potential rental income.
If your want to start the permitting process or if you’re ready to break ground Reach Out to Us!