Redmond’s public material is useful, but dates matter. Older guidance may show past limits on unit count, size or occupancy. The City changed its code after Washington HB 1337. Do not let a company summary or old PDF decide a 2026 project.
This privately run resource is unaffiliated with Redmond’s government and local builders. Verify current code, permit steps and parcel facts with City staff.
What does Redmond’s permit page say?
The City’s Residential Permits page says a new ADU needs a building permit. It lists garage conversions separately. This helps owners compare a detached unit, attached addition and conversion.
The permit page also links to Redmond’s zoning code. Use the current code rather than relying only on an explanatory handout.
Why should older Redmond ADU guidance be treated carefully?
An older City guide says ADUs are allowed in home zones and often limited to 1,500 square feet. Other old material describes one ADU and past occupancy or ownership rules. Redmond worked on code changes in 2025, so owners should confirm each point.
Before selecting a plan, ask the City to confirm:
- number and combination of ADUs allowed.
- current maximum size and height.
- setbacks, coverage and placement.
- parking or occupancy provisions.
- conversion and detached rules.
- effective ordinance and code section.
Save the link and checked date in the project brief.
What belongs in a Redmond lot screen?
Collect the parcel, zoning, current building and survey or site-plan facts. Then review:
- planned unit type and footprint.
- yards, height and lot coverage.
- trees and critical areas.
- slope, drainage and retaining conditions.
- access for excavation and building.
- sewer, water and electrical service.
- existing garage or basement condition.
- easements and private restrictions.
Redmond includes urban neighborhoods and properties close to streams, slopes or wooded areas. Site constraints can control foundation and placement even when the zoning use is allowed.
Use the ADU early site-check guide to prepare the evidence before paying for a full plan.
How should a garage conversion be evaluated?
Owners may think a garage conversion is a small remodel. Check the slab, moisture, insulation, ceiling height, fire safety and emergency escape. Add structure, power and the sewer route. A full home also needs a kitchen, bath and heating.
Compare the complete conversion with an attached addition or detached ADU. Preserving storage and parking may change the household choice.
Which design and permit duties need names?
The quote should state who draws the current building, site, planned unit and structure. Add energy and trade plans. Name the person who answers City comments and plans utility or street work.
The design and permits guide provides a duty schedule. Do not let “we handle permits” replace a list of documents, fees and exclusions.
What utility and site work belongs in the quote?
Map power, water, sewer and rainwater before comparing totals. Ask what can be shared, whether service upgrades are likely and who repairs paving and plants after trenching.
Tree protection, erosion control, tight access or a long connection can change both cost and schedule. The utilities and site-work guide lists the items that should not disappear inside a base price.
How much does a Redmond ADU cost?
Broad online ranges do not confirm a Redmond building price. Use the Seattle-area ADU cost guide to create a full budget. Then replace broad allowances with the property’s design and site work.
Build the owner budget from property checks, surveys, experts and permits. Add site access, foundation, structure, utility links, indoor work and repairs. Keep money for surprises. Ask each bidder to list owner purchases and risks that can change the price.
How should Redmond companies be compared?
Check the legal builder and registration in Washington L&I. Ask for recent Redmond or similar Eastside ADUs and records that can be checked. Speak with clients about changes, site control and final approval. Ask who designed and built the unit.
Give each company the same lot facts, plan basis and allowance schedule. Use the builder comparison to review project evidence, permits, utilities, payment, schedule assumptions and written warranty terms.
Create a current-code question list
If an older guide and the current website disagree, send the City a clear list of questions. Include the parcel, current home, planned ADU type, floor area and any current ADU. Ask which code and filing checklist control in 2026.
Record answers about height, setbacks, size, unit count and parking. Add tree or critical-area review and any owner-occupancy rule. Save the date and staff contact so the design team does not use an old summary.
What should a Redmond bid package contain?
Provide the same site plan or survey, existing-condition details, concept, finish schedule and service assumptions to each company. Require separate lines for design and engineering, City corrections, permits, demolition, foundation, building systems, service work, drainage and repairs after the work.
Ask bidders to list unknowns that need a site or City review. Compare those tasks and allowances before the totals. A lower number may simply leave more local work unresolved.
Include the permit portal link and the City’s written response in the bidder packet so every team prices the same current path.
Frequently asked questions
Does Redmond allow detached ADUs?
City material describes attached and detached paths. But confirm the current code and lot after recent state-law implementation.
Is Redmond's older 1,500-square-foot guidance current?
Do not assume so. Ask the City which adopted code controls in 2026.
Is a garage conversion automatically the lowest-cost path?
No. Structural, moisture, fire, access and utility upgrades may be substantial.
Does this site approve Redmond properties?
No. It helps prepare the brief. The City and retained experts make project choices.