Design Services For Your DADU
Modera Services transforms your vision into buildable, code-compliant plans that maximize your property’s potential while ensuring smooth permitting and construction.
Professional Design That Balances Vision with Compliance
Creating a successful DADU requires more than attractive floor plans. Our design service combines your lifestyle needs with deep regulatory knowledge, producing architectural plans that are both beautiful and buildable. We navigate the intricate balance between maximizing your investment, meeting code requirements, and creating spaces that enhance how you live.
Unlike architects unfamiliar with DADU-specific regulations, our specialized expertise means your plans are optimized for approval from the start. We design within constraints while finding creative opportunities, ensuring your project moves seamlessly from concept to construction.
What Our Design Service Includes
Custom Architectural Plans
We create detailed architectural drawings tailored to your specific property and needs. This includes complete floor plans, elevations, and sections that clearly communicate your DADU’s layout, dimensions, and design intent. Every plan is optimized for your lot’s unique characteristics while maximizing allowable square footage.
Code-Compliant Documentation
Our plans incorporate all required elements for permit submission, including structural details, window and door schedules, and energy code compliance. We ensure every aspect meets local building codes, from minimum ceiling heights to emergency egress requirements, preventing costly revisions during permitting.
Site Plan Development
We develop comprehensive site plans showing your DADU’s placement, setbacks, utilities connections, and relationship to existing structures. This crucial document demonstrates compliance with zoning requirements and guides contractors through site preparation and foundation work.
3D Visualization
See your DADU before it’s built with our 3D modeling service. These visualizations help you understand spatial relationships, evaluate design choices, and make informed decisions about materials and finishes. This clarity prevents surprises and ensures the final result matches your expectations.
Materials & Finishes Selection
We guide you through selecting exterior materials and interior finishes that balance aesthetics, durability, and budget. Our recommendations consider local climate, maintenance requirements, and neighborhood context while reflecting your personal style.
Ready for Permitting and Construction
Our complete Design Package provides everything needed to move your project forward confidently:
Construction Drawings
Full architectural plan set ready for permit submission and contractor bidding, including all views, dimensions, and technical specifications.
Site Plan & Details
Comprehensive site documentation showing DADU placement, grading, drainage, and utility connections with all required setback measurements.
Structural Plans
Engineering details for foundation, framing, and roof systems that meet seismic and wind load requirements for your specific location.
Building Specifications
Detailed documentation of materials, fixtures, and finishes that guides purchasing decisions and ensures quality construction.
3D Renderings
Visual representations of your completed DADU from multiple angles, helping you envision the final result and communicate with contractors.
Design Service Investment
Complete Design Package
Starting at $2,500
Our Design Service includes all architectural plans, site documentation, and 3D visualizations needed for permitting and construction. This investment ensures professional, code-compliant plans that contractors can build confidently.
*Integrated Service Discount
If you use Modera Services for your design and move forward with our Permitting service, we’ll apply a $1,000 credit to the Permitting package.
Why Professional DADU Design Matters
Maximize Your Investment
Good design goes beyond aesthetics. We optimize every square foot for functionality and value, whether you’re creating rental income or multigenerational housing. Strategic design decisions today impact your property’s long-term worth.
Streamline Permitting
Plans designed with permitting in mind move through approval faster. Our code-compliant designs minimize review comments and revision cycles, saving weeks or months in the permitting process.
Control Construction Costs
Detailed, accurate plans prevent expensive changes during construction. Clear documentation means contractors can bid accurately, reducing surprise costs and change orders that inflate budgets.
Create Lasting Value
Thoughtful design creates spaces people want to live in. We balance practical needs with quality design, ensuring your DADU attracts quality tenants or provides comfortable family living for years to come.
Our Design Process
Design Consultation
We explore your vision, needs, and budget while reviewing your feasibility analysis to understand site opportunities and constraints.
Concept Development
Our team creates initial design concepts that balance your goals with regulatory requirements, presenting options for layout and style.
Design Refinement
We collaborate with you to refine the chosen concept, adjusting room sizes, window placement, and design details to perfect your vision.
Technical Documentation
We develop complete construction drawings with all technical details, specifications, and code compliance documentation.
Final Review & Delivery
You receive your complete design package, and we review all documents together, ensuring you understand every aspect before moving to permitting.
Cities We Serve
Creating Code-Compliant Designs Throughout the Greater Puget Sound We design DADUs for properties from Seattle and the Eastside to Tacoma and all surrounding communities. Each municipality has specific design requirements and aesthetic guidelines that must be addressed. Our extensive experience with local planning departments ensures your design meets both regulatory requirements and neighborhood design standards.
Common Questions About Design Services
Can I use my own architect or designer?
You can, but most architects lack specialized DADU knowledge. Our designs are optimized for local codes and permitting requirements, often saving time and money compared to revising generic plans to meet DADU-specific regulations.
How long does the design process take?
Typically 4-6 weeks from consultation to final plans. This includes time for your feedback and revisions. Rush service is available for time-sensitive projects.
What if I want changes during construction?
Minor adjustments are normal and we can help coordinate these. Significant changes may require plan revisions and permit amendments. Our detailed initial design process minimizes the need for costly changes.
Do your designs work for any lot?
Each design is customized for your specific property. While we have successful design patterns we’ve refined, every DADU is tailored to your lot’s unique characteristics and your specific needs.
What information do you need to start?
We’ll need your feasibility analysis (or we can complete one first), your vision for the space, and any specific requirements like number of bedrooms or accessibility features.
Ready to Transform Your Vision into Buildable Plans?
Every successful DADU starts with professional design that balances your dreams with practical realities. Our specialized expertise ensures your plans are both beautiful and buildable.