Thinking about building a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property? You’re not alone — homeowners across Western Washington (from Tacoma to Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Lakewood, and beyond) are using ADUs to add value, flexibility, and functionality to their properties.
But here’s the exciting part: ADUs aren’t just for rental income.
Let’s explore 5 creative and practical ways you can use your backyard unit — whether you’re looking for extra space, a new revenue stream, or simply peace and quiet.
1. 🧑💻 Private Home Office or Studio
Tired of Zoom calls at the kitchen table? A detached ADU makes the perfect home office or creative workspace. Whether you’re a remote worker, therapist, designer, or entrepreneur, an ADU gives you a quiet, focused environment away from the distractions of the main house.
Bonus: Add a bathroom and kitchenette for full independence!
2. 🛏️ Guest Suite for Family & Friends
Hosting out-of-town guests or visiting relatives? An ADU gives your loved ones privacy and comfort—and keeps everyone sane during longer stays.
This is especially popular for:
- College kids home on break
- Visiting grandparents
- Multigenerational families
Many homeowners in Spanaway, Graham, and Lakewood are using ADUs as in-law suites or long-term family housing.
3. 💸 Long-Term Rental Income
One of the most common (and profitable) uses: renting your ADU out as a long-term unit. With rental demand high throughout Pierce and Kitsap Counties, it’s a great way to generate steady passive income each month.
Average rents for 1-bedroom ADUs in areas like Puyallup, Tacoma, and Bremerton often range from $1600–$3,000/month, depending on design and location.
4. 🏘️ Airbnb or Short-Term Rental
If you’re located in a desirable neighborhood or near local attractions, your ADU could become a high-performing short-term rental. Think:
- Cozy cottage in Gig Harbor
- Modern guest suite in North Tacoma
- Forest getaway in Graham
Short-term rentals can earn $100–$200+ per night with proper setup and design — and you still have access when guests aren’t booked.
Just be sure to check your city’s short-term rental regulations.
5. 🔄 Flexible Future Planning
Not sure how you’ll use it yet? That’s okay! One of the best parts of adding a DADU is the flexibility it provides over time:
- Start as a guest suite, turn it into a rental later
- Use it for aging parents now, then downsize into it yourself later
- Convert it into a condo and sell it separately under Washington’s new law (HB 1337)
A well-built ADU is a smart long-term move that adapts with your lifestyle.
📍 Let’s Build Something That Works for You
Tacoma DADU is a full-service ADU & DADU builder serving Pierce County. We’ll take a look at your property and design a custom ADU to fit your property and your needs for extra space. From there – we handle permitting, planning, construction, and everything in between. From brainstorming your space, to handing you the keys – we do it all.
With the new House Bill HB1337, condo’ing the property is a huge return on investment. Holding the DADU is absolutely valuable, but now you can condo and sell it separately from the existing home. It brings instant equity and allows for more home sales at a more affordable price. It’s just another benefit to building a DADU on your property.
If you’re in the Tacoma area and are interested in exploring your ADU/DADU options – give us a call or fill out our form right here to get in touch! We’re happy to discuss, educate, and explore how we can maximize your Pierce County property potential.
