ADU Design and Consulting Services by Harka
Harka offers accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design services for homeowners and prospective buyers navigating the often complex zoning codes that now allow for more housing types in single-family neighborhoods. With a background spanning over 18 years in multi-family and ADU housing, Harka provides support across general consulting, design, and permitting processes.
Their services include site-specific development options, in-depth cost analysis, and guidance on maximizing property value by evaluating what already exists on a site. As Certified Energy Managers, Harka's team brings tools to help reduce project costs while also lowering the carbon footprint of construction. Energy and embodied carbon models can be provided throughout the process to help clients track and manage their targets.
Why Consider Building an ADU?
ADUs serve a range of practical purposes. One common reason homeowners pursue an accessory dwelling unit is to support multigenerational living. Older family members can maintain independence while remaining close to family, and the unit can also accommodate extended family or friends.
From a financial standpoint, renting out an ADU can create an additional revenue stream and may increase overall property value. Beyond individual benefit, ADUs contribute to broader housing availability, offering more reasonably priced options in high-demand areas and helping create more inclusive communities.
ADUs can also function as home offices or studios, and their smaller footprint tends to promote energy efficiency. With high-performance construction, an ADU can even serve as a resilient space during extreme weather events such as heat waves, winter storms, or periods of poor air quality from wildfires.
The Harka Process: From Feasibility to Construction
Harka offers an ADU Feasibility Report starting at $785, which includes a site visit, zoning and code study, cost estimation, and construction timeline projection. This service is available to both existing homeowners and potential buyers during the inspection period. Permit research is conducted to confirm whether any unpermitted work has been done on the property.
The full design process begins with a Discovery phase, where Harka visits the site to document the existing space and develop rough cost estimates and a project schedule. For attached ADUs, the existing structure is drafted into their software for reference throughout the project.
A Zoning Code Review follows, during which Harka analyzes local building codes to determine what is possible, identifies any unpermitted work, and presents multiple development options with cost comparisons.
During Schematic Design, Harka works collaboratively with clients to translate their vision into design concepts appropriate for the space. Sustainability goals are established at this stage, and rough energy and embodied carbon modeling can be used to identify key reduction areas.
In the Design Development phase, architectural and structural detail is added, and a contractor aligned with the project goals is brought in. Harka emphasizes the value of having the architect, contractor, and owner working together as a design-build team from this point forward.
If Interior Design is included in the engagement, Harka's interior designer leads a collaborative process to establish and finalize a vision for the interior, resulting in specifications for all finishes in the home.
Construction Documents are then developed, coordinating all technical components — structural, mechanical, civil, and more — so the contractor has a clear and detailed guide for building the project. Harka handles coordination with all necessary consultants and engineers through to the final permit-ready document set.
Harka manages Permitting Services directly, submitting documents to the local building jurisdiction and keeping clients informed throughout the process. During this period, they also work with the contractor to finalize construction costs.
During Construction, Harka supports both the client and contractor to ensure the project is built in accordance with the construction documents. This includes in-person and virtual site visits to address issues as they arise and advocate for the integrity of the design.
Throughout all phases, Harka's process is built around collaboration — combining real-time conversations, sketches, research, and documentation to move projects forward efficiently and with clarity.
