Zee Design & Build — ADU Contractor Serving Greater Seattle and Surrounding Counties
Zee Design & Build is a design-and-build construction firm based in Kirkland, Washington, serving property owners across King, Snohomish, Skagit, and Island Counties. The company handles the full scope of accessory dwelling unit construction — from permits and floor plans to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finished construction — operating as a single point of contact throughout the entire process.
Having worked on ADU projects, home remodels, renovations, and commercial work since 2012, the Zee Design & Build team includes general contractors, interior designers, and experienced ADU builders who are familiar with the specific zoning regulations and environmental conditions of the Pacific Northwest.
Their approach is intended to simplify what can otherwise be a complicated process. Rather than coordinating between multiple contractors and vendors, clients work with one team from start to finish, with straightforward pricing and no confusing handoffs.
ADU Construction Services Offered
Zee Design & Build focuses on building practical, fully functional accessory dwelling units that serve two main purposes: generating rental income or providing housing for extended family members. The company builds both detached ADUs and attached units, and handles conversions of existing structures as well as new construction.
Their ADU builder services include:
- Garage Conversions: Converting underused garages into complete living units with insulation, electrical upgrades, plumbing installation, and finished flooring.
- Basement Conversions: Transforming basement areas into rentable apartments with waterproofing, egress windows, full bathrooms, and code-compliant kitchens.
- Shed and Outbuilding Upgrades: Upgrading existing outbuildings into year-round ADUs with foundation work, electrical service, plumbing, and insulation.
- Attic Conversions: Converting attic space into livable units with structural support, insulation, electrical service, and bathroom installations.
- New Backyard Construction: Building brand-new detached ADU structures — sometimes referred to as a backyard cottage, granny flat, or Casita — on existing residential properties.
Each completed ADU includes full kitchens with properly sized appliances, private bathrooms, dedicated sleeping areas, and living spaces designed to function as complete homes rather than temporary or makeshift arrangements.
The company also handles the technical systems that make an ADU livable long-term: full electrical systems capable of handling modern appliances and home office setups, proper plumbing with reliable water pressure and drainage, and efficient heating and cooling appropriate for the Pacific Northwest climate.
Design Approaches for Different Goals
Zee Design & Build offers different ADU styles depending on the property owner's priorities.
Modern efficient ADUs are designed with clean layouts that maximize usable square footage. These units typically include full-size kitchen appliances, open floor plans, programmable thermostats, and practical storage — features that appeal to a broad range of renters and keep operating costs manageable.
Traditional-style ADUs are better suited for extended family housing, particularly for aging parents or adult children. These units tend to feature separate bedrooms, full bathrooms with bathtubs, wider doorways, no-step entries, and grab bars — design choices that prioritize accessibility and comfort over a more contemporary aesthetic. Covered porches are sometimes included to provide additional outdoor space.
Before any construction begins, the Zee Design & Build team conducts site analysis to determine the best placement on the property, taking into account setbacks, privacy, and cost efficiency. Architects and designers then develop blueprints based on the client's specific goals — whether that's maximizing rental income potential or creating comfortable, accessible housing for family members.
The company's construction methods account for Western Washington's specific conditions, including moisture management in foundations, framing designed to handle seismic activity and wind loads, and material choices that hold up well in the regional climate — such as practical siding and durable flooring options suited to the area's weather patterns.
Zee Design & Build serves property owners across the Greater Seattle area, including King, Snohomish, Skagit, Kitsap, and Island Counties, and has been active in the accessory dwelling unit builder space for over a decade.
