ADU Construction Services in Lakewood by Drew Thatcher Construction
Drew Thatcher Construction is a Lakewood-based construction company that helps homeowners plan and build accessory dwelling units on their properties. They work through the practical questions that come up early — what fits on the lot, whether a detached ADU or a garage conversion makes more sense, and what the local process actually involves — before construction begins.
As a locally rooted ADU contractor, Drew Thatcher Construction brings familiarity with Lakewood's neighborhood types, lot patterns, and older housing stock. That local context shapes how they approach each project, from early feasibility through final completion.
Why Lakewood Homeowners Consider an ADU
Lakewood is an established city with mature housing stock and homeowners who have practical reasons for wanting more flexible use of their property. Common motivations include:
- Creating a rental unit that generates income from an underused part of the property
- Building private living space for an aging parent or adult child without a full addition
- Adding a separated workspace, studio, or guest space with real functionality
- Building long-term flexibility into the property as household needs change
The proximity to JBLM also plays a role. Military families in Lakewood and the surrounding area often need flexible housing options on shorter timelines, and a well-built ADU can address needs that other housing options cannot easily meet.
Pierce County and the City of Lakewood have their own review expectations. Lot geometry, setback conditions, utility access, and the characteristics of existing structures all shape what is feasible before design work begins. A contractor who has worked in Lakewood neighborhoods understands which early questions need answers and which assumptions tend to cause problems. Drew Thatcher Construction works in Lakewood and Pierce County, which means they understand the local context rather than simply listing it as a service area.
Drew Thatcher Construction was founded by Drew Thatcher, a former U.S. Navy nuclear engineer. Project management is led by Jack Hance, who brings a mechanical engineering background and prior commercial construction experience. That foundation shapes how projects are planned and executed — scope is defined carefully before work starts, structural trade-offs and site conditions are worked through early, and communication is kept clear throughout the build.
ADU Options for Lakewood Properties
Lakewood's housing stock is varied, and the right ADU approach depends on the specific property. Drew Thatcher Construction works with several ADU types:
Detached ADUs: A detached accessory dwelling unit is a freestanding structure built separately from the main house. When the lot supports it, a detached ADU typically offers the strongest separation and the most independent feel. It works well as a rental unit or as private housing for a family member who benefits from their own entrance and outdoor space.
Attached ADUs: An attached ADU shares a wall with the primary home. This can be the right fit when the lot does not support a fully detached structure, or when the design priorities favor a closer physical relationship between the main home and the secondary unit.
Garage Conversions: If an existing garage is underused, converting it into an ADU is worth exploring. Reusing an existing structure can simplify certain aspects of the project, but garage conversions also bring their own structural considerations, layout constraints, and approval questions. It is not always the fastest or most cost-effective path.
Drew Thatcher Construction operates as a design-build contractor, meaning design and construction move through one coordinated process. For homeowners, that means cleaner communication, less handoff friction, and a single point of accountability for both the plan and the result. The process moves from an initial consultation through design and planning, permitting coordination, active construction, and final completion.
ADU cost is driven by project type, size, site conditions, structural complexity, utility requirements, and finish level. A detached new build is a meaningfully different project from a garage conversion or an attached addition, and the cost profile reflects that. Understanding which variables drive cost early — and building a project approach that avoids expensive scope changes later — is a core part of how Drew Thatcher Construction approaches planning with homeowners.
For Lakewood homeowners considering an accessory dwelling unit, whether a granny flat, in-law suite, backyard cottage, or casita, Drew Thatcher Construction offers a locally grounded option with an engineering-informed approach to planning and construction.