Blog Layout

News Update : Once curbed in Seattle, tiny apartments poised for a big boost from Legislature

Victor K • February 29, 2024

Small apartments are on a roll, thanks to the latest legislation by Washington State's lawmakers. They are aiming to make housing more affordable for low-income dwellers of the state. These apartments are generally under 200 square feet with large sleeping areas and small bathrooms and washrooms.

 

Lawmakers want to make it easier to build small apartments with shared spaces in cities because houses are too expensive and there aren't enough of them. They passed a bill in the Washington state Senate to make cities change their rules and allow more of these compact living arrangements. The goal is to create more affordable housing in places where there's not much room and prices are high.

 

These apartments which are also known as micro-apartments or SROs (Single Room Occupancy); have a private sleeping area along with 01 bathroom and a joint kitchen with the living room. The usual rent for these apartments in Seattle starts from 1000$, which is on average 500$ less than the traditional studio apartment in Emerald City. This makes them more lucrative to the common folk with low-income averages. 

The supporters and lobbyists supporting such a bill proclaim that affordable housing is everyone’s right and it will be difficult for people in the future to afford higher rents. However, the anti-lobby and its supporters have been against such housing communities for over a decade. They call for tighter regulations against such constructions as they decrease the property value of the surrounding areas.

 

The new law would make cities and counties let people build tiny homes on land where they already allow big apartment buildings with at least six units. This rule would start in late 2025. It would also stop cities from making lots of rules about tiny homes, like needing lots of parking, which can make building them more expensive. And cities couldn't make tougher rules for tiny homes than they do for other kinds of apartments.

 

Even though the construction of such community houses is on the rise, the local laws abstain them from making a noteworthy impact on the Seattle housing scene. With the rent being around the 1000$ monthly mark, this kind of housing is ideal for single-earning homes in the vicinity of 50,000$ per annum says architect David Neiman who is also a staunch supporter of the bill.

The legislation allows for more such buildings across Seattle, especially in regions where townhomes and small apartment buildings are already authorized. These communities are usually near the busy areas of the city, making them ideal for the working class earning on a lower average scale.

 

The lawmakers who support the bill unanimously say that this bill will help the working class as well as reduce the load on the public money that is already being used to subsidize housing for low-income households. The same lawmakers are also in favor of denser housing communities across the city and state near transit stops. The debate is still ongoing, but there is a sudden push in the movement to legalize these small apartments across Seattle providing relief to low-income households without being a burden on the state or federal finance machinery. Low-income housing remains the top priority of Seattle lawmakers making this bill an important link in the same chain.

How to Build an ADU: A Quick Project Guide

By Victor K • October 16, 2024
Building an ADU in Seattle is possibly the best way to increase the value of property, create additional space to live in, or generate rental income. Without proper guidance, the process will be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll take you through steps on how to build an ADU Seattle with adherence to all local regulations. A Quick ADU Seattle Project Guide Identifying the Needs an ADU Can Fulfill First and foremost, you need to understand why you need an ADU. An ADU can fill several needs since it is highly versatile. These include: Rental Income: Many homeowners build ADUs to create passive income through the opportunities of long-term or short-term rentals, even vacation rentals. Family Accommodation: ADUs can offer comfortable living space to aging parents, adult children, or extended family members, making the home multigenerational. Guest Quarters: An ADU can house guests with privacy, not affecting the main living space. Home Office or Studio: As many people work from home, ADUs are an increasing selection for silent home offices, studios, or creative areas. Once you have a concrete idea of the need your ADU will serve, you can settle on a design that meets those specific needs and yet still aligns with the local regulations. 

Design Ideas For Your Seattle ADU: Making The Most Of Limited Space

By Victor K • October 14, 2024
Are you on a hunt to design your ADU Seattle? But don't want that cookie-cutter look? Well, Seattle is always ahead in solving space constraints and increasing property value. That is where ADU kicks in. Whether you want a cozy guest space, a dedicated home office, or a rental income opportunity, here are some creative Seattle ADU ideas that reflect you. A Brief Insight Into ADU Seattle Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Seattle are the perfect way to have your cake and eat it too! These charming Eco-friendly ADUs Seattle offers a cozy hideaway to your property. You can do anything in these ADU Seattle whatever your creative soul want you to do. Reach For The Ceiling Vertical space is the most important thing to consider for your ADU Seattle. Because, after all, you don't have much area horizontally. But we need storage along with design, so think upward. Install floor-to-ceiling shelves. Such an approach maximizes storage and draws the focus upward. Wall hooks and hanging organizers are another great option. They are perfect for storing stuff like pots and pans. Further, it keeps your floor clear and your space clutter-free. And if you're an adventurous personality, then consider lofted or mezzanine sleeping areas. At TOV Restoration , our creative craftsmanship not only build your ADU Seattle but also offer you innovative design ideas that suits your taste. 

Why Choose a DADU? The Benefits of Detached Living in Seattle

By Victor K • October 10, 2024
In the hustling and bustling city of Seattle, when space is highly limited, home owners are now increasingly using innovative housing solutions like DADUs, or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. A DADU is an alternative living space-one that combines independence with the benefits of detached living. In this blog, we are going to explore what a DADU Seattle is, its various considerable benefits, and why you should consider it on your property. What is a DADU? A DADU is a self-contained living unit on residential property, detached from the main house. It is meant to independently support living needs in one room, with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. DADUs range from guest house to rental income possibilities to giving family members their private space. DADU vs. ADU Seattle: Understanding the Difference While both ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and DADUs offer extra space, the distinction between the two is in their structure. A DADU would be detached from a house whereas an ADU would typically be built into an already existing structure. One may be more fitting than another, depending on your needs. As you consider DADU construction Seattle, you should first take your goals and preferences into consideration. Benefits of DADUs Increased Property Value A DADU Seattle is a fantastic way to boost property value. With the demand for housing increasing, a detached living unit provides an amazing selling point. The extra space that will be allowed is flexible; there will be several choices for buyers over what its intended use is in a very competitive market. 
Share by: