Gig Harbor's Trusted ADU Contractor — Custom Builds from Permits to Move-In

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Gig Harbor's Trusted ADU Contractor — Custom Builds from Permits to Move-In

Add living space, rental income, or a home for family — right on your Gig Harbor property. Cascade Pro, Inc designs and builds accessory dwelling units throughout Gig Harbor and Pierce County, handling everything from initial design and city permits to final inspection.

Whether you’re planning a detached backyard cottage, converting an existing garage, or adding a basement apartment, our team manages the full process so you don’t have to.

Types of ADUs We Build in Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor allows several types of accessory dwelling units depending on your property and zoning. Cascade Pro builds all of them:

Detached ADUs (Backyard Cottages)

A standalone structure built on your property, separate from the main house. Detached ADUs are the most popular option, offering maximum privacy for both the homeowner and the occupant. They work best on lots with adequate backyard space and proper setbacks.

Attached ADUs

An addition built onto your existing home with its own separate entrance. This is a strong option when backyard space is limited or when you want the unit connected to the main house for accessibility or family use.

Garage Conversions

Convert your existing detached or attached garage into a fully permitted living space. Garage conversions are often the most cost-effective ADU option because the structure is already in place. We handle structural upgrades, insulation, plumbing, electrical, and finishes to bring it up to residential code.

Basement ADUs

If your home has an unfinished or partially finished basement, converting it into a legal ADU can add significant value with a lower construction footprint. We ensure proper egress windows, ceiling height compliance, moisture control, and separate entry as required by building code.

Completed ADU garage conversion with modern siding and landscaping by Cascade Pro in Puget Sound
Finished basement ADU conversion with modern living space

How We Build Your ADU — Step by Step

Every accessory dwelling unit project follows a structured process to keep timelines tight and surprises to a minimum:

  1. Consultation & Site Assessment — We visit your Gig Harbor property to evaluate lot size, access, utility connections, soil conditions, and zoning. We’ll discuss your goals — rental income, multi-generational living, home office, or long-term property value.
  2. Design & Engineering — Our design team creates a custom floor plan that maximizes your available space while meeting local building code. We coordinate with structural engineers and prepare all documents needed for permit submission.
  3. Permits & Approvals — We coordinate permits through the City of Gig Harbor and Pierce County (for unincorporated areas), navigating the specific requirements of each jurisdiction. Permitting timelines can vary, and we stay on top of every step so you don’t have to.
  4. Construction — Once permits are approved, our crew breaks ground. We handle site prep, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, and finishes. You’ll have a single point of contact throughout the build.
  5. Final Inspection & Handoff — We coordinate all required inspections, address any punch-list items, and hand you the keys to a fully finished, code-compliant ADU.

Why Gig Harbor Homeowners Choose Cascade Pro for ADU Construction

Building an ADU in Gig Harbor is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make — but only when it’s done right. Gig Harbor is one of the most affluent communities in Pierce County, with a median household income of $106K and median home prices around $830K. Homeowners here expect exceptional quality and craftsmanship in every project.

  • Licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor serving Gig Harbor and Pierce County
  • Thorough knowledge of local ADU zoning requirements, including lot coverage, setback, and height regulations
  • Full-service builds — we handle architectural design, engineering, permits, construction, and final inspection
  • Transparent communication with a dedicated project manager on every job
  • Proven experience building ADUs across Gig Harbor neighborhoods

What Does It Cost to Build an ADU in Gig Harbor?

ADU costs in Gig Harbor vary based on the type of unit, size, site conditions, finishes, and whether you’re building new construction or converting existing space. Garage and basement conversions typically come in at a lower price point than ground-up detached units because they leverage an existing structure.

Key factors that influence your project budget:

  • Unit type — detached new builds require more foundation, framing, and roofing work than conversions
  • Size and layout — a studio ADU costs less than a full one- or two-bedroom unit
  • Site conditions — slope, soil, utility access, and distance from the main house all affect prep costs
  • Finish level — standard finishes vs. upgraded countertops, fixtures, and flooring
  • Permit and design fees — vary based on project scope and local fee schedules

We provide detailed, transparent estimates after our initial site assessment so you know what to expect before any work begins. Every project is different — we’ll walk you through the numbers and help you make informed decisions that fit your budget.

Exterior view of detached ADU with covered entry built by Cascade Pro in the Tacoma area

Gig Harbor ADU FAQs

Most residential lots in Gig Harbor are eligible for at least one ADU, though requirements vary by zoning, lot size, and access. During our consultation, we’ll verify your lot’s eligibility and walk you through what’s possible on your specific property.

Timelines vary by project type. A typical detached ADU takes roughly 6 to 10 months from design through completion, including the permitting phase. Garage and basement conversions can often be completed faster since the existing structure reduces construction time. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during our initial assessment.

Owner-occupancy requirements vary by jurisdiction. Many areas have relaxed or removed this requirement in recent years. We’ll clarify the current rules for your specific property during our consultation.

In most cases, yes. A well-built, permitted ADU adds usable square footage and income potential to your property. The actual value increase depends on the unit type, size, finishes, and location within Gig Harbor.

Yes. We manage the entire permitting process, including plan submission, revisions, and coordination with inspectors. You don’t have to navigate the building department on your own.

Short-term rental regulations vary by city and are subject to change. We build every ADU to full residential code, which keeps your options open regardless of how you choose to use the space. We recommend checking current local regulations before planning a short-term rental use.

Ready to Build Your Gig Harbor ADU?

Whether you’re planning a backyard cottage, converting a garage, finishing a basement, or adding on to your home — Cascade Pro, Inc is ready to make it happen. We’ve helped homeowners throughout Gig Harbor navigate the ADU process from first sketch to final walkthrough, and we’d love to do the same for you.

Call us today: (253) 338-1693 or fill out the form to schedule your free consultation.

Ready to Get Started?

Tell us about your accessory dwelling unit project. We offer free consultations for Gig Harbor homeowners.

About Us
Cascade Pro Inc general contractor team Tacoma Seattle

Building in Gig Harbor — Where Waterfront Living Meets Craftsmanship

Gig Harbor's unique character — a blend of charming waterfront village and upscale residential community — demands a contractor who appreciates both its aesthetic standards and practical building challenges. Homes here range from classic Northwest-style properties along the harbor to modern custom builds in master-planned communities like Gig Harbor North and Canterwood.

Because much of Gig Harbor falls under Pierce County jurisdiction rather than city limits, navigating the permitting process requires experience with both municipal and county codes. Our team has built strong relationships with local permitting offices and understands the specific requirements around shoreline setbacks, stormwater management, and the design review processes that apply to many Gig Harbor properties.

Whether your home is nestled in the Kopachuck area, overlooking Henderson Bay, or in one of the established neighborhoods near Purdy or Fox Island, we bring local knowledge that out-of-area contractors simply lack. Gig Harbor's wooded lots, sloped terrain, and marine climate all influence construction planning — and we factor all of it in from day one.

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