Building in Ballard, Seattle
Your plans.
Ballard is a neighborhood we've worked in consistently for 25 years, across projects that range from careful renovations of original bungalows to new construction on in-fill lots in the blocks that have been upzoned. The neighborhood's variety means no two Ballard projects are quite the same.
The original Ballard neighborhood's bungalow stock is generally well-built but often carries the accumulated improvisation of decades of owner-performed maintenance and unpermitted work. Before we finalize scope on a Ballard remodel, we do a thorough assessment of existing conditions — structural, mechanical, electrical — so the bid reflects what we'll actually find when the walls open, not what we're hoping to find.
Ballard's upzoning under Seattle's Mandatory Housing Affordability program has created meaningful ADU and DADU opportunities in blocks that previously didn't allow them. We've navigated the new development standards for accessory dwelling units on several Ballard lots and can assess the feasibility of a DADU project on a given parcel quickly — lot coverage, setbacks, height limits, and alley access are the primary variables.
For architects bringing us Ballard projects: we're familiar with the neighborhood's design review process for new construction and significant additions. Projects that trigger full design review benefit from early pre-application coordination with the Seattle DCI, and we can help structure that process effectively.
Some Ballard properties have connection points to the original water service main on the street that are original-era copper or galvanized steel. On full remodels, we assess the service connection early — replacing it mid-project is significantly more disruptive and expensive than addressing it in the initial scope.
Share your plans or describe your project. We’ll tell you honestly what we can do, what it’s likely to cost, and what the timeline looks like.
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