Field reports.

Past projects — frequently asked

• How many ADUs have you completed?

  Over 140 ADUs across the Puget Sound since 2017, with 60+ projects completed in the last 24 months alone — split roughly 55% detached DADUs, 25% garage conversions, 15% basement conversions, 5% attached. Project gallery shows a representative selection with addresses redacted at the homeowner's preference.

• Can I see floor plans from your past projects?

  Yes — most project case studies include the as-built floor plan, exterior elevations, and 8–14 finished photos. We redact site plans (per owner privacy preference) but publish the building footprint and typical layout. About 20 of our most-built plans are available as PathwayBuild™ catalog starting points.

• Do you publish actual costs from past projects?

  We publish cost ranges per case study (e.g. "$365–$385/sq ft all-in 2024 dollars") rather than exact contract values, to respect client financial privacy. Cost ranges are real, not marketing buffers. For a like-for-like cost benchmark we provide three reference projects matched to your lot/size/finish during feasibility.

• Can I visit a completed project in person?

  About 8 of our past clients have agreed to host occasional open houses for prospective Golden State clients. We schedule these quarterly and pre-vet attendees so the host's privacy is protected. If you cannot wait for the next open house, a virtual walkthrough (Matterport scan) is available for ~30 finished projects.

• How do you photograph finished projects?

  Same-day professional photography at substantial completion (architectural photographer, $1,200–$2,000 cost, included as a marketing expense not billed to client) with the owner's consent. Photos exclude any view that identifies the address from the street, any neighbor's window, or any minor child of the household.

• Do you build the same plan twice?

  Frequently. About 30% of our pipeline uses one of our 12 PathwayBuild™ catalog plans — slightly customized for site, but pre-engineered for WA seismic Zone D2 and pre-modeled for IECC R406. Re-using a known-good plan cuts design fees 30–40% and shortens permit review by 2–4 weeks because reviewers know the set.

• What's your most popular project type?

  750 sq ft one-bedroom DADU with full kitchen and 3/4 bath, single story, 12:12 roof to match the typical Pacific Northwest aesthetic. That floorplate optimizes lot coverage in 5,000+ sq ft lots, beats most jurisdictions' sprinkler trigger, and rents in the $2,400–$2,900/mo band across the Eastside and Seattle.

• Have you built any ADUs that are featured in publications?

  Yes — projects covered by Seattle Met, Pacific NW Magazine (Sunday insert in The Seattle Times), Dwell online, and Houzz editorial features. We list each press placement on the /press page with a link to the original article. Press coverage does not influence which projects we accept; it follows quality of work, not the other way around.