Urban Builder LLC
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Urban Builder LLC is a family-owned general contracting firm headquartered in Kirkland and founded in 2021 by Valter and Alex, a father-and-son partnership with deep construction credentials. Valter holds civil engineering degrees from Moscow State University and the University of Washington, with decades of work in custom cabinetry and structural design behind him. Alex earned his degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington and serves as the company's operations lead. Together they bring over 55 years of combined construction experience to residential projects across the Eastside and Seattle. The combination of licensed civil engineers leading the firm, owner supervision on every job site, and a steady output of 200+ completed projects since 2021 positions Urban Builder as a knowledgeable, hands-on option for homeowners planning an ADU or DADU.
Urban Builder's ADU and DADU services span five distinct configuration types, reflecting the variety of ways homeowners can add rental or guest housing to their properties. Detached backyard cottages are the core offering, meaning full free-standing dwellings built on the lot separate from the primary home. The firm also handles garage conversions, turning existing detached garages into full living spaces with kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas. Basement ADU conversions transform underutilized below-grade space into legal apartments, a solution that works well on older Eastside homes with deep basements and sufficient egress windows. Above-garage units add a second story to an existing detached garage, a middle ground between a basement conversion and a full backyard cottage. Junior ADUs, or JADUs, are smaller living spaces created within the primary home itself, typically in unused wings or bonus rooms. All variations include full kitchens, full bathrooms, and living areas, with the option to meter utilities separately so the owner can track occupancy and tenant usage.
The construction process unfolds in six distinct phases. First comes a free site feasibility assessment, during which Urban Builder evaluates the lot size, required setbacks, zoning restrictions, utility access, and any HOA rules that might affect the project. This phase is critical because many lots in the Eastside cannot accommodate a full DADU, and the company uses this conversation to set realistic expectations upfront. Next is custom design and floor plan creation, in which the team works with the homeowner to define the size, layout, and aesthetic of the unit. This is followed by permit preparation and city submission, the phase where Urban Builder coordinates with local authorities and incorporates feedback into revised designs. Once permits are issued, site preparation and foundation work begin, including excavation, utility trenching, and foundation pouring. Full construction follows, covering framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and all interior finishes. The final phase is inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, after which the unit is ready to occupy or lease.
Urban Builder differentiates itself through its ownership model and payment structure. Rather than requiring a large upfront deposit, the firm operates on a progress payment model aligned with the construction schedule, reducing financial risk for homeowners. Valter and Alex personally supervise all job sites in the Kirkland-Seattle region, meaning owners interact directly with the licensed engineers leading the company rather than project managers or sales staff. Additionally, Urban Builder has committed to completing one full home renovation annually for a family in need at no cost, a practice that reflects the ownership's values and commitment to the community. With a team of 16+ skilled trades, the company maintains the capacity to run multiple projects simultaneously while keeping quality consistent.
Urban Builder's ADU and DADU work typically costs between $150,000 and $350,000, depending on the type and extent of the work. A garage conversion on the lower end starts around $150,000, while a full detached DADU build in premium Eastside locations runs closer to $350,000. Once complete, the resulting unit typically generates $2,000 to $4,000 in monthly rental income in King County, depending on size, location, and finish quality. Over a 5–10 year period, most projects pay for themselves through rental income, after which owners enjoy pure positive cash flow. The company also cites property value increases in the 20–35% range following a successful ADU addition, meaning homeowners build equity in their own property while creating an asset that can be rented out or used for family housing.
Urban Builder competes in a crowded Eastside market against several established DADU and ADU builders, each with their own strengths. Some competitors offer prefabricated or modular designs that accelerate the permitting process; Urban Builder builds site-specific custom designs, which takes longer but can optimize lot usage and owner preferences more finely. Some competitors are larger firms with high overhead; Urban Builder is smaller and family-run, which translates to lower margins and potentially more accessible pricing, but also less depth for very large or complex projects. Other firms focus exclusively on DADUs and have deeper experience; Urban Builder offers the full range of ADU types including basement conversions and above-garage units, which is valuable for Eastside lots that cannot accommodate a detached unit due to size or zoning. The engineering pedigree and personal owner involvement also set Urban Builder apart, particularly for homeowners who value hands-on attention and technical rigor over production volume.
Urban Builder is the right choice for homeowners in Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Sammamish, and the greater Seattle Eastside who want to add an ADU or DADU and value owner-involved construction, engineering credentials, and flexible payment terms. Families that prefer one-on-one attention from the actual owners, rather than dealing with a project manager, will appreciate the company's operational model. Homeowners with unusual lot constraints or who want a custom design rather than a standard plan will benefit from the engineering depth the founders bring. The free feasibility assessment also makes sense to request if you are unsure whether your lot can even accommodate an ADU, because Urban Builder's conservative, engineering-led approach will give you a clear yes or no before you commit any funds.
Urban Builder LLC represents a modern, owner-led approach to ADU and DADU construction on the Eastside. By combining civil engineering expertise, personal ownership supervision, and flexible payment structures, the firm removes much of the uncertainty and friction that surrounds ADU projects. For homeowners seeking a partner who understands construction deeply and will stay involved from feasibility through Certificate of Occupancy, Urban Builder has earned a strong reputation in Kirkland and the surrounding region.