
Finished Basement with ADU in Mercer Island

Before & After


The Challenge
A Mercer Island homeowner with a 1,200 sq ft unfinished basement wanted to convert it to a self-contained ADU for long-term rental income. The basement had concrete walls with evidence of past moisture intrusion in one corner, no egress windows, and only a single-story stair access from the main house. An independent exterior entrance was needed to make the unit fully functional as a rental, and city permits were required for the ADU use.
Our Solution
Repair Point identified and addressed the moisture source — a failed exterior drain tile section that was repaired from the interior using a channeled drainage system and new sump pump. Interior walls received a vapor barrier and dimple mat system. Two egress windows were cut into the concrete foundation wall (engineered for structural adequacy), each with properly sized window wells and drainage. A new exterior entrance was created at the south foundation wall, with a covered landing and exterior stair to grade. The ADU was fully permitted as an attached accessory dwelling unit through Mercer Island's permit office. The finished space includes a full kitchen, full bathroom, one bedroom with egress, and a combined living/dining area.
Project Investment
$145,000–$175,000
Fully permitted, all-in project cost range. Actual cost depends on final scope and material selections.
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