NorthLight Custom Builders

NorthLight Custom Builders is a design-build remodeling and ADU construction company serving homeowners throughout King and Snohomish Counties in Washington. Founded in 2014 by master craftsman Tony Collins, the company specializes in personalized home remodeling, additions, and ADUs and DADUs (Detached Accessory Dwelling Units). Its design-build process brings planning, design, permitting, construction, and project management together under one coordinated service.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — also known as a granny flat, in-law suite, backyard cottage, casita, or secondary dwelling unit — is a self-contained living space that can be attached to an existing home or constructed as a separate detached unit. NorthLight specifically offers both ADUs and DADUs, with its process tailored to the homeowner’s property, budget, and intended use.

ADU Services

1. Attached ADU: NorthLight designs and builds ADUs as additions to an existing home, providing additional living space for family members, aging in place, home offices, or rental use.
2. Detached ADU (DADU): The company specifically provides detached accessory dwelling units as separate living structures on the property.
3. Garage Conversions: Garage conversions are included within NorthLight’s broader remodeling and ADU capabilities, allowing existing space to be transformed into more functional residential space.
4. Basement Conversions: NorthLight also lists basement conversions among its remodeling capabilities, which can provide opportunities for additional living space or ADU development where local regulations permit.

What NorthLight Custom Builders Offers Beyond Construction

NorthLight follows a design-build approach that starts with an initial consultation and continues through design, detailed pre-construction planning, permitting, construction, and final walkthrough. During the initial stage, the company reviews the homeowner’s goals, functional requirements, budget, and applicable zoning and building codes.

During the design phase, homeowners work with NorthLight’s Design Team to establish the ADU’s layout and design details. The company can also provide detailed project renderings, allowing homeowners to visualize finishes, fixtures, flooring, and other selections before construction begins.

NorthLight also handles permitting and inspections for its projects. Its pre-construction process includes precise measurements, subcontractor pricing, material and fixture selections, and coordination of the details required before construction starts.

Once construction begins, homeowners are assigned a Project Manager and Lead Carpenter who remain involved through the finishing stages. After completion, NorthLight conducts a final walkthrough and schedules a one-year warranty follow-up for its workmanship.

The company also provides broader residential services including:

• Kitchen remodeling
• Bathroom remodeling
• Whole-home remodeling
• Home additions
• Aging-in-place modifications
• Outdoor living spaces
• Garage conversions
• Basement conversions

NorthLight is also a BIAW Certified Builder, and Tony Collins is identified by the company as a Certified ADU Specialist and Universal Design Certified Specialist.