Whether you're a homeowner acting as your own general contractor, hiring a builder, or a contractor needing permitting support, Build Sherpas offers full-spectrum consulting for homes, ADUs, additions, and remodels across Western Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, Pierce, King, Thurston Counties, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, and beyond).
In Washington State, homeowners can legally act as their own general contractor (owner-builder) for their personal residence without a contractor registration in many cases, as long as they don't hire out in a way that triggers L&I requirements or perform certain trades. However, the process involves significant risks: navigating codes, permits, inspections, subcontractor coordination, timelines, and potential liabilities (e.g., safety under WISHA).
Build Sherpas acts as your independent consultant throughout the entire build process – providing expertise without taking on construction liability. We help you avoid common pitfalls, save time/money, and achieve code-compliant results.

Initial meetings to define scope, budget, timeline, site analysis, zoning checks, and code feasibility (including WSEC energy requirements).
Integrate our architectural drafting with your vision; review engineer/architect inputs if needed.
Full support for permit applications, submittals, addressing reviewer comments, and ensuring compliance with local jurisdictions (Seattle SDCI, Pierce County, Tacoma, etc.), 2021 WSEC, and state building codes.
Advice for homeowners acting as GC: subcontractor vetting, contract templates, scheduling, change order management, inspection preparation, and risk mitigation (e.g., insurance/safety considerations under WA law).
Act as your "project quarterback": weekly check-ins, progress tracking, issue resolution, value engineering, and coordination between trades/designers/inspectors.
On-site or remote guidance during build: interpret plans, resolve field issues, prepare for inspections, and document changes.
Final inspections, certificate of occupancy support, punch lists, and transition to keys/handover – ensuring everything is documented and compliant..

Full hand-holding to manage your project confidently.

Independent oversight to protect your interests.

Specialized permitting and code consulting to streamline approvals.


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