Questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on permits, timelines, costs and where we work. If your question is not here, call us on (253) 348-1847 and we will answer it properly.
Working with KOI Build Co
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all projects. We'll visit your home, discuss your vision, take measurements, and provide a detailed quote with transparent pricing.
Are you licensed and insured in Washington State?
Absolutely. KOI Build Co is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation for your peace of mind. Our Washington contractor license number is KOIBUBC763RE, and you can look it up yourself on the Department of Labor and Industries website.
How long does a typical remodeling project take?
Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity. A kitchen remodel typically takes 4-6 weeks, while a full home renovation may take 8-12 weeks. During your free consultation, we'll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project.
What is your payment schedule?
We offer flexible payment plans. Typically, we require a deposit to begin, with progress payments tied to project milestones. Final payment is due upon completion and your satisfaction.
Do you offer warranties on your work?
Yes, we stand behind our craftsmanship with a 2-year workmanship warranty on all projects. Materials also carry manufacturer warranties.
How do I get started?
Simply call us at (253) 348-1847 or fill out our contact form. We'll schedule a free consultation to discuss your project and provide an estimate.
Where we work
What areas do you serve?
Olympia, Tacoma, Lacey, Tumwater, and all of South Puget Sound. If you don't see your town, give us a call and we will tell you straight away.
Do you have a page for my town?
Probably. We have a page for each of the 35 towns we serve, covering that town’s own permit rules and what they mean for your project. You can find yours on the Areas We Serve page.
Where is your office?
Our office is at 2622 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409. Most of our work is in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, so a Thurston County project is not a stretch for us.
Permits and inspections
Do you handle permits and inspections?
Yes, we manage all necessary permits and coordinate with local building departments. We ensure every project meets or exceeds code requirements.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In Washington a deck is exempt from a building permit only when all four of these are true at once: it is 200 square feet or less, it is 30 inches or less above grade at every point, it is not attached to the dwelling, and it does not serve the required exit door. Fail any one of the four and you need a permit. Height is measured at the lowest point, so a deck on a sloping lot often needs one even when it looks low at the house.
Does a deck cover or patio cover need a permit?
Treat it as yes. Tumwater lists "patio or deck roof cover" directly on its permit-required list with no size exemption. Elsewhere in Thurston County a cover attached to the house enlarges the roof, which also requires a permit. A roof can pull a deck into permit territory even when the deck on its own would have been exempt.
Is a pergola exempt from a permit?
Not reliably. If the roof surface is solid, or even partly solid, it is generally treated as a patio cover and needs a permit. A louvered pergola that closes is a solid roof when closed. Check with your city before buying a kit.
How much does a building permit cost?
There is no flat fee. Olympia, for example, calculates building permit and plan review fees from International Code Council valuation data under OMC 4.36.010, then adds a technology fee of 4.1 percent. The fee scales with the value of the work, so a covered deck costs more to permit than an open one.
How long do I have to submit my plans?
It varies by city, and the deadlines are real. In Thurston County an application expires after a year with no activity, and once a permit is issued, construction has to start within a year. Check the deadlines for your own city and permit type, and note that we handle this as part of the build.
ADUs, DADUs and tiny homes
What is the difference between an ADU and a DADU?
An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit, a second, smaller home on the same lot as the main house. A DADU is a detached one, a separate building rather than a conversion or an attached addition. Both are full homes with their own kitchen, bathroom and entrance.
When do the new state ADU rules apply where I live?
The 2023 state ADU law, HB 1337, applies inside urban growth areas in counties that fully plan under the Growth Management Act. Pierce County cities have been subject to it since 1 July 2025. Thurston, Mason and Lewis County cities have until 30 June 2026. It does not apply in Elma, McCleary or Montesano, because Grays Harbor only partly plans under the GMA. This detail is commonly reported wrongly, including by AI search summaries.
Do you build tiny homes on wheels?
No. We build on foundations. If you are looking for a tiny home on a trailer, you want a manufacturer rather than a general contractor. What we build is a small, permanent home or accessory dwelling unit on your property, which is a different thing and follows the residential building code.
Code and fee answers on this page were last checked on 24 September 2026. Rules change, so confirm current standards with your city or county before you apply.
Still have a question?
Tell us about your project and we will give you a straight answer.