Clark County, WA · AFH Conversion Specialist
Adult Family Home conversions, done right the first time.
Converting a home into a code-compliant Adult Family Home means accessibility upgrades, life-safety work, structural changes, and a thick stack of documentation. Shearline Construction handles all of it — design, engineering, permits, construction, and paperwork. You approve the scope, we deliver a WABO-approved AFH.
Why owners choose Shearline
The contractor most AFH operators wish they'd hired first.
Most general contractors will quote an AFH conversion the same way they'd quote a kitchen remodel — then disappear when WABO requests revisions or DSHS flags a non-compliant hallway. We don't. AFH conversions are our specialty, and we know the documentation requirements as well as we know the carpentry.
- AFH conversions are a core specialty — not a side service
- WABO and building permit documentation prepared and submitted on your behalf
- Mechanical-engineering background — structural changes done correctly
- In-house architectural drawings and permit submittal
- Licensed, bonded & insured in Washington state
- Single point of contact from feasibility through licensing handoff
What's included
Everything an AFH conversion actually requires.
Accessibility-First Design
Curbless roll-in showers, widened doorways (typically 36"), reinforced grab-bar blocking, accessible bath and kitchen layouts, and zero-step entries.
Life-Safety Compliance
Hard-wired interconnected smoke and CO detection, emergency egress, and resident-room requirements per WAC code.
Full WABO Documentation
We prepare and submit the completed Washington Adult Family Home licensing packet — floor plans, plot layouts, construction design details, and all other application paperwork— on your behalf.
In-House Architectural Drawings
Existing-conditions surveys, proposed floor plans, and permit-ready drawings produced under our own roof — no third-party draftsperson required.
Structural Engineering
Engineered solutions for wall removal, header sizing, and any framing changes needed to open up living space without compromising the structure.
Permit Submittal & Inspections
We pull the permits, coordinate with the City of Vancouver / Clark County, and walk the inspections from rough-in through final.
Our process
From walk-through to WABO approved AFH.
Walk-Through & Feasibility
We tour the home, review your AFH goals (number of residents, ambulatory vs. non-ambulatory care), and identify what's required to bring the structure into compliance.
Design & WABO Package
We produce existing and proposed floor plans, show you the 3D model of your future AFH, and assemble the WABO documentation package required for your DSHS licensing application.
Permits & Construction
We pull all permits, complete the conversion — accessibility upgrades, structural work, finishes — and coordinate inspections through final sign-off.
Licensing Handoff
You receive a turnkey, code-compliant home plus the full WABO documentation set ready to submit to DSHS for your Adult Family Home license.
FAQ
AFH conversion questions, answered.
- What is an Adult Family Home (AFH) in Washington State?
- An Adult Family Home is a residential home licensed by Washington DSHS to provide room, board, laundry, supervision, and personal care for up to six non-related adults (can increase to eight after 2 years in business and additional code compliance). The home must meet specific WAC building, fire, and accessibility standards before a license is issued.
- Do you handle the WABO documentation?
- Yes — that's one of our specialties. We prepare the full documentation set needed for the AFH (WABO) Inspection on your behalf, including existing and proposed floor plans, fire-safety plans, and the supporting documents your DSHS application requires.
- Can any house be converted to an AFH?
- Most single-family homes can be converted, but the cost and scope vary widely based on bedroom count, bathroom layout, hallway widths, existing egress, and whether structural changes are needed. We start with a feasibility walk-through so you know exactly what's involved before committing.
- What areas do you serve?
- Vancouver, WA and the surrounding Clark County area — including Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, and Brush Prairie — plus communities within roughly a one-hour drive. We are not licensed in Oregon.
- How long does an AFH conversion take?
- Most conversions run 8–16 weeks of active construction, depending on scope. Design, engineering, and permitting typically add another 6–10 weeks on the front end. We give you a realistic timeline at the feasibility stage.
Thinking about opening an Adult Family Home?
Start with a no-pressure feasibility walk-through. We'll tell you straight whether the home is a good candidate, what the conversion would realistically involve, and what the WABO and DSHS process looks like from here.