Alleyway ADU

A Thoughtfully Designed ADU in a Historic Vancouver neighborhood.

We recently completed a modern accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the backyard of this older home in Vancouver, Washington. As experienced Vancouver Washington ADU builders, this project gave us the chance to showcase how a well-designed, modern ADU can complement a classic primary residence while adding a ton of value and function to the whole property.

The homeowner was looking to create a flexible living space. They wanted something that could serve as a long-term rental, guest house, or even a downsizing option, where they can rent out the main house. Even though the design options had some constriants since the existing house was situated in the center of the lot, we were able to design and build a one-bedroom ADU with an open living area, a full kitchen, and a comfortable modern bathroom.

This accessory dwelling unit, (ADU) serves as an independent living quarters with its own entrance, while still being situated on the same property, and giving privacy to the main residence. The ADU entrance includes space for a quaint patio, providing a functional outdoor living space for our long summer days. The main house still has a nice front yard, and parking space for 2 - 3 vehicles. Because we designed the ADU for a lot of natural light, with windows placed high above eye level, we were able to have a nice private separation between the two units, and still create an additional small backyard patio between the ADU and main house.

High Efficiency ADU

We designed and built this ADU with a focus on energy efficiency, from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the roof. Through the process of carefully selecting the appropriate building materials, fixtures, and appliances, we were able to reduce the need for excessive heating and cooling. By maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, the ADU will be a cozy and energy efficient home for many years to come.

The entryway to this newly constructed accessory dwelling unit (ADU), prioritizes the provision of privacy, offering a retreat for its residents. Beyond its functional aspects, the entrance includes space for a quaint patio, ensuring an outdoor space during the warm summer months.

Modern ADU entrance in Vancouver Washington

We decided on polished concrete floors for this ADU construction project. The durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance, made them a great choice for the homeowner who wanted a stylish and practical flooring solution.

Detached ADU construction Vancouver WA backyard cottage

Navigating ADU Permitting in Vancouver WA

One of the unique aspects of building ADUs in Vancouver, WA is navigating the city’s zoning and permit requirements. As a licenced design-build firm in both Oregon and Washington, we handled the full process. From the initial design and city approvals to the final construction walkthrough. Having us manage the entire project helped our clients move forward faster and avoid extra expenses due to delays.

Further information on what the city of Vancouver Washington requires when building and ADU can be found here on the city's website.

Ready to Build Your ADU?

As experienced Vancouver Washington ADU builders, we specialize in designing and building custom ADUs in Vancouver and the Portland metro area. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a concept in mind, we can help bring your vision to life. We'll take it from concept to completion.