Shelter Solutions ADU Profiles

To learn more about this company, check out ADU Design-Builder Profile: Shelter Solutions LLC. For a more in-depth look, read Satish’s ADU: A Backyard Landlord Cottage.

Shelter Solutions ADU 1

Shelter Solutions ADU 1 Great Room

Shelter Solutions ADU 1 Kitchen & Bed Nook

Shelter Solutions ADU 1 Lounge

ADU #1

• Square Footage: 252
• Year Built: 2015
• Architect/Designer: Western Design Group
• Builder: Shelter Solutions LLC
• Type of ADU: Single car garage conversion
• Current Use: Studio apartment/guest house
• Ballpark Cost: $70,000

The Project: There was an old one car garage in the rear of the property that was not being used. The owner thought she could make use of it and potential added income. She has had long term renters in it since completion.

The Challenges: The sewer and water lines for the ADU had to go over 125’ to connect to the house line in the front yard, which was expensive and challenging.

The Solutions:

• We used recycled wood – from submerged Douglas fir from the Columbia River for flooring and ceiling finish.
• We constructed a built in bed with storage, and a dresser/armoire on casters so it can be moved about the unit.

Shelter Solutions ADU 2

Shelter Solutions ADU 2 Loft

Shelter Solutions ADU 2 Kitchen

Shelter Solutions ADU 2 Great Room

ADU #2

• Square Footage: 750
• Year Built: 2015
• Architect/Designer: Shelter Solutions LLC
• Builder: Shelter Solutions LLC
• Type of ADU: Detached new construction
• Current Use: owner’s primary residence
• Ballpark Cost: $135,000

The Project: The exterior matches the existing house, but the inside is modern-contemporary to match the owner’s tastes and lifestyle. Earth Advantage Platinum rating, heated bath and kitchen floor, whole ADU can be heated sufficiently with one gas fireplace

The Challenges: The owner wanted to go with the maximum 800 sf, but his lot was smaller than usual so lot coverage became an issue. So we reduced the footprint to make it work.

The Solutions:

• Maximized the site, very little disruption to the site other than the footprint itself.
• Combined all underground utilities in one trench.

Shelter Solutions ADU 3

Shelter Solutions ADU 3 Kitchen

Shelter Solutions ADU 3 Great Room

Shelter Solutions ADU 3 Bedroom

ADU #3

• Square Footage: 800
• Year Built: September 2012
• Architect/Designer: Shelter Solutions LLC
• Builder: Shelter Solutions LLC
• Type of ADU: Detached new construction
• Current Use: mother-in-law unit
• Ballpark Cost: $145,000

The Project: Built to match the existing house, and to be accessible.

The Challenges: Accomplishing the occupant’s needs on one level. This was one of the easier ones because it is on a corner lot with great access. Utilities were easier than usual.

The Solutions:

• Everything the elderly occupant needs is on the first level: bedroom, accessible bathroom, accessible kitchen.
• Upstairs is additional bedroom and storage for future use.
• Also, the owner is a professional gardener so the ADU was positioned to maximize the remaining space for gardening.

About linamenard

Hi. My name is Lina Menard and I'm a small house dweller, designer, blogger, and builder. I'm currently collecting ADU Case Studies for AccessoryDwellings.org. Through my company Niche Consulting LLC, I help people design and build the home (and life) of their dreams! I also tell my stories about simple living in small spaces - like a travel trailer, a yurt, a backyard cottage, and tiny houses on wheels - at Niche News.

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