The Challenge: Reclaim an Oversized Garage and Create Independent Living Space for a Family Member
The client had an old, oversized 3-car detached garage sitting unused in the backyard—mostly filled with things they no longer needed. Instead of letting it continue to sit idle, they saw an opportunity: create a permanent home for their adult son with special needs, giving him independence while keeping him close.
They didn’t want anything flashy or overly modern. Their vision was simple: a warm, functional space with a classic farmhouse feel that would feel familiar, safe, and comfortable.
The Design: A One-Bedroom ADU with a Farmhouse Vibe
The extra space inside the 3-car garage gave us enough room to design a true one-bedroom ADU, not just a studio. We used a traditional layout that prioritized ease of movement, comfort, and privacy.
- Vertical siding and exposed roof rafter tails for that timeless farmhouse look
- A separate bedroom, full kitchen, and private living space
- Simple, durable finishes that feel homey without being high-maintenance
- Wide pathways and an open layout to keep the space accessible long-term
We kept the building footprint and roofline intact to streamline the permit process, while upgrading everything inside and out to meet current ADU code.
The Result: A Private, Comfortable Home—Just Steps Away from Family
The completed ADU now serves as a fully independent home for the clients’ son—giving him the freedom to live on his own, while staying just a short walk from the main house.
It feels like a cottage, not a converted garage. The exterior blends into the yard with classic charm, and the inside offers all the essentials: a real bedroom, full-size appliances, lots of light, and space to live and grow comfortably.
This project shows how a little-used structure can be turned into something that truly improves a family's quality of life.
Floor Plan
Want something like this for your backyard?
Most clients find their fit in our Signature Home plan lineup. A few each year commission a fully custom design like the one above. Either way, start with a 15-minute Backyard Review — we'll place a Signature Home on your actual property to scale, walk you through the interior in 3D, and quote your plans before you commit to anything.
Our Signature Home plans — fixed-price design + permit, from $7,490 · est. cost to build $180K–$420K · or fully custom from $9,990
