In April 2024, Shawn Lentz and his family embarked on a challenging journey to build a mortgage-free home on his in-laws’ property in Arlington, Washington. After selling their 4,000-square-foot house in Concrete, Washington, they moved into a 23-foot trailer with their teenage son, three English bulldogs, and an iguana named Rawr. What initially seemed like a temporary arrangement has turned into a frustrating 16-month ordeal marked by delays and unexpected hurdles.
The decision to build a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) was fueled by a desire to escape rising property taxes and insurance costs. The family aimed to use the proceeds from the sale of their home to finance the new build, allowing them to live without a mortgage while being closer to family as they age. They purchased a three-bedroom, two-bathroom manufactured home, which met the county’s 1,200-square-foot limit for DADUs, expecting a relatively smooth construction process.
However, the journey quickly became complicated. The family faced numerous obstacles, including applying for permits, conducting a wetland survey, and designing a septic system. Although they had assistance from contractors, conflicting information made the process more challenging. As they navigated local regulations, they learned about the building approval process in their county.
Progress on the construction has been slow, with setbacks occurring at every turn. The family encountered delays due to the septic designer and inspections for electrical and water systems. A significant roadblock arose when a new wetland was discovered on the property, necessitating changes to their original plans. This setback alone pushed their timeline back by five months.
Living in the trailer has proven to be more difficult than anticipated. The cramped space has forced the family to adapt to life in a confined area, sharing it with their pets. With limited room to maneuver, daily activities have become a juggling act. Their son’s sleeping arrangement consists of a small bottom bunk, while the dining nook, which doubles as a workspace, is often occupied by gaming equipment.
Cooking in the trailer is yet another challenge. The limited kitchen space requires the family to choose between various cooking methods, often leading to precarious plate-balancing acts. The cramped quarters have led to frustrations, with family members feeling the strain of sharing a small living environment.
Despite these challenges, the family is beginning to see progress on their new home. The manufactured house was delivered in late June, and construction is now underway, with septic, electrical, and interior work in progress. The water line is set to connect to the existing well soon. After investing over $275,000 into the project, they can finally envision the completion of their new home.
Reflecting on the experience, Shawn acknowledges that this extended camping experience has tested their marriage. They have faced emotional ups and downs, often feeling overwhelmed by the situation. If they could do it all over again, they would allow for a more realistic timeline and budget for unexpected costs, such as county recording fees.
As they continue to work towards their dream of a simpler life, the family remains hopeful that their efforts will ultimately pay off. The unfinished house stands as a reminder of their journey, but they cling to the belief that once completed, their new home will justify the struggles they endured during the process.
