Outbuildings
See 9 Inspired Backyard Cottages, ADUs and Studios
Houzz readers shared their converted garages and backyard units used for exercise, guest quarters and more
The value of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in-law units and backyard cottages as multipurpose spaces has come to the forefront for many homeowners, as both work and school have shifted to take place at home due to the ongoing pandemic. We asked Houzz readers to share their stand-alone spaces used as rental properties, home offices, yoga studios and more. Discover why these nine homeowners from around the country built their ADUs, and read about how some of them collaborated with professionals and added their own personalized touches.
Why they built it: Liz Clare and David Jewkes live in Las Vegas and bought this property at the end of 2018. The couple loves Central California’s wine country region and wanted the experience of living in a small town. “We wanted a place we could relax and slow down and enjoy the community,” Clare says. The space is used primarily as a rental property. “We have enjoyed the experience of being hosts,” she adds.
Now with the pandemic and limited travel, the rental has been more popular than ever for people taking road trips from Southern or Northern California. “We now have to block out at least a week to 10 days a month for ourselves months in advance,” Clare says.
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Now with the pandemic and limited travel, the rental has been more popular than ever for people taking road trips from Southern or Northern California. “We now have to block out at least a week to 10 days a month for ourselves months in advance,” Clare says.
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Project details: “It is so small, but I wanted a luxurious kitchen and bathroom and king-sized bed, and I made it happen,” Clare says. “I literally had to account for every inch. I measured every item and had to cut 1 inch of my bathroom vanity countertop in order to make it fit. Couches, cabinets, chairs had no inches to spare.”
Pro help: Clare worked with a draftsman to draw up the plan for the city commission. She also hired general contractor Mason Krohn of Krohn Construction to supervise the job, since she and Jewkes live 400 miles away. “I spent many, many hours on Houzz for all my inspiration. I used it pretty exclusively. I bought my [double] bathroom vanity with sinks from Houzz,” she says.
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2. Backyard Yoga Studio in Oregon
Who lives here: Lisa Skaff
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 196 square feet (18 square meters)
Why she built it: Lisa Skaff works as a yoga instructor and wanted a place where she could practice and teach at home. Also, the backyard had a dilapidated shed that needed to be removed. Lisa’s father, Bill Skaff, who has experience working in construction, helped to build the new structure. “With the present COVID pandemic, the gym is closed. We were lucky to have built the studio a year before to conduct her business as well as [to have] a nice place to be out in the yard,” Bill says.
Lisa uses the studio to teach virtual yoga classes for a local gym, Planet Granite, and she also teaches private yoga and does personal training at an appropriate social distance with clients that are previously screened.
Project details: The 196-square-foot studio does not include plumbing, and was just under the size required for a permit. The main house is 25 feet away.
Who lives here: Lisa Skaff
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 196 square feet (18 square meters)
Why she built it: Lisa Skaff works as a yoga instructor and wanted a place where she could practice and teach at home. Also, the backyard had a dilapidated shed that needed to be removed. Lisa’s father, Bill Skaff, who has experience working in construction, helped to build the new structure. “With the present COVID pandemic, the gym is closed. We were lucky to have built the studio a year before to conduct her business as well as [to have] a nice place to be out in the yard,” Bill says.
Lisa uses the studio to teach virtual yoga classes for a local gym, Planet Granite, and she also teaches private yoga and does personal training at an appropriate social distance with clients that are previously screened.
Project details: The 196-square-foot studio does not include plumbing, and was just under the size required for a permit. The main house is 25 feet away.
Pro help: The father-daughter pair handled most of the construction themselves and hired local contractors to pour the cement foundation. “I am addicted to Houzz, and visit the site every day for inspiration,” Bill says. “ADUs are a hot subject now during the pandemic, so I see all kinds of different designs.”
4 Creative ADUs Offer Small-Space Living Ideas
4 Creative ADUs Offer Small-Space Living Ideas
3. Cozy Wood Studio for an Artist
Who lives here: Jose Rodriguez-Velez of Bird of Wood Art
Size: 235 square feet (22 square meters) on half an acre
Location: Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Why he built it: The ADU build is in progress, and the end goal is to use the space as a studio. Jose Rodriguez-Velez is a retired endangered-species-wildlife biologist as well as a bird woodcarver, an artist and a designer.
Project details: The homeowner designed and built this timber-frame structure himself. The project began in October 2019, before the pandemic, and the carpentry work is ongoing. The stained wood used for the exterior was locally sourced from small independent wood mills and includes white pine, eastern hemlock and spruce. The homeowner opted for a board-and-batten exterior to match that of the main house. “I didn’t want the ADU to look like new construction,” Rodriguez-Velez says. “The interior remains a blank canvas that will incorporate artwork, antiques and handmade cabinetry. The ADU will have an eclectic artist-cabin flair and will serve as a winter retreat.”
A Homeowner Loved His New ADU So Much, He Moved In
Who lives here: Jose Rodriguez-Velez of Bird of Wood Art
Size: 235 square feet (22 square meters) on half an acre
Location: Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Why he built it: The ADU build is in progress, and the end goal is to use the space as a studio. Jose Rodriguez-Velez is a retired endangered-species-wildlife biologist as well as a bird woodcarver, an artist and a designer.
Project details: The homeowner designed and built this timber-frame structure himself. The project began in October 2019, before the pandemic, and the carpentry work is ongoing. The stained wood used for the exterior was locally sourced from small independent wood mills and includes white pine, eastern hemlock and spruce. The homeowner opted for a board-and-batten exterior to match that of the main house. “I didn’t want the ADU to look like new construction,” Rodriguez-Velez says. “The interior remains a blank canvas that will incorporate artwork, antiques and handmade cabinetry. The ADU will have an eclectic artist-cabin flair and will serve as a winter retreat.”
A Homeowner Loved His New ADU So Much, He Moved In
4. Storybook- and Tree House-Inspired Shed in Idaho
Who lives here: Evelyn and Kelly Dame
Size: 792 square feet (74 square meters)
Location: Payette, Idaho
Why they built it: The homeowners, Evelyn and Kelly Dame, built this multiuse backyard shed on their 13-acre property to match their main home. “The front multiwindow area is a potting shed, the back with roll-up door is used to store our utility terrain vehicle, or UTV, and the upstairs was built as a play and sleeping area for our grandchildren, who visit frequently and wanted a tree house,” Evelyn says. “All of the trees on our property that were large enough to accommodate a tree house hung over the river, so it was not safe to build. We decided this would be a good compromise.” Since the pandemic began earlier this year, the couple have spent more time outside and putting finishing touches on the shed.
Project details: The front potting area features three salvaged leaded glass windows and a custom copper awning made in Louisiana. Inside are reclaimed shelves and a plumbed vintage cabinet with a cast iron sink.
The exterior design is similar to that of the main house and includes leftover stone, brick and cement shingles as well as Fiberon composite siding. On the side of the shed is a large closet to keep gardening tools handy.
Who lives here: Evelyn and Kelly Dame
Size: 792 square feet (74 square meters)
Location: Payette, Idaho
Why they built it: The homeowners, Evelyn and Kelly Dame, built this multiuse backyard shed on their 13-acre property to match their main home. “The front multiwindow area is a potting shed, the back with roll-up door is used to store our utility terrain vehicle, or UTV, and the upstairs was built as a play and sleeping area for our grandchildren, who visit frequently and wanted a tree house,” Evelyn says. “All of the trees on our property that were large enough to accommodate a tree house hung over the river, so it was not safe to build. We decided this would be a good compromise.” Since the pandemic began earlier this year, the couple have spent more time outside and putting finishing touches on the shed.
Project details: The front potting area features three salvaged leaded glass windows and a custom copper awning made in Louisiana. Inside are reclaimed shelves and a plumbed vintage cabinet with a cast iron sink.
The exterior design is similar to that of the main house and includes leftover stone, brick and cement shingles as well as Fiberon composite siding. On the side of the shed is a large closet to keep gardening tools handy.
The rear area houses the couple’s Polaris RZR vehicle and trailer, used frequently to drive around the property. The loft area is accessible by a vintage library ladder, seen here.
Pro help: The homeowners hired local draftsman Kyle Hall to design their shed. He also did the drawings for their main home five years ago. Local general contractor Ben Musser of Paradise Building helped to frame and finish the structure. “Due to our rural area and the building boom, we had to be patient and wait for availability to get the project done,” Evelyn says. It took about 13 months to complete the project.
Pro help: The homeowners hired local draftsman Kyle Hall to design their shed. He also did the drawings for their main home five years ago. Local general contractor Ben Musser of Paradise Building helped to frame and finish the structure. “Due to our rural area and the building boom, we had to be patient and wait for availability to get the project done,” Evelyn says. It took about 13 months to complete the project.
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5. Pool House in Sunny Southern California
Who lives here: Jacy and Matt Young, their three sons and a dog
Size: About 500 square feet (46 square meters)
Location: Fullerton, California
Why they built it: When Jacy and Matt Young bought their 1956 ranch home two years ago, they knew they would be taking on an extensive remodel and would need a place to stay for the duration of the project. They spent four months renovating the existing backyard pool house. “We moved into the finished pool house the very day of the quarantine lockdown in California,” Jacy says. The family has been living in the space for the past six months, and Matt has been working from home there as well. “The pandemic has been part of slowing our main house remodel down, but we have been thankful it has moved forward, since demo day was day one of quarantine,” Jacy says.
The pool house eventually will be used as a guesthouse for Jacy’s parents when they visit from Minnesota.
Who lives here: Jacy and Matt Young, their three sons and a dog
Size: About 500 square feet (46 square meters)
Location: Fullerton, California
Why they built it: When Jacy and Matt Young bought their 1956 ranch home two years ago, they knew they would be taking on an extensive remodel and would need a place to stay for the duration of the project. They spent four months renovating the existing backyard pool house. “We moved into the finished pool house the very day of the quarantine lockdown in California,” Jacy says. The family has been living in the space for the past six months, and Matt has been working from home there as well. “The pandemic has been part of slowing our main house remodel down, but we have been thankful it has moved forward, since demo day was day one of quarantine,” Jacy says.
The pool house eventually will be used as a guesthouse for Jacy’s parents when they visit from Minnesota.
Project details: The pool house was taken down to the studs, but the couple kept a few original features, including the gas fireplace and a pull-down two-burner electric stove in the kitchenette (next photo). A mini-split air-and-heat system and a ceiling fan from Mathews Fan have been installed to help with hot California summers.
As for the sleeping arrangements, “we knew we wanted a Murphy bed in here so we have more space, but also can easily make it a space people can comfortably stay for long periods,” Jacy says. Shown here is the current sleeping setup for all five members of the family.
As for the sleeping arrangements, “we knew we wanted a Murphy bed in here so we have more space, but also can easily make it a space people can comfortably stay for long periods,” Jacy says. Shown here is the current sleeping setup for all five members of the family.
This compact kitchenette features the original two-burner stove and a repurposed bar countertop, plus a compact Avallon refrigerator bought on Houzz. The family uses an additional refrigerator in the garage to store extra food. “We barbecue a lot too,” Jacy says. “It’s been interesting figuring out what all we can do in the small space.”
Backsplash: Liquid tile in ice white, Eleganza
Backsplash: Liquid tile in ice white, Eleganza
Pro help: “My husband and I have probably been on Houzz every day since we bought our house two years ago. We found our architect through Houzz,” Jacy says. Architect David Theis of David Michael Designs did the plans for their main house, and since they didn’t make structural changes to the pool house, they hired a local general contractor to help with the pool house remodel.
They also worked with landscape architect Alison Terry of Terry Design, Colin Becker of Light Bulbs, Etc. to help with lighting, and Rhonda Royer at Faucets N’ Fixtures for bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
They also worked with landscape architect Alison Terry of Terry Design, Colin Becker of Light Bulbs, Etc. to help with lighting, and Rhonda Royer at Faucets N’ Fixtures for bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
6. Renovation Getaway and Guesthouse in Tennessee
Who lives here: Mike and Lisa Myers and their dog
Location: Carroll County, Tennessee
Size: 320 square feet (30 square meters)
Why they built it: When Mike and Lisa Myers bought their multiacre property, their intention was to remodel the existing home. “Once we opened up some walls, we realized we had a teardown and not a remodel,” Lisa says. The couple needed temporary living quarters for what ended up being an 18-month-long home remodeling project, and they lived in their backyard cottage during that time. “The cabin will now be used for Mike’s music room and guests if needed,” Lisa says.
Project details: Mike built a handful of interior elements using reclaimed items, including cabinets made out of old fencing and a TV stand built using repurposed flooring.
Pro help: Mike built most of the ADU, and hired a local professional to install the roof shingles and the granite kitchen countertop. “Houzz helped a lot with being able to show pictures to one another on what we wanted our finished product to look like,” Lisa says. They both browsed photos and used the Discussions forum on the site.
Who lives here: Mike and Lisa Myers and their dog
Location: Carroll County, Tennessee
Size: 320 square feet (30 square meters)
Why they built it: When Mike and Lisa Myers bought their multiacre property, their intention was to remodel the existing home. “Once we opened up some walls, we realized we had a teardown and not a remodel,” Lisa says. The couple needed temporary living quarters for what ended up being an 18-month-long home remodeling project, and they lived in their backyard cottage during that time. “The cabin will now be used for Mike’s music room and guests if needed,” Lisa says.
Project details: Mike built a handful of interior elements using reclaimed items, including cabinets made out of old fencing and a TV stand built using repurposed flooring.
Pro help: Mike built most of the ADU, and hired a local professional to install the roof shingles and the granite kitchen countertop. “Houzz helped a lot with being able to show pictures to one another on what we wanted our finished product to look like,” Lisa says. They both browsed photos and used the Discussions forum on the site.
7. Converted Garage Turned Guest Suite
Who lives here: A family of three with frequent visitors from out of town
Location: Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego
Size: 650 square feet (60 square meters)
Why they built it: Kirk and Karen Nelson of Design Intervention and IA Construction bought this approximately 3,325 square-foot-home and after 18 months decided to renovate it to sell. They converted the one-car garage in the front of the house into a guesthouse, as the home already had a two-car garage in the back with alley access. They sold the home to a family who would use the converted space for extended family and overnight guests.
Project details: The kitchenette is located between the front living area and the back bedroom and bathroom. “It was a really good use of a walk-through space,” Karen says. The couple installed new wood-look porcelain flooring throughout, added skylights and swapped out the garage door for a large sliding door so the space would receive great natural light during the day. “A portion of driveway was converted into a small outdoor patio, which makes the ADU really private, as it has its own entrance in the front and a door to the backyard through the back as well as its very own patio,” Karen says. A tankless water heater ensures plenty of hot water, and this space has its own air conditioning unit.
See more photos of this project
Who lives here: A family of three with frequent visitors from out of town
Location: Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego
Size: 650 square feet (60 square meters)
Why they built it: Kirk and Karen Nelson of Design Intervention and IA Construction bought this approximately 3,325 square-foot-home and after 18 months decided to renovate it to sell. They converted the one-car garage in the front of the house into a guesthouse, as the home already had a two-car garage in the back with alley access. They sold the home to a family who would use the converted space for extended family and overnight guests.
Project details: The kitchenette is located between the front living area and the back bedroom and bathroom. “It was a really good use of a walk-through space,” Karen says. The couple installed new wood-look porcelain flooring throughout, added skylights and swapped out the garage door for a large sliding door so the space would receive great natural light during the day. “A portion of driveway was converted into a small outdoor patio, which makes the ADU really private, as it has its own entrance in the front and a door to the backyard through the back as well as its very own patio,” Karen says. A tankless water heater ensures plenty of hot water, and this space has its own air conditioning unit.
See more photos of this project
8. Backyard Apartment for First Responders and Veterans
Who lives here: Anne and Daniel Whalen
Location: Bentonville, Arkansas
Size: 700 square feet (65 square meters)
Why they built it: “It started as a vision in summer of 2019. I am honored to have family members of every military branch who have served our country, and I wanted to do something to show my respect for them and all other veterans and first responders,” homeowner Daniel Whalen says. When the space isn’t being used by visitors, he and wife Anne rent it out.
Pro help: The homeowners worked with local general contractor Bryan Busbee of Busbee Construction, who also helped with their main-home remodel four years ago.
Who lives here: Anne and Daniel Whalen
Location: Bentonville, Arkansas
Size: 700 square feet (65 square meters)
Why they built it: “It started as a vision in summer of 2019. I am honored to have family members of every military branch who have served our country, and I wanted to do something to show my respect for them and all other veterans and first responders,” homeowner Daniel Whalen says. When the space isn’t being used by visitors, he and wife Anne rent it out.
Pro help: The homeowners worked with local general contractor Bryan Busbee of Busbee Construction, who also helped with their main-home remodel four years ago.
Project details: Blue and red accents and design details are thoughtfully integrated throughout the interior for a patriotic feel. “I utilized Houzz early in the conceptual stage and throughout to get floor plan and design ideas,” Daniel says. “Pictures of cabinets on Houzz sold me on the navy blue we chose to use for our cabinets.”
The couple installed porcelain flooring throughout the unit, since it’s both durable and dog-friendly.
Bentonville is known for its mountain biking, and from this property there’s easy access to over 100 miles of trails. “We wanted it to be biker-friendly by allowing a garage for bike storage as well as a bike wash station,” Daniel says. The wash station is seen in the previous photo. “The end result had to make people feel as comfortable as possible,” he adds.
The couple installed porcelain flooring throughout the unit, since it’s both durable and dog-friendly.
Bentonville is known for its mountain biking, and from this property there’s easy access to over 100 miles of trails. “We wanted it to be biker-friendly by allowing a garage for bike storage as well as a bike wash station,” Daniel says. The wash station is seen in the previous photo. “The end result had to make people feel as comfortable as possible,” he adds.
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9. Modern Backyard Cabin in Oregon
Who lives here: Sherry Lusk
Location: Cully neighborhood of Portland, Oregon
Size: 650 square feet (60 square meters)
Why it was built: Sherry’s parents, Raymond and Deborah Lusk, originally built this backyard ADU on their 8,000-square-foot lot as a short-term rental. Sherry moved from California about a year ago and currently lives in the unit. “Our daughter loves living there, and someday when she moves out, it’ll go back being used for family and friends coming to visit,” Deborah says.
Project details: The couple wanted to maintain a modern cabin style and aesthetic on the exterior, and carried that look inside with travel-inspired art and details.
Pro help: General contractor Stephen Hull designed and built the ADU. “Houzz is always my go-to when it comes to ideas inside and out,” Deborah says. “The yard reflects the modern cabin style due to the ponderosa pine growing in the center, flanked by two very old trees intertwined, one being a walnut and the other a cherry. I landscaped the ADU yard with Portland plant natives except for three manzanitas that are a special remembrance to my grandmother who passed away years ago.” The native plantings include huckleberry and fringecup.
Your turn: Do you have a backyard studio, guesthouse or ADU? If you are a pro, have you designed or built one for clients? Share photos and details in the Comments!
More on Houzz
A Homeowner Loved His New ADU So Much, He Moved In
Tour more small homes
Find a design pro on Houzz
Shop for your home
Who lives here: Sherry Lusk
Location: Cully neighborhood of Portland, Oregon
Size: 650 square feet (60 square meters)
Why it was built: Sherry’s parents, Raymond and Deborah Lusk, originally built this backyard ADU on their 8,000-square-foot lot as a short-term rental. Sherry moved from California about a year ago and currently lives in the unit. “Our daughter loves living there, and someday when she moves out, it’ll go back being used for family and friends coming to visit,” Deborah says.
Project details: The couple wanted to maintain a modern cabin style and aesthetic on the exterior, and carried that look inside with travel-inspired art and details.
Pro help: General contractor Stephen Hull designed and built the ADU. “Houzz is always my go-to when it comes to ideas inside and out,” Deborah says. “The yard reflects the modern cabin style due to the ponderosa pine growing in the center, flanked by two very old trees intertwined, one being a walnut and the other a cherry. I landscaped the ADU yard with Portland plant natives except for three manzanitas that are a special remembrance to my grandmother who passed away years ago.” The native plantings include huckleberry and fringecup.
Your turn: Do you have a backyard studio, guesthouse or ADU? If you are a pro, have you designed or built one for clients? Share photos and details in the Comments!
More on Houzz
A Homeowner Loved His New ADU So Much, He Moved In
Tour more small homes
Find a design pro on Houzz
Shop for your home
Who lives here: Liz Clare and David Jewkes
Size: 408 square feet (38 square meters)
Location: Paso Robles, California