A residential transformation is taking place in backyards throughout Snohomish County, courtesy of Carriage Houses NW.
Founded in 2016 and specializing in constructing Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs), the company turns underused spaces into living solutions. Initially captivating the market with their tiny houses on wheels, as customer needs evolved, so did the company, focusing primarily on the construction of backyard cottages.
“In 2023, Washington State passed House Bill 1337 which reduced or eliminated barriers to the construction and use of accessory dwelling units. We were already focused on backyard cottages and have benefitted from being an early adopter in the space” explains Kurt Galley, owner of Carriage Houses NW.
In this last couple of years, Washington has expanded ordinances around backyard houses. Photos courtesy of Carriage House.
The new ADU mandates mean that residential properties within many municipalities will be able to build larger cottages, or even two ADUs if their lot is large enough. “We have built DADUs for all types of customers – from those looking to provide housing for an aging parent to those seeking to create long-term rental income and increased property value,” Galley adds.
Affordable housing options amid soaring prices
A hallmark project that illustrates their expertise is the housing they built for Everett resident Shirley Whitkanack.
“I had the idea after looking at some of Kurt’s projects. I was interested in doing something that would offer affordable housing options amid soaring prices, as I saw a friend struggle to find housing in Seattle,” Whitkanack shares.
Her journey with Carriage Houses NW started with a 300-square-foot modular DADU built in their Marysville factory. Phase two of her project was a detached garage with an unfinished second story. When the codes changed to allow a second DADU on her property, Shirley again connected with Carriage Houses to transform that space into a one-bedroom apartment.
The transition to building DADUs was largely driven by new state opportunities allowing more flexibility in property development. Photo courtesy of Carriage House.
Whitkanack’s experience highlights a strong relationship fostered by Carriage Houses NW.
“I am so favorably impressed by their work and their team. It’s starting to feel like they’re family,” she says.
Beyond construction, Carriage Houses NW also focuses on educational outreach, regularly hosting free ADU webinars, guiding potential clients through the build process from design to completion.
“Folks beginning to research building an accessory dwelling unit may not appreciate that as much work goes into designing, permitting and building a 500 square foot DADU as a 2500 square foot house. We have an opportunity to help people navigate the process and understand the costs, timeframes and benefits of building a DADU,” Galley says.
The company’s goal is to build structures that enhance the community and foster sustainable living solutions. As urban areas grow denser and housing prices climb, the role of innovative housing solutions like DADUs becomes increasingly crucial.
For more information about Carriage Houses NW and their work, or to get a quote, visit carriagehousesnw.com.
