Detached Living: The Rise of Upscale Manufactured ADUs in Washington State

In recent years, Washington State has seen a surge in the use of manufactured homes as detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), especially after Seattle relaxed its ADU regulations in 2019. These changes led to a spike in building permits—from 283 approved units in 2019 to 959 in 2022. Similarly, Spokane has eased some ADU restrictions, further fueling this trend.

An ADU is a secondary house or apartment that shares the building lot of a larger, primary house. Far from disrupting a neighborhood’s visual appeal, today’s ADUs are designed to offer upscale, high-quality living spaces. They allow families to live together on the same property while maintaining privacy and independence.

Why Manufactured Homes for ADUs?

As people age, the challenges of maintaining a large, traditional home can become too much to manage. Climbing stairs, extensive upkeep, and managing a large property are just a few issues that diminish the appeal of such homes for older adults. With many seniors still quite mobile and active, however, a living solution that provides comfort without the complications of a large home becomes a priority. Manufactured homes offer an attractive option as detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for these very reasons.

Despite recent declines in average life expectancy in the U.S., influenced by the pandemic and other health issues, the typical lifespan still reaches approximately 77.5 years. At this stage, many seniors seek ways to live independently yet close to their families without the burden of a large home. They may not need or be ready for assisted living environments, but they do appreciate the benefits of living arrangements that are more manageable and accessible.

Manufactured homes as ADUs meet these needs perfectly. They can be designed without stairs, have lower maintenance requirements, and still provide the comforts of a modern residence. Additionally, these homes can be placed on the same property as the family’s main house, offering both proximity and the right amount of independence. This setup keeps families connected and ensures that help is always close if needed.

And so, manufactured ADUs are becoming a favored choice among older adults looking to downsize and simplify their living arrangements while maintaining a high quality of life close to loved ones—and the tax relief helps, too.

Today’s Manufactured Homes Are an Interior Designer’s Delight

For a long time, when people heard the term manufactured home, they envisioned an old, outdated mobile home. But since HUD revised its standards in 1976, today’s manufactured homes are far from what they used to be. These modern dwellings are now designed with a keen eye on style and functionality, appealing to interior designers and homeowners alike. Here are some of the common upscale features and customization options that make these homes a top choice:

Open Floor Plans: Spacious layouts that promote a seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas.
Large Windows: Floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in natural light and offer expansive views, perfect for any design theme.
Custom Cabinetry and Countertops: Options to choose from a range of high-quality materials and designs to suit personal tastes and functional needs.
Luxury Finishes: High-end touches such as hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, and designer lighting fixtures.
Smart Home Technology: Integrating the latest technology for security, entertainment, and home management.

These features allow for personalization and sophistication that can rival any site-built home. The flexibility in design ensures that every manufactured home can be tailored to reflect the owner’s unique style.

Manufactured Homes are Highly Cost-Effective

Manufactured homes present a highly economical choice, especially when considering the creation of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

The Manufactured Housing Institute notes that a manufactured home’s average cost per square foot is roughly half that of a traditional site-built home. Specific models such as Palm Harbor’s American Freedom IV, which costs around $115 per square foot, and the American Dream III model, priced even more affordably at $92.63 per square foot.

On the other hand, the cost of constructing stick-built homes in the Pacific Northwest is significantly higher. Current estimates put the average at about $340 per square foot, considerably more than the national average of $150 per square foot, as indicated by Angi.

Here are several economic advantages of choosing manufactured homes for ADUs:

Lower Construction Costs: The manufacturing process reduces overall building expenses.
Reduced Time Frames: Manufactured homes can be completed and ready for delivery in approximately six weeks.
Efficiency in Production: Factory settings allow for more controlled environments, which decrease waste and resource use.
Savings on Labor and Materials: The pre-fabricated nature of these homes means less labor is required, and material use is optimized, further driving down costs.

These factors make manufactured homes appealing for those looking to expand their living space without incurring the high costs associated with traditional construction methods.

Privacy and Independence

A detached manufactured ADU offers both privacy and proximity, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to maintain independent living spaces without straying too far from family or the main residence.

These units are set apart from the primary home, allowing occupants their separate areas on the same property. This arrangement suits various living situations and can be a versatile solution for extended families, renters, or even as a guest house.

Here are a few potential use cases for a detached manufactured ADU:

Elderly Parents: This program provides seniors with a space that is close to family for safety and support but also independent for daily living.
Adult Children: Offers younger family members a chance to live independently while saving for their homes.
Rental Opportunities: Can serve as a source of rental income or affordable housing solution in tight housing markets.

Regulatory Considerations and Community Impact

Potential buyers must navigate various zoning and regulatory considerations when considering the installation of a detached manufactured ADU. Local ordinances often dictate the specific requirements related to size, location, and structural integrity of ADUs.

These regulations ensure that the additions are safe and harmonious with community standards, making it essential for homeowners to understand and comply with these guidelines before construction begins.

Detached manufactured ADUs can have a significantly positive impact on local communities. Here are a few ways they contribute:

Increasing Affordable Housing Options: By providing additional living spaces at a lower cost, ADUs help make housing more accessible and affordable for different demographics.
Diversifying Neighborhoods: ADUs introduce various housing options within communities, catering to different age groups and economic backgrounds.
Supporting Community Cohesion: ADUs help strengthen community ties by enabling family members to live nearby or providing rental options to locals.

Embrace Modern Living with Manufactured ADUs

As Washington State continues to embrace the trend of using manufactured homes for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), it’s clear that these structures offer a compelling mix of affordability, style, and functionality. We anticipate that more states will follow suit—if they aren’t already.

Manufactured ADUs provide a practical solution for extended families, create opportunities for rental income, and contribute positively to the diversification of neighborhoods. These homes are not only cost-effective but also designed with modern appeal and sustainable features that meet today’s high living standards.

For anyone considering expanding their living space or seeking an innovative housing solution, exploring a manufactured home for a detached ADU in Washington State could be the perfect choice. Consider how a manufactured ADU could improve your property and lifestyle, providing privacy and proximity when it matters most.