Attached Backyard Home

Last week I spoke to a homeowner that wanted to build a detached Backyard Home and couldn’t because of the rear yard setbacks, so I suggested they consider an attached unit.  So many people contact us looking to build a detached Backyard Home.  While this is my preference when the lot size and placement allow it, I also like the idea of an attached unit as well.  There are some benefits to attaching that should be considered.

First and most obvious is the ability to create a covered (and enclosed) access between homes.  If there is an elderly or disabled person living in the Backyard home it’s much easier to go back and forth between homes using a common door with no grade changes.  Attaching the utilities is less work ($$) and sometimes the lot will simply not allow for the proper setbacks and building separation when the homes are detached.  Sometimes we find that attaching the units allows for the best use of the remaining open space.

Now for the stuff most people don’t think about!  Attached does not necessarily mean connected living spaces.  We have built several Backyard Homes where they look like they are one home, but they are in fact two homes with no interior connections at all.  The second unit is accessed from an exterior door and there are no doors that lead to the main home.  This is still legally an attached dwelling.  Sometimes we build the homes separated by 3’ to 7’ of space, but install a “Breezeway” that connects the roof lines.  This Breezeway is just a covered walkway from a door on the Backyard Home to the main home.  No exterior walls touch, but it’s still technically considered attached.

Below are some images of the house without the second unit and a concept of a Backyard Home attached to the rear.  These are early concepts, but you can how this design allows for a second unit and keeps a great deal of the rear yard for the occupants.

For more images of attached Backyard Homes, look at our projects page.

New Backyard Home

 As this market continues to change, we are always looking for better, faster and more affordable green building solutions to offer our clients.  I’m happy to announce that we are now working with Skyline Homes, based in Woodland CA as a new factory partner for both Modular and Manufactured homes.  The folks at Skyline share a common interest in helping the people in California build Backyard Homes.  I thought I would share some photos of a great new design we have available now from Skyline.  Of Course, we can dress the home up to look just like your home, but I love the look of this exterior finish!   Here is the pdf if this plan VHD Backyard Home 451 plan 

Look for more great ideas to come from this relationship soon!  If any of you are interested in learning more about Modular or Manufactured homes, give me a call or send me an email and we can set up a factory tour.  We can build homes as small as 400sqft to well over 4000sqft out of this plant.  This includes Backyard Homes, Custom Homes and Multi-family homes.

As all of you know, the last few years has been difficult for Real Estate financing, to say the least.  Through these trying times, there have been some new programs put in place to help people buy and build homes.  We are please to announce that Vally Home Development has a new partner in the finance world!   Vic Yamauchi is with Cornerstone Mortgage, a mortgage banker and direct lender.  We welcome his 28 years of mortgage lending expertise to assist our customers with the various lending solutions tailored to Backyard Homes.  

Since no two homes or buyers are the same, you get the professional benefits of Vic’s services that include common sense advice based on 28 years in the mortgage industry, saving you money on taxes and interest, increasing your long term equity wealth and helping you avoid future financial problems by matching the right mortgage to your needs and taking on the responsibility of a smooth transaction. 

Vic has assembled a great project funding pool to serve a variety of buyer’s needs and credit scores and we would like to start by introducing you to a product called the “203(k) loan”. 

The 203(k) is an FHA loan that can be used for home improvements including adding a second unit to your property.  There are two forms of the 203(k), the streamline 203(k), which is limited to $35,000 and the standard(k), that can be used for a higher loan amount.  This is a great product for families interested in building an attached second unit to their existing residence, since the 203(k) cannot be used for detached dwellings. 

Below are some examples of attached second units we have done over the last few years.  You can see more images of these homes on our website as well. 

If you are interested in looking at some backyard home designs and financing options we would be happy to assist you with a free consultation.  You can also reach Vic directly at:

Every month I talk to hundreds of people about their reasons for considering a Backyard Home.  Most of them initially have some family related issue that’s the catalyst to look at this as a viable housing option.  Every now and then I get a call from someone looking for ways to turn their property into an income generator.  While this may not be the first thing on most peoples mind, it should be something you consider.  We all know the house we live in will most likely out live us, so it’s important to think of the long term use of the property.   

A couple years back I met  Scott Poncetta, A realtor in the South Bay who has a similar interest in this type of housing, but for reasons more tied to economics.  I thought I would share his video with you so you can see a different perspective on this very needed housing solution.  Just one more reason to consider building a Backyard Home on your property.