Accessory Dwelling Units by Shed Shop
For homeowners looking to add a separate living space for a family member or friend, Shed Shop offers a structured solution through their Mini Cottage program. These structures are known in the construction industry as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — sometimes referred to as in-law units, granny flats, or backyard cottages in everyday conversation.
Building an ADU involves navigating a range of challenges: sourcing plans, managing multiple contractors, meeting local building codes, and handling energy compliance requirements. Shed Shop's approach is to offer a complete package for a basic in-law unit, removing the need to separately hire an architect or coordinate various trades independently.
The Mini Cottage Program
Shed Shop's ADU offering is built around their classic gable design, which they refer to as the Mini Cottage. This model is currently available in select cities within their local service area as part of a Pilot Program. It is not available in their extended service area or in cities with particularly complex building regulations.
The Mini Cottage is available in sizes ranging from 192 sq. ft. (14×16) up to 480 sq. ft. (such as 20×24 or 16×30). Rather than being limited to fixed layouts, clients can work with Shed Shop to determine a size that fits their property and meets placement codes, then choose configurations for door and window placement as well as kitchen and bathroom layout.
As an ADU contractor, Shed Shop handles a broad scope of the project, including:
- Site preparation and foundation work
- Gas and electrical installation
- Water, sewer, and plumbing
- Kitchen and bathroom fitting
- Permit processing and city coordination
There are some items that fall outside of Shed Shop's direct scope, such as lot surveys, deed restrictions, and drainage systems. These may need to be handled by the client separately.
Pricing and Configuration
Shed Shop keeps costs manageable by offering straightforward options. The roof style is a classic gable, chosen for its cost-effectiveness. There are also some do-it-yourself options available — for example, clients can choose to handle their own painting and flooring to reduce overall project costs.
Base pricing for the most common sizes is outlined in their Pilot Program Brochure. As a backyard cottage builder and in-law suite builder, Shed Shop aims to provide a manageable path to adding an accessory dwelling unit without requiring clients to piece together the process on their own.
For those considering an ADU, Shed Shop provides a frequently asked questions resource to help address common concerns about the process, requirements, and what to expect throughout the project.