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Backyard cottages

Why Wolf Industries Is the Right Backyard Cottage Builder for Your Property

A backyard cottage is a small, complete house behind the house you already have. Families also call it an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) or a granny flat. Wolf engineers, frames, finishes, and inspects the cottage indoors in Battle Ground, then handles site prep, foundation, utilities, and permits, so you are not managing a weather-dependent job in the side yard.

Where Wolf works

In Washington and Oregon, Wolf employees handle your project from property review and permits through construction, site work, delivery, and installation. Some projects require third-party services, such as surveys or septic design and installation, depending on the property and jurisdiction. Beyond Washington and Oregon, local contractors complete site work and utility connections.

Finished Wolf Industries Model E two-bedroom modular ADU on a Pacific Northwest lot

Who it’s for

How people use a backyard cottage

Family and guests

A door of their own for parents, adult children, or visitors who stay longer than a weekend.

Long-term or short-term rental

Rental income is possible but not guaranteed, and long-term rental and vacation lodging follow different local rules.

Work or creative space that is still housing

A permitted dwelling works as an office or studio, and unlike a studio shed it can also have a kitchen and a legal bedroom.

What Wolf builds

Why owners pick a factory cottage

A site-built cottage is exposed to weather, crew schedules, and material price swings. Modular construction moves most of that work indoors. Wolf cottages are built to the same residential codes as traditional homes. They are highly insulated and all-electric, and shop time is measured in weeks, though permitting usually takes longer. We have also partnered with Habitat for Humanity and worked with developers on multi-unit cottage projects when the client is not a single homeowner.

Separate home and site costs

The home price is set, but trenching, trees, and jurisdiction fees depend on the lot. We price those after we see it and list them separately on the proposal.

Efficient electric systems

Ductless heat pumps, a tight envelope, and factory insulation are standard. Monthly bills still depend on how you run the house.

One roof from drawing to set

We base the recommendation and site-work estimate on your property, rather than using a standard allowance for every lot.

Process

How a backyard cottage project works

  1. 1

    Property first

    Zoning, coverage, trees, and whether a crane or trailer can reach the pad.

  2. 2

    Cottage-scale model

    Most backyard cottages are Model K, E, F, or J. Our largest three-bedroom usually only fits when the lot could hold a small primary home.

  3. 3

    Permit and produce

    Wolf coordinates the local placement permit and factory approval together.

  4. 4

    Set in the yard you still live in

    Expect a stretch of excavation, machinery, and mud, followed by a finished cottage instead of a year of framing next to the fence.

Models

Cottage-scale Wolf plans

Compare floor plans on the models page. The starting price covers the home itself; appliances and installation are separate. You can purchase our appliance package or provide your own. We price site work after seeing the property.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is a backyard cottage the same as an ADU?

On most residential lots, yes. The permit calls it an accessory dwelling; cottage describes the style.

Do you build cottage communities?

Yes, when the client is a developer, city, or nonprofit. Homeowners usually buy a single backyard cottage. See our multi-unit case studies for community work.

How finished is the cottage when it arrives?

Homes leave the shop about 92% complete. Our field crew finishes the set, connections, and remaining site work.

What is the difference between a backyard cottage and a cottage home?

A backyard cottage is a second home on a lot that already has a house, so ADU rules apply. A cottage home can also be the only home on its lot, such as a small primary residence, a cabin, or part of a cottage community. See cottage home builder for those projects.

See what backyard cottage fits your land

Tell us about the yard and how you would use the cottage. We will confirm zoning, access, and a plan that fits, then lay out the full project cost.

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