A family in Arlington, Washington, is navigating a challenging journey as they work to build a mortgage-free manufactured home on their in-laws’ property. The project, which began 16 months ago, has faced numerous setbacks, forcing them to live in a cramped trailer during the construction process.
In April 2024, Shawn Lentz and his wife sold their 4,000-square-foot home in Concrete, Washington, with plans to relocate to a modest detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) on family land. This move was driven by a desire to eliminate their mortgage and provide support for their aging in-laws. They initially intended to stay in their 23-foot trailer temporarily, anticipating the construction would take only a few months.
However, the reality of home-building has proven to be far more complex. After purchasing a manufactured home that complies with local regulations, the couple encountered a series of bureaucratic hurdles. They had to navigate the permitting process, conduct a wetland survey, test the water supply, and design a septic system. Despite seeking assistance from contractors, they frequently received conflicting information about the necessary steps.
Delays began almost immediately. The first significant setback was the discovery of a wetland on the property, which required alterations to their plans and postponed the project by five months. Throughout this time, Shawn, his wife, their teenage son, three English bulldogs, and a territorial iguana named Rawr have been living in the trailer, which has become increasingly cramped.
The challenges of living in the trailer have been palpable. Despite having a slide-out for extra space, the family finds it difficult to navigate the tight quarters. Their son occupies a small bottom bunk, while Rawr, the iguana, has claimed the upper tier. The dining nook, which doubles as a workspace for Shawn, is often cluttered with their son’s gaming equipment, leaving little room for meals.
Cooking has turned into a creative endeavor, with limited counter space forcing the family to choose between microwaving, air-frying, or using a crockpot. Balancing plates on the tiny counter while managing their dogs has become a daily challenge, prompting the family to consider dining out as a more convenient option.
Despite these difficulties, there is a silver lining. The manufactured home was delivered in late June 2024, with the two halves connected and stabilized. Currently, work is underway to install the septic system and run water lines to the existing well. Although the total cost has exceeded $275,000, the Lentz family can finally see the shape of their future home taking form.
Reflecting on their experience, Shawn admits that the process has tested their resilience. “We’ve screamed at the Gods. We’ve shouted at each other,” he said, humorously likening their frustrations to a scene from “The Shining.” If they could do it all over again, they would allow themselves a timeline of one to two years and be prepared for unexpected costs, such as county recording fees and septic monitoring.
As they look across the property at their unfinished home, the family remains hopeful that this challenging chapter will ultimately lead to a more simplified life. While the journey has been arduous, the dream of living mortgage-free and closer to family keeps them motivated. Whether they will have the chance to enjoy a camping trip in the future remains uncertain, but the Lentz family is steadfast in their commitment to seeing their project through to completion.
