Transforming an unused backyard into a private home for their son and his partner, giving everyone more space and independence.
My name is Jocelyn Vilter, and for years, we had this big backyard that we weren't really using for anything. I used to jokingly call it the vast wasteland. But when our son and his partner, Emma, needed a place of their own, we realized that unused space could become something much more meaningful.
We realized that unused space could become something much more meaningful.
They had been living with us in our four-bedroom house, and although we loved having them close, things were starting to feel a little crowded. They needed their own private space, too. Building an ADU seemed like the perfect way to give them their independence while keeping our family together on the same property.
Building an ADU seemed like the perfect way to give them their independence while keeping our family together.
We started researching three or four different companies, and that's when we discovered Backyard Estates through one of their open houses. We really enjoyed visiting the homes, seeing the different design choices, and getting a feel for the people behind the company.
What ultimately convinced us wasn't just the quality of the homes. Picking Backyard Estates was based a lot on the personalities of the people who work there. Everybody has been so nice and very straightforward.
From the very beginning, Adam was honest about what we could expect. He explained that permitting in Los Angeles County could take longer than we might hope. And he was right! But we appreciated that he told us upfront instead of making promises he couldn't keep.
At least he didn't try to cover that up.
Picking Backyard Estates was based a lot on the personalities of the people who work there. Everybody has been so nice and very straightforward.
Once we worked through the financing and paperwork, we felt comfortable putting the project in Backyard Estates' hands. We had actually considered managing the construction ourselves, but being retired, we realized that wasn't how we wanted to spend our time.
I kind of feel like we just turned ourselves over to them.
They handled the paperwork, coordinated with the county and inspectors, and managed the subcontractors. Instead of having to figure everything out ourselves, we had a team taking care of the process.
I kind of feel like we just turned ourselves over to them.
One of the most memorable moments was the first day of construction. Watching our entire backyard get cleared was something we'd never experienced before. Suddenly, the space we'd looked at for years was completely transformed.
They handled the paperwork, coordinated with the county and inspectors, and managed the subcontractors
It was terrifying and exciting.
I remember watching Dusty operate the excavator, pulling everything out and filling a huge dumpster. It was quite an impressive sight!
Throughout construction, Dusty was especially wonderful to work with. Whenever I had a question or concern, he took the time to listen and help find a solution.
Dusty really was great because he listened to me and took care of virtually all of my concerns. It was very valuable.
Now that the ADU is essentially finished and our son and Emma are moving in, I feel both happy and relieved. It's wonderful knowing they'll finally have their own home, right here on our property.
Dusty really was great because he listened to me and took care of virtually all of my concerns. It was very valuable.
There's even a funny little feeling of disappointment now that construction is ending. After getting used to seeing crews arrive and watching something new happen almost every day, it's strange to think that the backyard will be quiet again!
But most importantly, we took a piece of property that wasn't serving much of a purpose and turned it into a home for our family.
Looking back, we're very happy with our decision. I've already brought several friends to Backyard Estates' open houses because I want them to see what's possible.
And if we ever had the opportunity to do another project, the decision would be easy.
I wouldn't hesitate to go with this company again.
