A family’s ambitious plan to build a mortgage-free home on their in-laws’ property in Arlington, Washington, has encountered significant setbacks, stretching the construction timeline to over 16 months. After selling their 4,000-square-foot home in Concrete, Washington, in April 2024, Shawn Lentz and his family moved into a 23-foot trailer, anticipating a temporary stay while their new home was constructed.
Initially drawn to the idea of downsizing and reducing financial burdens, the Lentz family faced a reality far from their expectations. They sold their home to finance the construction of a modest detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) on a five-acre plot owned by Lentz’s in-laws. With hopes of living closer to family as they age, the plan seemed straightforward: live in the trailer until the new home was completed.
However, the process soon revealed itself to be more complex than anticipated. While purchasing the manufactured home—a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit that complies with county size regulations—proved relatively easy, the subsequent steps were fraught with challenges.
Construction Delays and Complications
The Lentz family quickly learned that building permits, wetland surveys, and septic system designs were just the beginning. They navigated a maze of regulations and mixed messages from contractors, which added to their frustration. As they became familiar with local building codes, they encountered delays from various sources.
One of the most significant setbacks was the discovery of a new wetland on the property, which required modifications to their plans and delayed the project by an additional five months. As a result, the family has spent over $275,000 on the project thus far, with still much work left before they can move in.
Living in the trailer has posed its own set of challenges. Shawn Lentz described the cramped conditions as akin to living in a “tin can.” The family shares the small space with three English bulldogs and a territorial iguana named Rawr. The trailer’s tight quarters have led to creative solutions for daily living, including balancing cooking on limited counter space while managing the chaos of pets and gaming equipment.
Despite the discomfort, the Lentz family has adapted to these conditions, but not without considerable strain. The close quarters have tested their patience and relationship, leading to moments of frustration and tension. Lentz humorously likened their situation to the Torrance family from “The Shining,” highlighting the emotional toll of their extended stay in the trailer.
Hope Amidst Hardship
Despite the ongoing difficulties, there are signs of progress. The manufactured home was delivered in late June 2024, and efforts to stabilize the structure and install essential utilities are now underway. The Lentz family is hopeful that they will soon see their dream of a mortgage-free home come to fruition, although they acknowledge that additional months in the trailer are likely.
Reflecting on their journey, Lentz has learned valuable lessons about the complexities of home construction and the unexpected costs associated with such projects. If they were to undertake this endeavor again, they would allow for a more realistic timeline and a budget that accounts for unforeseen expenses.
As they continue to look forward to completing their home, the Lentz family’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges many face when pursuing their dreams. While the road has been long and fraught with obstacles, they remain committed to their goal of living simply and mortgage-free, hopeful that the trials endured will ultimately lead to a rewarding outcome.
