Award-Winning Backyard Box Offers Homeowners Space for Guests, Family, Office or Rental Unit

    SEATTLE, WA, June 16, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- New legislation allowing backyard cottages on eligible lots throughout the city of Seattle created the foundation for Backyard Box's marked interest and success. The pre-designed modular prefab or custom dwelling units introduced earlier this year provide customers an easy and cost-effective way to add the living space they need with a variety of options depending on lot size and cottage usage. Backyard Box's designs recently won the titles of "Best in Show" and "Most Sustainable" in the Backyard Cottage Design Challenge sponsored by Method Homes and Infinity Real Estate.

"Aging parents, the rise in telecommuting, and the desire to create rental income are just a few of the many factors contributing to the increase in individuals and families seeking a solution to the problem of not enough living space," said Sloan Ritchie, founder of Backyard Box. "Me included. The idea started with my own family's need to have more space for a home office and ultimately resulted in a house that we rented for the added income. Depending on where you live, you can recoup the cost of building a backyard cottage in roughly five years of renting it."

Backyard Box is the easiest and most comprehensive solution on the market for detached accessory dwelling units designed with prevalent uses in mind - a place for baby boomers to retire, for children in college or between home and living on their own, for short-term or long-term visiting family members or guests, an office or retreat, or a rental income property. The cottages feature a contemporary design and range in size from the Mini Box at 325 square feet - perfect for a home office or studio, to the Big Box at 800 square feet - two-stories with a master suite.

Unique to the market, Backyard Box delivers cottages that are completely designed, making it simpler, more efficient and cost-effective for customers because they don't need to go through the design and contractor selection process. Instead, they choose from thoughtfully laid-out plans that match potential uses, including units that emphasize accessibility with all-one floor living. In addition, all models are available in a modular configuration, which means they are built off-site in a controlled environment, and then delivered to the site location, reducing construction noise and saving time.

Backyard Box cottage designs reflect Passive House standards with a 10x reduction in heating energy costs and an immeasurable increase in thermal comfort. Each Backyard Box also comes with sustainable features including rainscreen siding, an efficient lighting package, SIP framing, and non-toxic finishes. And, for the eco-conscious customer, the Smart Box option adds solar photovoltaic panels, solar hot water and an energy-monitoring dashboard.

Founded by Sloan Ritchie, an eco-urban developer and custom home-builder, Backyard Box homes start at $39,500 and are currently available for purchase. Design options and details can be found at www.backyardbox.net, with new models being released continually. Foundation and appliance costs are not included as costs can vary based on a customer's lot and personal preferences. Customers can also create a Custom Box if they prefer, using an experienced Backyard Box architect.

Media Contact
Jennifer K. Ritchie
Revolution PR for Backyard Box
206-932-2454 | [email protected]

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