With the intention of getting rid of the burden of a mortgage and living closer to their parents to provide necessary care, a couple who lived in the city of Concrete, Washington, United States, sold their 4,000-square-foot house in April 2024. The couple’s plan was to move into a 23-foot mobile home located on their parents’ property along with their son, their three dogs, and their iguana.
The money from the sale of their home was intended to be used to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a lot in Arlington. After acquiring the prefabricated home, numerous setbacks occurred that delayed the move for more than 16 months. This meant the family had to live in a small space, generating tension and discomfort. Finally, at the end of June 2025, the prefabricated home was delivered and installed after investing over $275,000 and a lot of patience.
Moving to a prefabricated house
If you have ever thought about moving to a prefabricated house, you should take into account numerous aspects that can become setbacks, significantly delaying the time it takes to move. This was the case for a family from the city of Concrete, Washington, in the United States, who sold their 4,000-square-foot house last April 2024. The family’s goal was to escape the burden of their mortgage, as well as to live closer to their parents, who needed help on a daily basis. After selling their house, the couple, along with their son, their three dogs, and their iguana, moved into a 23-foot RV, which was parked on their parents’ land.
A more than considerable delay
With the money obtained from the sale of their home, the couple invested in building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a lot in Arlington. What was initially meant to be a temporary move into a mobile home turned into an experience lasting over 16 months. The easiest step in the whole process was buying the prefab house, which had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a total of 1,200 square feet, the maximum allowed for that type of construction.
However, all the subsequent steps have been one setback after another related to bureaucracy. The couple has faced delays with permits, wetland studies, well inspections, septic system design, and numerous inspections. This whole wait was further prolonged due to the discovery of a previously unknown wetland on the property. This finding forced changes to the project, further delaying the time frame. Throughout all this time, the limited space offered by an RV for three people, three dogs, and an iguana has caused discomfort and tension within the family.
At last they moved in
After more than 16 months of waiting, at the end of June 2025, the family received the prefabricated house, which was placed on concrete blocks on their parents’ land. They are currently still working on the electrical systems, plumbing, septic systems, and interior finishing, but after investing more than $275,000, the family has already closed the chapter of living in a trailer and can finally move into their new home. Let this case serve as a reminder to all those who plan to move into a prefabricated house that there are quite a few bureaucratic procedures to face, and that it is important to arm yourself with patience and knowledge.