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Custom ADU Design and Build for an Aging Veteran by Youngren Construction

A Comfortable, Age In Place ADU for a Veteran in His Golden Years

There are many reasons to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property, and quite often it’s to accommodate an additional family member or aging parent. That’s exactly why Susan and Bill Lenaway came to Youngren Construction. 

Susan and her husband Bill, a math teacher and tennis coach at Fallbrook High School, moved to Fallbrook in 2007. Several years later, they began searching for a property with a guest house where Susan’s widowed dad, Dave Fricker, could live independent of them. Not finding anything suitable – “we didn’t want to consign my dad to a tiny unit built as an afterthought” – in 2016 they purchased a beautiful home on a 2.3-acre site, where they could build the perfect sanctuary for Dave.

They began searching for a contractor to build the ADU, preferring to work with someone local and family owned. As the daughter of a proud career Marine who fought in two wars, Susan Lenaway was impressed by Youngren Construction’s work with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), building specially adapted custom homes for severely injured veterans. Currently an executive with a major national mortgage company, she says, “In my former position with USAA, I promoted HFOT Volunteer Days.”

Ultimately, they chose Youngren Construction for several reasons. Bill explains. “Our youngest son attended school with Scott and Jen’s son, so we knew them. The company has built a reputation for excellent quality work. With Dave’s military service and Susan’s high regard for the company’s involvement with veterans, working with them was an ideal fit.”

Designing the “Age In Place” ADU

Retired Marine Dave Fricker has a soft spot in his heart for dogs.

To create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) tailored to Dave, a fiercely independent man now in his early 80s, the Lenaways worked closely with the Youngren team to design a 1,100-square-foot home with an open floor plan, spacious kitchen for this avid cook, two-car garage, lighted flagpole to fly both the American and Marine Corps flags, and white picket fence to ensconce Dave’s two dogs.

They say, “We appreciated Youngren’s attention to detail, proactive approach and super-accommodating team of internal staff and outside contractors. They did a fantastic job matching our two homes; down to the paint, stone veneer, tile, and trim. They even had a front door made that looks exactly like ours. Based on their HFOT expertise, they suggested we incorporate adaptive features like safety bars in the shower. Soon after Dave moved in, he had hip replacement surgery, making these amenities a blessing.”

This comfortable, custom ADU is perfect for a parent or grandparent to age in place close to home. This detached ADU in Fallbrook is a tiny home that's easy to fall in love with.

The beautiful interior of this custom accessory dwelling unit in Fallbrook, CA. This spacious living room has plenty of room to relax and entertain guests.
The beautiful interior of this custom accessory dwelling unit in Fallbrook, CA. This spacious living room has plenty of room to relax and entertain guests.
Here is the beautiful, modern kitchen in this custom accessory dwelling unit in Fallbrook, CA. The open layout leaves plenty of room for the cook and guests to enjoy.
Here is the beautiful, modern kitchen. The open layout leaves plenty of room for the cook and guests to enjoy.
Here is the beautiful, modern kitchen in this custom accessory dwelling unit in Fallbrook, CA. The open layout leaves plenty of room for the cook and guests to enjoy.
These new stainless steel appliances are the highest quality and give the kitchen a polished look.
This unique kitchen island in a custom Accessory Dwelling Unit has plenty of room for food preparation, serving, or just enjoying a morning cup of coffee with a friend.
This unique kitchen island has plenty of room for food preparation, serving, or just enjoying a morning cup of coffee with a friend.
This cozy bedroom in a custom ADU is bright and beautiful. The double french doors lead to the private, fenced in backyard.
This cozy bedroom in a custom ADU is bright and beautiful. The double french doors lead to the private, fenced in backyard.
This spacious bathroom has plenty of counter space, and the walk in shower is safe for anyone who needs to age in place. Shower grab bars, a shower bench, and non slip tile make this a safe bathroom for a senior to use.
This spacious bathroom has plenty of counter space, and the walk in shower is safe for anyone who needs to age in place. Shower grab bars, a shower bench, and non slip tile make this a safe bathroom for a senior to use.
A cozy, private backyard with lots of space for Dave's dogs to run around and get exercise.
A cozy, private backyard with lots of space for Dave’s dogs to run around and get exercise.

The entire process was smooth, efficient and free of hassles, say the Lenaways. “We were kept informed at every step along the way. We never felt like we had to operate in panic mode. Dave loves having a comfortable home that is nearby but very private.”

Susan and Bill confide, “Dave’s home is perfect for him and someday it might be perfect for us. Eventually, we might rent out our big house and move into the ‘grandpa’ flat; aging comfortably in place just as Dave is doing today.”

Now the Lenaway family can enjoy their days in close proximity and comfort, knowing they are just a short walk from each other’s front doors. 

Home sweet home! Dave's custom Accessory Dwelling Unit is built to meet his exact needs, both now and in the years to come. We were honored to design and build this space for him.
Home sweet home! Dave’s custom Accessory Dwelling Unit is built to meet his exact needs, both now and in the years to come. We were honored to design and build this space for him.

Do you want your own on site, custom Accessory Dwelling Unit? Let the pros handle it! 

Give Youngren Construction a call and we’ll take care of you and your project. 

What do you want to build?

Get in touch today and tell us all about the custom space you want to create in your home. You can trust our team and crew to get the job right, on time and on budget. 

We can’t wait to hear from you!

About Us

Youngren Construction is a Design and Build General Contractor founded in Fallbrook, CA. We specialize in residential and commercial construction projects. We handle the entire process from blueprints to permits, construction to final walkthrough, so you don't have to.

We know how hard it is to take on a big build or renovation. It’s a huge commitment for your time, energy, and resources. You can rely on Youngren Construction's experience and care to get the job done right, on time and on budget.

Contact us today to bring your dream project to life!


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