When Hana Brown glances out her window she can easily check whether her parents are around since they reside in a backyard ADU. After purchasing their property in 2020 Brown and her husband chose to add the unit so her parents could live there without paying rent.

The family originally hails from Bosnia-Herzegovina and fled in 1992 amid civil conflict. They spent several years as refugees in Germany before relocating to Washington state where Brown grew up. Her parents Azra Catak now 62 and Jasmin Catak now 73 ensured their children always had support during those transitions.

Brown who is 42 now lives with her husband James in Damascus Oregon where they run a grocery outlet. She stayed connected to her parents and wanted them nearby as they aged. The couple spends several months each year in Bosnia but Brown aimed to provide a permanent close-by home for their time in the United States.

Her husband embraced the plan since he had already lost his own parents and viewed hers as family too. In 2020 the pair selected a five-bedroom three-bathroom house on two acres that offered room for an additional structure. They paid 945000 dollars for the 1971 home that had been updated by prior owners.

Although the main residence could house everyone the Browns wanted the Cataks to have their own space. They began planning a 900-square-foot ADU in 2021 after settling in with their dogs. Local rules capped the size so they maximized every foot to avoid any cramped feeling.

An architect helped realize features such as a porch overlooking the trees and abundant storage. The Browns covered all costs themselves so the Cataks faced no financial pressure during the year-long project. While construction proceeded the parents stayed in a Vancouver Washington rental when not abroad.

The finished white ADU sits near the rear of the lot just before a steep slope begins. Its metal roof and siding differ from the main house creating a distinct look. The back porch offers views of tall pines that the Cataks particularly enjoy and the placement keeps both households private.

Inside a mudroom with bench seating and cabinets greets visitors. A utility area holds a washer and dryer so laundry stays on site. The kitchen serves as the centerpiece with vaulted ceilings wood beams and generous windows that flood the space with light.

White cabinets and full-size appliances including a double oven were selected after the parents expressed interest in upgraded options. A large island functions for prep dining and storage with drawers a wine fridge a built-in microwave and hanging racks. The living area features a sizable couch and coffee table plus a fireplace that the Cataks love.

A covered deck extends the living space year-round despite falling pine needles and branches. The single bedroom accommodates a queen bed and includes a walk-in closet with a green accent wall. Durable high-end laminate flooring was chosen throughout to handle dirt and wear.

The bathroom connects to both the living room and bedroom for convenience and contains a shower plus vanity storage. While not fully equipped for future mobility needs the design allows easy additions such as grab bars if required later. Brown hopes her parents will remain in the ADU indefinitely.