Case Study • Aux Box Modular ADU • Squamish
A 324 sq. ft. backyard ADU delivered on time and on budget.
A compact Aux Box modular ADU in Squamish showing what is possible when factory-built construction, careful site planning, and strong local project management come together.
324 sq. ft. • Built by Aux Box • Installed by NewlinesADU • Screw piles • Floodplain site
Project snapshot
Small footprint. Full project coordination.
Location
Squamish, BC
Project type
Detached backyard ADU
Size
324 sq. ft.
Modular builder
Aux Box
Local delivery
NewlinesADU
Build method
Modular ADU + site-built foundation/services
Foundation
Screw piles
Site conditions
Floodplain requirements
Utilities
Water, sewer, electrical, lift station
Energy performance
Step Code 4 + Zero Carbon EL-4
Project overview
A compact rental ADU without a long, messy backyard build.
The clients wanted to add a small, high-quality detached living space in their backyard while maintaining privacy and preserving their outdoor space.
The goal was to create a functional, comfortable, long-term rental unit without turning the property into a long construction site.
The result is a compact 324 sq. ft. detached ADU built by Aux Box and delivered locally by NewlinesADU. The clients were able to customize key details including window size and placement, cabinet colours, countertop and backsplash materials, exterior siding, floor plan, and overall size.
Since completion, the finished ADU has hosted several potential client tours, giving homeowners a real-life example of what a small Aux Box backyard home can look and feel like in Squamish.
The challenge
This was not a simple backyard install.
The homeowners wanted a beautiful, functional ADU without having to manage the complexity themselves.
Planning and approval constraints
- Zoning amendment and setbacks variance
- Floodplain requirements and flood covenant
- Civil and geotechnical coordination
- Final survey and occupancy documentation
Site and servicing constraints
- Screw pile foundation design
- Utility trenching and service connections
- Insulation due to shallow trench depth
- Lift station installation
- Tight backyard access
- Landscaping and closeout work around an occupied home
The solution
Aux Box built the unit. NewlinesADU managed the local path to occupancy.
Before construction began, we coordinated feasibility review, design development, consultant coordination, engineering, variance and amendment applications where required, and the municipal permitting process.
While Aux Box built the ADU off-site, we coordinated and completed the site work required to make the backyard ready for delivery. This included foundation, service trenching, lift station coordination, civil and geotechnical reviews, and municipal inspection requirements.
Using an Aux Box modular ADU allowed the home to be built in a controlled environment while the site work happened at the same time. Once the site was ready, the unit was delivered and set in place by crane.
This approach reduced the amount of time spent building in the backyard and helped keep the project moving on schedule.
What made it work
The value was in the planning and coordination.
1. Early planning
We reviewed the lot, zoning, floodplain requirements, services, access, foundation options, and feasibility before construction started. Once permits were issued, the project moved forward under a fixed price contract.
2. The right foundation system
Because the property is in a floodplain, a screw pile foundation was a practical solution. It supported the ADU properly while minimizing excavation and disturbance.
3. Coordinated site work
Plumbing, electrical, civil engineering, geotechnical review, survey, crane access, drainage, landscaping, and inspections all had to come together at the right time.
4. Modular construction
While the unit was being built off-site, the backyard was prepared for delivery. Once the site was ready, the ADU was craned into place and final connections and closeout work were completed.
Timeline
From shovel in ground to occupancy in two months.
May 4
Shovel in ground. Site preparation, foundation, and services began.
June 4
Modular ADU delivered and crane-set into place.
June 30
Occupancy received. The ADU was ready for tenants.
Before the ADU arrives
From empty backyard to move-in-ready home.
Most people only see the finished ADU. This video shows what happens in between.
While the home was being built off-site, we completed the foundation, services, and site preparation so everything was ready for delivery day.
In about one month, this Squamish backyard went from site prep to a move-in-ready home.
The result
Compact, efficient, comfortable, and rented before completion.
The finished ADU gives the homeowners a flexible detached living space that can be used as a long-term rental while adding value and function to the property.
Tenants were found before the unit was even completed, highlighting the strong demand for well-built rental spaces in Squamish.
On time
The project moved from site prep to occupancy without losing control of the schedule.
On budget
The fixed-price construction phase gave the homeowners cost certainty before work began.
Happy clients
The finished home has already been used as a real-life tour example for future ADU clients.
Client review
What Andrea & Joerg had to say
★★★★★
“Working with Gabriel on our Aux Box was a great experience from start to finish.”
— Andrea & Joerg
Valleycliffe, Squamish
Read Andrea & Joerg's full review
The build itself came together smoothly and right on schedule, which we know isn't always a given with construction projects! The fixed price contract also ensured we didn’t have to pay more than we signed up for, even when unexpected costs came up.
The permit process was genuinely the trickiest part. We ended up needing zoning amendments and a variance which we hadn't anticipated. Gabriel went well beyond what we expected here, showing up at the permit office in person, following up by phone, and pushing for second opinions when needed. That persistence made a real difference in keeping the project on track.
We also appreciated the attention to detail throughout, from flagging a GST rebate we didn't know we qualified for to coming up with cost saving measures to keep us on budget. The communication was consistent and honest the entire way through.
We are ecstatic about the final product and super impressed with how everything turned out! We'd happily recommend Gabriel and NewlinesADU to anyone considering a similar project.
Thinking about an ADU in Squamish?
Start with the lot.
Every lot is different. Setbacks, floodplain requirements, access, services, budget, and build method all affect what is possible.
NewlinesADU starts with a free remote lot assessment to help you understand what may be allowed, what type of ADU could fit, and what realistic cost ranges may look like.
Free • Remote • No obligation
24–72h typical response