A detached work shed office clad in black shingles, clerestory polycarbonate panels, and blackened metal by Linework Architecture stands beside tall tree in backyard of home in Seattle, Washington.

Budget Breakdown: A Seattle Couple Build Twin Backyard Offices for $51K—No Permit Required

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Using off-the-shelf materials, including standard plywood and polycarbonate panels, helped streamline construction, even if it posed design challenges. "There were a lot of complexities that made it interesting," says architect Tony Salas. "It was a big ask for a tiny project."