SideHaus is part of Smart Homes LLC, a local homebuilder with deep roots in the North Bay. We started SideHaus for one reason — to make adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) simple, affordable, and worth every penny.
Around here, housing costs are sky-high. Families are looking for ways to make their property work harder — space for aging parents, room for grown kids, or a rental that helps cover the mortgage. An ADU can do all of that, and we’re here to guide you from idea to move-in without the usual stress.
SideHaus is new, but we’re building on more than 70 completed homes from our parent company, Smart Homes. We’ve worked all over Napa, Sonoma, Solano, and Marin counties — always with the same focus: thoughtful design, quality construction, and getting the details right.
Pictured above: Examples of our Craftsmanship
We take care of the whole process – design, permits, delivery, installation.
We know local rules and red tape – and how to work through them.
We build beautiful, lasting homes – backed by a 10-year structural warranty.
We’re easy to work with – clear communication, no surprises.
We’re a small, experienced crew with over 150 years of combined building and design experience — but what matters most is how we put that to work for you.
Mr. Wilkens has spent over 30 years bringing homes and communities to life across California, Nevada, and Texas. He’s led the purchase, renovation, and construction of more than 1,000 homes, along with resorts like the Vino Bello Meritage.
Recognized as a top homebuilder by the North Bay Business Journal, Mr. Wilkens is known for his thoughtful planning, creative building methods, and deep experience in real estate. He holds both a California Developer License and a Manufactured Dealers License.
Al Whitehouse brings nearly 40 years of experience in off-site home construction, helping build more than 38,000 homes throughout his career. As sidehaus’ Chief Product Officer, Al oversees every detail of our designs and building process, ensuring quality, comfort, and lasting value.
Before joining sidehaus, Al served as Plant Manager for Silvercrest Homes, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of residential homes. Widely recognized as one of the top experts in manufactured housing, Al’s experience and care are behind everything we build.
Matt Connolly brings over 40 years of real estate experience, with a career spanning project design, approvals, construction, leasing, and asset management for a wide range of properties.
He spent more than a decade as Director of Development for Chelsea Property Group, later acquired by Simon Properties for $3.5 billion. Matt has helped shape well-known destinations like Petaluma, Folsom, Houston, and Napa Premium Outlets, and led the development of Napa Riverfront, a $75 million mixed-use project along the Napa River.
Gordon Gutchess has over 50 years of experience designing manufactured homes, beginning his career with Boise Cascade in 1972. He is the founder of Advanced Design Studios and leads the design efforts for sidehaus, including new planned developments in the Reno market.
Throughout his career, Gordon has overseen space planning, floor plans, and exterior designs for top housing companies like Kaufman & Broad, Fleetwood Enterprises, and Guerdon Homes, managing design teams and factories across the country.
In Loving Memory of Timothy Wilkens Jr.
Timothy Wilkens Jr. had a vision to help families rebuild after the devastating wildfires in Santa Rosa. He co-founded Smart Homes LLC to turn that vision into reality, leading the successful completion of over 70 home rebuilds and giving hope back to dozens of families.
Tim’s passion for helping others and his belief in building stronger communities continues to guide the company today. In his honor, Smart Homes has expanded into the tiny home and ADU market, proudly serving Napa, Sonoma, Solano, and Marin counties. Every project carries forward Tim’s spirit of care, resilience, and dedication.
With more than 18 years in the tiny home industry, Steve Weissmann has helped over 1,000 people bring their small space dreams to life. From backyard cottages and guest suites to income units and home offices, he’s worked with just about every use case—and knows how to guide customers through the process with clarity and care.
As one of the early advocates of factory-built housing, Steve has played a hands-on role in advancing the design, production, and delivery of tiny homes. He brings a rare blend of practical know-how and customer-focused insight to every project, helping people make smart, lasting decisions about how they live.
Whether you’re thinking about a rental, a guest suite, or a place for family, a SideHaus ADU makes it possible. We combine proven craftsmanship with a process that keeps things clear, simple, and on track.
We’d love to hear your plans — and help make them real.
