In 2008, Richard Garrett was building townhomes, condos, and multifamily projects when the recession hit. As the dust settled, he found himself the “last man standing” at his former company – until that company fell, too. His wife, Beth, was newly pregnant and staring down a future that looked nothing like what they had planned.
With jobs scarce, Richard took a leap and started RG Probuilders in 2009. The first projects were humble: small repair jobs and light remodeling across Oregon and Washington. But the work spoke for itself, and clients kept calling them back for more.
“As the clients liked us and our work, they would invite us back to bid on larger projects,” Beth said. The couple’s commitment to client service and experience helped them stand out, and the business continued to grow.
When the timing was right – in 2021 – Jeff Marsh, the Garretts’ longtime friend and business colleague, joined as a co-owner, and the company expanded into the Phoenix Valley. With Jeff splitting his time between Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, it made sense for RG to bring its expertise, particularly with ADUs and guesthouses, to the Phoenix Valley market.
“Our process has taken 15 years to perfect – and we’re still always striving to make it even better – we consider ourselves lifelong learners! Beth said. “Our clients love how transparent and collaborative it is.”
It all starts with a call with an RG project consultant. If it’s a fit, a complimentary site visit follows, with the team arriving prepared with property and project info so the conversation is informed and productive. A rough budget comes before design begins, then the project is tailored and designed to stay within that budget.
No upsells, no surprises – unless the client decides to change the project scope. RG specializes in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that serve a wide range of lifestyles, from aging parents to adult kids moving home, Airbnb rentals to guest houses.
Their two signature lines, Legacy and Modern, give clients options to match their style and budget. The Legacy Series leans toward more traditional looks: classic, cozy, and timeless. The Modern Series is a more contemporary, minimal look and is designed for future expansion in mind.
Once permits are in hand, a typical ADU is constructed in three or four months. Among the pre-designed homes, The Lane remains the fan favorite. But the most meaningful plan? That’s The Oak.
“One of the most special projects we’ve done was for a young woman who was paralyzed in a domestic violence incident,” Beth said. “We designed her ADA-accessible ADU with her, and it’s truly gorgeous. We named her plan the ‘oak’ in her honor – and it’s one of our more popular plans, especially when we tell people the special story behind it.”
While RG has completed everything from compact ADUs to large custom homes, not every job fits the mold – some are very unique.
“We built a $65,000 ‘catio’ – not joking. That one will forever stand out in our memory! We’ve done a variety of very cool custom projects from small living to large custom homes and multi-family projects,” Beth said.
She and the team envision a bright future for ADUs over the next 5-10 years, particularly for families seeking to stay connected. They’re especially popular for the “baby boomer” generation.
“They are a financially savvy generation and don’t want to waste their money on ‘rent.’ They’d rather take their equity and invest in a home to be nearer their family but still maintain privacy. Studies show that this generation is happier when living closer to family,” Beth said.
It’s a win-win for multi-generational living, rental income, or just more flexible space. Thinking of building an ADU? Beth’s advice is simple:
“If you have the means to make it happen, they are a no-brainer. Whether for an aging family, a young family not able to afford their own place yet, a rental, an Airbnb, the options are endless – and it’s fully built on-site as actual new construction real estate that appreciates higher in value versus a PreFab or tiny home on wheels,” she said. Learn more about the company at rgprobuildersaz.com.
