Modular ADUs

Prefab, Made Simple

GET STARTED

Why Use Modular Construction to Build Your ADU?

Manufactured ADUs offer an enticing blend of convenience, lower costs, faster construction, and sustainability. They are available in customizable exteriors, rooms, and finishes. These components are crafted off-site before being transported and assembled on your plot of land. This streamlined process ensures precision and efficiency, minimizing construction waste, time, and costs with an absolute overall increase in quality.

Modular and prefab are different types of manufactured building components. A prefabricated component can range from trusses and wall sections to a completely framed and finished building room or module.

A modular will have most of its fixtures finished in the factory. Prefab has more components that are completed at the job site. A module is made of prefabricated (prefab) sections.

Modular and Prefab ADUs offer many advantages over site-built ADUs. The savings are usually 15-20% less than a traditionally built ADU.

Modules are most cost-effective. However, they need certain clearances to be transported to the home site. Because of this, prefab may be the best option if the land has limited access.

Single-story ADUSs can be built for as low as $225 per square foot (including engineering and permits).

These prefab sections are constructed of the highest quality. They can be framed in steel or wood. All prefab ADUs come with a ten-year warranty.

You can fully customize the ADU to the most complex floor plan and to luxurious standards.

It’s not just about aesthetics and reducing costs — manufactured homes are the champions of sustainability. Prefab components are built using eco-friendly materials and practices, minimizing environmental impact without compromising on style, build quality or functionality.

Prefab and Modular ADUs are The superior method

  • Endless Design Options / Fully Custom
  • Finishes range from affordable to opulent
  • Real Wood Accents, Beams, and Trim
  • Choose either steel or wood frame construction
  • Eco Friendly

What Are The Steps To Building A Modular ADU?

It begins with an evaluation of the land. From there broad strokes and rough concepts are created. Next, the architecture is refined, the interior is designed, and the building begins. The finishing touches are applied and the ADU is ready to be enjoyed.

Pros and Cons of Modular Construction

  • Faster Construction Time
  • Less Waste
  • Greater Efficiency
  • Full Customization Available
  • 10-30% Less Cost Than Site-Built
  • Steel Or Wood Frame Construction
  • Higher Quality and Durability over site-built
  • Endless Design Options
  • Construction May Be Limited By Access

1. Establish Your Budget

As with any shopping experience, it’s best to work top-down based on your budget.

Prefab and modular ADUs can be financed in many ways. However, not all loan officers are experienced in this type of construction. It’s best to work with an expert in these types of construction loans.

Important Notes

  • It’s best to start with a list of must-haves.
  • Next, build the budget around nice-to-haves.
  • The budget should have allowances for items with design choices such as appliances, tile, flooring, and paint.
  • It’s easy to go over budget. Beware of budget creep!

2. Design your ADU

Once you have a budget established, design the ADU around each cost allowance. Our architects and engineers will work with you and your project engineer. At this stage, you should select your final finishes and fixtures. The floor plan will be presented via 3D Walkthrough.

Things to Consider

  • The most important design element is the floor plan.
  • The second most important design elements are the bedrooms and bathroom counts.
  • The interior fixtures can be selected as needed but this can delay the timeline.
  • Some finish selections can be upgraded at a later date.
  • Consider access to the site in the design.
  • Some land may be more difficult to prepare. Things like adding or upgrading a septic, and dealing with rocky or uneven terrain may need to be addressed in the initial design.
  • Verify the zoning early in the design process.

3. Apply for Permits

One of the largest unknowns in the construction process is the permit timeline. The permit timeline can be delayed by many reasons. The process to complete the building permit requires approval from many departments, each having their own requirements. Depending on your building code, you may need approval from the fire department, the health and safety department, city or county engineers, the water district, utility providers, and more.

Advantages Over Site-Built

  • Modular and other types of manufactured housing have expedited permit processes.
  • Certain building requirements may be exempted.

4. Prepare the land

Once utilities are at the property line, it’s time to being grading and to connect the wet and dry utilities. Once those are inspected, the next step is to begin your foundation. Once the foundation is ready, vertical construction is next.

Things To Consider

  • Adding utilities to accommodate additional living space can be expensive.
  • We offer many different types of foundations. Some areas with frost may be best suited for piers. Garages and basements are also possible.
  • It’s safest to avoid an active construction site.

5. Adding the ADU

Once the foundation is complete, the ADU is brought in. Any assembly required on-site is completed. Some areas with very limited access may require a crane. For the most the most challenging areas, a helicopter can be used.

Notes

  • Delivery Day 1 for vertical construction can be very exciting. Its recommended to attend.
  • Some parts of the foundation may be completed after the ADU is in place.
  • Compared to site-built ADU, our modular, CrossMod and prefab ADUs can be completed faster. Vertical construction can be done in a matter of days.

6. Finishing Touches

Once the ADU is mostly complete, final tile elements, landscaping, appliances, decorative lighting fixtures, hardware, and any touchups are completed. It’s time to add the interior decorations and window treatments and your ADU is ready for you to enjoy!

7. Warranty / Service

Our modular and prefab components are built with rigid standards focused on quality. Were here to help provide service for as long as you want it. Our ADUs come with a best-in-class, 10-year craftsman warranty. If any concerns arise, we will gladly be there to support you and help repair or replace as needed.

Warranty Highlights

  • 10 Year Craftsman Warranty
  • Transferable to new owners
  • Easy claim process
Budgeting for your modular home

Conclusion

Buying a prefab ADU is faster, better, and cheaper than building an ADU on-site. We can custom design for almost any requirement and taste. Our support engineers will guide you through the process before, during, and after. Want more information or looking to get started? Were here to answer any questions.

Similar Posts