Building a prefab home can benefit you in many ways such as increasing living space on your property or even bringing in extra money every month if you rent it out. No matter which route you take, there will be an initial investment in terms of buying it and paying your city for permission to build it. But how much of an investment are we talking about?
How Much Does a Prefab ADU Cost?
The cost of a prefab ADU depends on several factors, such as permit costs in your city and the size and quality of the prefab ADU itself. In general, a small prefab ADU costs between $60,000 to $100,000, while larger units may cost over $200,000.
In considering all of the factors and costs associated with building a prefab ADU, the costs can vary greatly. To top it off, the cost to build a prefab ADU does not include the costs of furnishing your new ADU with appliances and furniture, foundation or utility hookups.
Prefab ADU Prices
As was mentioned, the price of an ADU will typically range between $60,000 – $100,000. Many companies design their homes after standard “Tiny Home” models, but there are some companies that specialize in high-end and luxury prefab ADUs. Today there are several companies that construct prefab ADUs and below are just a few of them.
Clever Homes
Having been developing and constructing prefab ADUs for almost two decades, Clever Homes definitely has the experience in this field to make any customer comfortable and reassured. They use templates for their homes that their customers then design and personalize. They pride themselves on their transparent process and the quality of their finished product.
They have four methods of construction that you can choose from: Modular construction, panelized buildings, steel, and advances wood framing. All of these methods are environmentally efficient and “green”.
Their pricing ranges from around $400 to $500 per square foot. This is including all construction costs, fees, and permit costs, and even landscaping. The price of the prefab home itself ranges between $180 to $225 per square foot. They will build the house mostly in their factory, ship it to the building site, and finish the construction on site.
Pacific Modern Homes
Pacific Modern Homes has been in the construction business since the mid-1960s, though they started manufacturing and supplying prefab homes in 1980. They ship their products all over the world but are a privately-owned business in California. The company takes care of the drafting, engineering, consulting, and contractor referrals. Not to mention the manufacturing of the homes themselves.
There are a few things Pacific Modern Homes pride’s themselves on. The first advantage of choosing them is the speed at which your home will be built. They say their homes can be built in days instead of weeks. They also take pride in their low waste volumes due to their computerized wood cutting machinery, and the low, entry-level prices you will pay for their quality product. To sweeten the deal, they offer a lifetime window warranty.
Unlike most prefab building company’s, Pacific Modern Homes doesn’t price their homes buy square foot. Instead, they use a software program to add up the length of each wall, every door and window installed and so on. They offer 40 different plans which range from around $13,000 to around $175,000 per prefab ADU. They do offer payment plans and loans to help pay it off.
Allwood Outlet
Another eco-friendly company, Allwood Outlet is an online retailer for wood products from Scandinavia and the Baltic States. They were founded in 2000 and are primarily family-owned and ran. They produce manufactured Millwork and Engineered Wood Products.
They have an immensely large selection of products including gazebos, saunas, playhouses, and of course prefab ADU’s. Their ADUs range from small to midsize and are made of all wood. To buy one of these ADU’s it will cost anywhere between $4,500 to $15,000.
Unity Homes
Unity Homes is a company that was founded in 2012, though they have been making homes for the Bensonwood company since 1973. Their homes are practically prefab ADU’s on steroids. They meet the highest standards and pride themselves on their low costs.
They prioritize health and quality like no other. Their homes are all energy efficient with high performance. Unity Homes values low waste and use sustainable materials for all of their products and processes. Not only are they aware and cautious of wasted energy and materials, but they build their homes to last for generations.
They offer five platforms for their costumers to customize. Each platform is completely different, and you have the option of either a one-story or a two-story home. Their prices range from around $65,000 to $370,000. That being said, their prefab homes are the size of a typical house, though they do offer a small 480-960 square foot cottage.
And So Many More
The above-mentioned companies are said to be the top-performing companies of 2020; however, your options are endless when considering an ADU company. Companies like PrefabADU, Studio Shed, and Alchemy Architects offer prefab ADU’s with so many customizable options and designs. If you are looking for a cheaper route, you can look into companies like Asul and Turkel Design, which offer options as low as $60 to $90 per square foot.
The price of an ADU is exceptionally cheaper if you were to pick it up and assemble it yourself. You could save anywhere between $100 to $400 by doing everything yourself, but this isn’t including the price of gas and workers you hire. But it would be well worth it to have the company you are ordering from deliver your home and assemble it on site. They will have the experience knowledge only an ADU builder will have.
Keep in mind the price of fees and permits, inspections, and utility hookups. Some of these hidden costs are included in a company’s estimate, but it would do you well to be sure before signing any contracts.
At the end of the day, there are hundreds of companies manufacturing and selling these prefab ADU’s. The best way to be sure you are getting the best deal for the prefab home you want is by researching all of your options and comparing them. It might take some work and time on your end, but it will be your best shot at getting your bang for your buck.
Where Is There Money Saved?
Though building a prefab ADU can sometimes be costly, you can save money in a lot of areas when comparing the costs to building an ADU that isn’t prefabbed. Prefab ADU’s don’t require an extensive foundation to be done and they aren’t generally made to be integrated with your home. You will also save on the extensive architectural and drafting costs that oftentimes come with the hidden fees of building extensions and homes.
The process of buying and building a prefab ADU is quick and painless. There is no waiting at the building department and less paperwork to draw up and sign. Prefab homes have come a long way from their mediocre and boring design to instead pop with a contemporary and stylish design. When deciding between an ADU and a prefab ADU, the decision is an easy one.