Small prefab backyard home feels more livable than McMansions

John Geary grew up watching his father build big homes in the San Francisco Bay Area where it can take years to permit a project, so when the state legislature began passing bills to make it much easier to build a home in your own backyard, he set up shop selling smaller, cheaper homes that could be purchased, permitted and installed in less than a month.
Today, his startup Abodu has built hundreds of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units AKA granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages) across California for about a third the cost of a new apartment, but they’re not building tiny houses on wheels. In fact, Geary makes it a point that his small homes are real property: built with a concrete foundation, they are “real property”, that is, they extend the square footage of the main house. Unlike tiny homes on wheels or park models which are classed as vehicles (which has also helped them evade permitting and zoning requirements), Abodus are in the same category as a McMansion and therefore, argues Geary, they should be viewed as assets that appreciate in much the same way.
We visited their Redwood City showroom where Geary took us on a full tour of two of their models -- a 340-square-foot studio and a 500-square-foot one bedroom - where he explained their uniquely curving roof design (built to enlarge space where needed), the strategic placement of windows and privacy considerations unique to backyard homes. He clarified the state’s streamlined permitting process: anyone can build in their backyard as long as the home is under 14 feet long, under 800 square feet and 4 feet from the inside property line. For those not in California, Geary believes these types of laws will be coming to states across the country.
On *faircompanies faircompanies....

[@crzyruskie86]

Starting at 228k. Cheap by California standards but most will be rentals with sky high rents. This price wont facilitate the volume needed to affect change in market rent rates.

[@drewcipher896]

And it's good to remember that there is no housing shortage in the US. 8-15% of homes(houses and apartments) are vacant depending on where you live. It's an affordable housing/equity issue, and unfortunately things like this aren't going to make an impact for the people most in need.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

How does the cost compare to other options like just building it from scratch? It seems one could build from scratch for cheaper, esp if they do some of the work themselves.

[@indoora]

@@drewcipher896 I live in a major city and this is the case. Most of the newly built apartment buildings advertise luxury apartments and they stay empty for months.

[@Francoberry]

Also doesn't seem like a real solution to housing issues - what person wants to permanently live in someone's back garden? What type of person is buying or renting this property outside of an existing homeowner's family members?

[@lorettaharris4377]

@@indoora The prices need to come down. Elon has a home from the BOX company which cost him $50,000. But it would cost more now.

[@growingheart8039]

I always get so excited to see these new types living spaces. Then I look at the price, and cry😢

[@slimjohn2090]

I am 50 years old and over the last 20 years witnessed the American dream change from a meager home with a white picket fence , paid for within a 30 year mortgage to people feeling accomplished and secure living in vans , campers or " modular home" being not much bigger than a cardboard box that a refrigerator comes packaged in. Whats more demoralizing is the fact that some people have found a way to market these " homes" that literally 95% of the time does not pass county or city codes for residential use much less power and water hook ups. The prices of these " homes " are equal to or around the same price bracket of what a house cost a few years ago. I have 6 acres of property in the mountians that was obtained through family will. Am on my second mobile home that is needing rebuilt and seriously trying to have a small house built on this land. The market that is in place has made this almost completely unattainable. For the people with less than I have also trying just to have a roof over their head, my heart goes out to you and good luck

[@ana419]

Great testimony, fully agree. But we must complain and Fox tjis, not accept the unacceptable.

[@ana419]

Dont accept the unacceptbl. Speak out, complaun, fix things to what they once were.

[@jasoncarter4343]

There’s Lancaster Log Cabins in Pennsylvania. Fully transportable 400 sq ft solid log cabins built on top of a trailer frame. The most expensive model is $74k.

[@keikei3301]

lol a few years ago?? You mean well over 3 decades ago? Haven’t seen 200k priced homes since the 90s. Early 2000s saw inflated home prices and soaring mortgage rates in populous metro areas. That’s when unaffordability began and younger buyers, all groups after gen x, were priced out. Swollen market rates are the bane of the middle class and keeping hardworking young gens from home ownership

[@3506Dodge]

Not in Ohio. Come live in Ohio! Houses are cheap in Ohio!

[@osenseijedi]

Honestly it's hard to take their "we want to solve housing" seriously when you see the prices they sell these at (starting at $228,800). It sounds to me that they just want to cash in on the "outrageously expensive market"

[@kblewis3331]

You and many others making similar comments don't seem to be taking into account th outrageous costs of building and selling and buying in certain areas of the country. The same building could likely be built for half that in other parts of the country, at least once we get past the supplies shortage.

[@larkspur77]

Mr Os & KB Lewis who responded to Mr Os , Can't be sure about claims of concern to create affordable housing or alleviate the housing shortage dilemma. Prefabs are factory built and factories can be/ should be in low cost areas, then units shipped to CA/ wherever. True, labor will be more costly than elsewhere, but usually foundations and utility connections etc are up to the buyer. There are many videos on youtube featuring small houses with reasonable costs. Some features - someone mentioned vented oven or hood(?) can eventually be added. If you are paying $80,000 rather than over $200,000, there are lots of extras you can add. Kerry Tarnow, a pleasant seemingly informed Canadian features some lower cost homes. I am not related to him, just found him the other day - many others. The presenter here is an "expert" for sure. This house just happens to be a bit over the top price wise.

[@ZeoCyberG]

@@larkspur77 Not how it works, it doesn't matter that much where it's built because a lot of the costs are local. The $228,800 includes the budget for a home visit, pre-approved plans for permits, permitting process done for you, a completed Abodu unit, standard site work, delivery from the factory, craning, and installation. There's literally tens of thousands you have to pay just so you can get to the point that you can lay a foundation and be able to build a home on a property. Pre-Fab houses still have to meet local code and pass all local requirements!

[@GlasbanGorm]

Exactly this doesn't stop with people living on top of each other in shoeboxes like in china or most oriental countries.

[@GlasbanGorm]

@@kblewis3331 Prices of goods are in relation to the housing bubble, driving the economic sector. Without fait, and usury, house prices would return to their actual baseline cost.

[@TheVeryfunnydude]

the studio is ONLY $230K base model price - just $1,000 a square foot, what a steal ... C'MON!!!!!

[@jamesmalarkey417]

It's a custom designer home with quality features, and it's a turn key complete building. You clearly have no clue what current construction costs are. This place will rent and pay for itself in 2-3 years... C'MON!!!

[@TheVeryfunnydude]

@@jamesmalarkey417 $1,000 a square foot, that alone tells me how much you know about construction costs. there are multiple other options on the market for less than half the price. boxable sells their tiny home for $190 a square foot, $190 vs $1000 !!!

[@dingovory]

​@@jamesmalarkey417the rent would be more than $6000 per month to pay this off in three years. How is that solving the housing crisis? C'MON!!!

[@Beaunage]

@@jamesmalarkey417 This place will not pay for itself in 3 years.

[@WilliamTeller]

Loving all the C'MONs here... this is what comment sections were made for

[@resourcefulgirl]

Nice design but I'm glad I live in the midwest. You can still build a 2000 sq ft home with a basement and oversized 2 car garage for under 300-350K. We're building a multi-generational type home. The lower level with walkout and high ceilings is being finished to accomplish this. If I lived in an area with higher building costs this would be fabulous.

[@paxundpeace9970]

I doubt that you can do this for less then 400K after earnings

[@TRuth.T]

Were in central WI. a old livable home sold here this weekend on 8 acres for $25,000 😲

[@resourcefulgirl]

@@TRuth.T Geez!! What a great buy!!

[@ZeoCyberG]

@@TRuth.T Existing homes you don't pay all the cost it takes to develop and built it, you're only paying the present market estimated value for the property. So that's not equivalent... There's reasons housing growth has not kept up with population growth for a century now. It cost more to create new housing but as there isn't enough housing for everyone, new housing has to be created...

[@sherylbailey2783]

Does your cost exclude infrastructure of utilities (water, sewer & electricity)?

[@MrJoegotbored]

Those exterior vented stove hoods make such a big difference in small spaces. Getting the cooking smells out quickly means your food smells like food but your clothes don't. Love it. Great designs.

[@kblewis3331]

I AGREE. I don't want my whole house, bedroom and clothing always smelling like what I cooked, (or inadvertently scorched, lol) all day every day! Not to mention smelling food while I'm trying to sleep. Blech!

[@SabinaAli81]

In any space

[@ana419]

I've been to international conferences where people's clothes smells like old food. Sad. Talk about losing credibility fast.

[@ana419]

Which ones?

[@stickynorth]

Every part of the world should have access to ADU's and Tiny Homes. You want to end the housing crisis? This is a very large part of it!

[@paxundpeace9970]

The real solution would be to alow more triplex and small multiunit building in mostly single family neighborhoods.

[@mieszkogulinski168]

Or build apartment buildings

[@davidsaxby5400]

I keep seeing comments about housing crisis. There isn’t a lack of housing, there’s a lack of affordable housing and by affordable, I don’t mean what the authorities and house builders think is affordable. Here in the UK, professional workers like hospital workers and policemen can’t afford their own homes. Developments are aimed at rich multiple house owners and investors. Build it quickly and make fast profit. Very little thought about the first time buyers and young people just staring out on their careers.

[@dod2304]

@@mieszkogulinski168 which aren't always desirable for many reasons.

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

@@mieszkogulinski168 here in Los Angeles we have lots of apartments, that isn't the problem. The problem is that Apartments rental rates are stupid expensive. The building that I live in, which is basically a monolith, is 'reduced rent' housing. Sounds good, right? The income ceiling for it is just over $59k/annually. I'm on SS. The only reason I'm still here is (TG) the rent freeze due to pandemic. Almost 70% of my income goes to rent. I personally think that's obscene.

[@GRASSWITHERS]

Cool concept but starting at $228,800 which I believe is for the Abodu studio which is 340 Sq.Ft. is insane! Let's do simple math $228,800 divided by the Sq.Ft. (340) = $673 per Sq.Ft. Do your own build and save. Pull the permits and sub-contract the phases. Go on yelp and find reputable licensed contractors for each step. Saving over $100,000 for a simple studio build is definitely worth it!

[@TRuth.T]

Were in central WI. a old livable home sold here this weekend on 8 acres for $25,000 😲

[@alansnyder8448]

I'm planning on leaving California in the next few years to buy some land in Michigan and build my dream house. Then have a small winter place in Florida. Those two together will still be less than the cost of what I have in California.

[@elisabethclancy3949]

It is really perfect for me and my tiny dog . I wish I was rich enough to buy one . I love it !

[@parallaxcontinuum7898]

oh,...it's affordable.But ,hold on to your hat, everything else will be marked UP !

[@TruthQuest4700]

The diagonal roof ridge lends the interior some aesthetic finesse! A great design solution for breaking up a box without breaking the bank!

[@wdbreezy]

This design had my interest as I’ve been looking to add a similar unit until I learned the cost. I’m in the Midwest and am looking at builders with similar options for less, but I do enjoy seeing what’s available around the country.

[@polizovski]

Incredible Tiny Homes build units for cheeper price.

[@enriquecabrera2137]

just show it to your builder and say "can you clone something similar for me?" and theyll replicate it but adjust it to your areas pricing and other needs like how someone living in Arizona and someone in Canada would need modified insulation options.

[@sway2382]

Oh my god- ANY other pre-fab company is going to be cheaper than this. This company is charging a premium.

[@justRoRo]

@@polizovski true. however, their finishes seem to be more rough-and-ready and less refined and polished like the models demonstrated in this specific video.

[@justRoRo]

@@sway2382 agree, def taking advantage of their location and the increased cost of living in that area of California.

[@mikebennett146]

I commend what you are doing, Kirsten. It's so fantastic to show & highlight alternative sustainable lifestyles & living spaces!!

[@cuongtruong6043]

For many, this is the ideal home. It would be good to see a company build a pre-fab home but more self-sufficient and a little more considered when it comes to hot climates.

[@ProlificInvention]

These are awesome, what a genius concept. Good on California for passing those rules allowing this with less barriers and restrictions, usually government goes the other way.

[@robdubent]

🤣

[@robdubent]

Yup! Only a quarter million bucks! I just bought a Bigger, nicer and Actual well built home for the same amount but it’s not in a commie state. I encourage fools to keep buying garbage and live in that cesspool. It’s quite amusing.

[@lonewolf56308]

Good on California? They knew for a long time what was coming. Electrical and heating grids have been close to block outs for quite some time. This is a big win for companies that can't keep up with the grid.

[@laraoneal7284]

We Californians won’t benefit from this bc our powers that should not be will make sure of it.

[@carbon-structure]

100% endorse this. Mansions are an insane amount of maintenance built to impress other people, that you also have to fill with junk, again to impress other people. As someone who is blessed enough to have these options, totally happy with some pied-à-terre's and tiny houses on great land spread across the country than some grotesque monolith of a home. More people should shift their mindset to tiny living, they'd soon realize that simplicity == freedom == mobility == wealth!

[@laurab9867]

Bravo! 👏👏👏

[@onlineoffgrid]

Price per sq ft is too high to make it a viable option to many people

[@ajheffel]

228 k for a trailer house with no wheels? You could build on-site for half that.

[@densitydad]

I'm sitting in on my first focus group to hopefully help pass ADUs here in Richmond. Such a good video. The current sticker price is justified by the level of detail going into each of the homes and most appliances being full size. Seeing that you can sell with the home as REAL property is something else to factor in. The prices will go down as competition increases and as more cities legalize ADUs by right.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Since it's seen as a value add to the existing property, I would think it would also impact the property taxes making them go up.

[@kblewis3331]

Well of course. Any "value add" will. But they'll recoup that from rental rates.

[@svetusik72]

For sure! They accentuating “real property” and forgetting real property taxes.

[@vfountain8223]

@@kblewis3331 The housing market is crashing and homes will be 35-40% down and falling. Prices will fall but taxes and electric are going to go through the roof as is . Down payment % are rising too "you will have nothing and like it."

[@circlethewagons]

Such a great idea, we need this in New England.

[@CK1000ism]

People in other parts of the country don't realize how expensive California housing is. It has become impossible to purchase almost anything under 1 million in any part of the city and places like the Westside have a minimum 1.5 million--just for land value. If you can put an 800 sq foot property in your backyard that has 2 bedrooms, that is huge. A lot of people who have lived in their home will be able to refinance so the cost of the ADU will be absorbed in a slightly higher monthly payment but if you rent it, that rent will more than offset the cost. Better yet, as you age, you can downsize into an ADU and stay on your property and rent out your main house.

[@pbear49]

That's why people are leaving. I have friends that just move to New Mexico.

[@djkenny1202]

How does average folks afford to Buy a Expensive home, AND this expensive ADU?? 228k Additional??!?!? Insanity.

[@computron5824]

Maybe it would be better to buy out existing owners, tear down those properties, and build really dense housing instead of adding one ADU for a quarter million dollars on the low end. If California is in need of millions of units, then I don't think that the "light touch density" approach will have much of an impact on the housing crisis. On the other hand, if you do need extra living space for your family, then this is a great option.

[@maneuschwander6394]

The main problem with ADU's - is that it takes up any yard space that could be used to grow food! In the future, food will be very important for the populace!..

[@FlockoftheGreyShepherd]

These look very nice and high quality but you could accomplish effectively the same thing with a small manufactured home on a permanent foundation for substantially less cost.

[@Stikibits]

I think many of these wind up as airbnb rather than permanent and affordable dwellings.

[@huckwach3074]

But isn't it better for these low occupancy dwellings to be used for Airbnb rather than a higher occupancy and more affordable (per bedroom) primary dwellings winding up as an airbnb? Since there is demand for airbnbs the supply has to come from somewhere. To me it seems better to let the ADUs be the Airbnb supply.

[@paxundpeace9970]

Still this leaves other units open as permanent and affordable units.

[@Stikibits]

@@paxundpeace9970 yeah, not sure about that.

[@CoCo-yv3hl]

True & only ppl with existing land seem to purchase not just a first time home buyer

[@kdockrey]

The ADU laws in most CA cities do not allow such structures to be used for short-term rentals (30 days or less).

[@DragonHeartTree]

This guy, the interviewee, is incredibly helpful with all the great facts. Thoroughly enjoy. ESPECIALLY bi enjoy the editing, all the lack of dead air and inconsequential chatter.. great video!

[@dfgdfg_]

Cooking next to my bed makes me feel so sad. Studios should have a partition for the bedroom, even thin.

[@veramentegina]

this guy is such a good salesman and a presenter. he should be on TV.

[@HowToADU]

Love this :) More ADU content please! :))))

[@spudluver47]

Many commenters are focused on the price tag and ignoring the larger picture, which is that this product increases the housing supply in a way that grows cities up rather than out.

[@dungeonmaster16]

main ones arguing about these is (and being honest) our those currently dont have a family to invest into. as the dude said its also design as a generational home if one day the parents, now older gives the house to their kids who are now parents themselves and raise their family while the grandparents stay in that house and be close by. basically invest into a family legacy in that area, something that doesnt matter to a person if apartment hopping or in general move to multiple cities.

[@decomcgurk]

This is like boxabl but more a home than an office and/or home. We are getting better at stuff. Thank god! You have magnificent hair btw!

[@crazyeightsable]

That's a really neat idea.I like that one of them is wheelchair accessible.

[@KabobHope]

That is pretty interesting. Perhaps as a children leave the primary home and spouses die off this will become the owners primary dwelling and they will rent out the larger house.

[@kimim2702]

Beautiful, well designed homes! Would love to see more storage built into/onto the walls.

[@okayfine6342]

I recently moved into the Bay where they showed a lot of active projects and living in one of these would be an absolute dream compared to what I had to settle for. I was in the rental market for small studio/1br apartments and basically any listing would have dozens of contacts within hours of it going up on Zillow. Hopefully these types of companies will get more people excited about making more places to live. There's a lot of critique in the comment section already, but I will welcome anything that can convince someone to put well-built housing on their land. I would kill to be in one of these compared to what I have now!

[@AbuSous2000PR]

agreed ...but Don't expect a reasonable rent...when the price for a studio unit is $228k.. now include the price of the land. that easily becomes $400k+ minimum that is unsustainable

[@sway2382]

In the Bay Area myself and most of my friends used to rent in law/ ADU style housing- until AirBNB came on the scene... Now you can hardly find a backyard home to rent, if you do its crazy expensive- but go on AirBNB and there are so many- basically all those ADUs are being kept off the residential market, being used as illegal hotels/ short term rental only.

[@sway2382]

If these homeowners pay this company $250K to put this house in their yard- they are going to be renting this studio for at least $3000+ month. New construction alone can not "build us out" of the housing crisis. The issue is much bigger and more complex than lawmakers or social enterprise companies like this will ead you to believe. Dont drink the YIMBY kool aid. All the market rate solutions that Scott Weiner is pimping in the senate are the same policies that have FAILED to make SF more affordable over the past 20 years.

[@okayfine6342]

@@AbuSous2000PR Yes, but the intent is obviously not to people who are buying new land to place one of these on. It's meant to fill space in a backyard that you don't really need. While $228k is a huge amount of money, it's gained back in two ways: One, your property/house becomes way more valuable when you install it (probably equally as much as the cost of getting one), and two, you get the ability to get $2k minimum per month (in the bay, anyways) with your home. More competition drives costs down via simple supply and demand, and if people choose to add more rental units to any given area, other units will be forced to compete. Capitalism!

[@okayfine6342]

@@sway2382 Can you explain to me how the construction of additional housing will do anything but lower the cost of living under a capitalist organization of our economy? More housing means that landlords will need to compete with each other, thereby reducing the price of housing. YIMBYs have the right idea: If there's a ton of choices for housing, housing owners will need to lower their costs in order to compete in the market.

[@pbear49]

Kristen, have you ever heard the expression, "Beware of a Fast Talking salesman"? You just met one of them. I saw another video about these prefabs. the Cost is well over $200k+ If Mom and Dad want to move close they better be prepared to pay! Personally, I don't think there a good solution. Kind of a new toy for the rich and infamous.

[@TimBryan]

I think we need more context on the housing markets these people are operating in. If mom and dad are selling their $1.5 M California home, spending $300k on this ADU and putting it in their kid’s backyard, the math is much more acceptable.

[@kcsunnyone]

That's fabulous - I wish Austin and Nashville would do this!

[@Simphome]

Wow! This requires quite a bit of effort. But, I can use this video as a reference for my small house project idea. Great videos!

[@fouroakfarm]

Love the design and concept; hate the price. Too expensive! Still in search of the holy grail prefab that does not cost so much

[@61Slughi]

The price covers not just the house, but the permits, foundation, transport and installation. Apparently they do most of the work for you. Unfortunately, this service is only available in Southern CA & Seattle. Doing business in CA must cost them a fortune. I wonder what the price would be if they operated in the midwest?

[@sylviabeam8483]

greary mentioned this gives opportunity for parents with children to enter school districts they normally wouldn't be able to afford so my question is how many children does he think a parent can put in these tiny homes? plus it would have been nice to include cost for one of these homes

[@lavondacarter7228]

Yes PRICE !

[@srae7658]

I think over $200k 😬

[@sylviabeam8483]

@@srae7658 thank you the price for one of these are ridiculous

[@billburgess4720]

I have this really sweet 400 sqft 1.5 bath plan this company could do, only mine has a separate Master suite....IF I could afford their $290 sqft pricing I would be able to have them do one as I have single wall plumbing that saves 30% as I have no plumbing run longer than 72". I am not so sure having the 1/2 bath combined with the Utility room and separate exterior door is actually cost-effective, but as an over 75 couple, we think it works.

[@emmahardesty4330]

Really smart, good looking. Undoubtedly wise for many homeowners, for many reasons. One plus not mentioned: big, old trees do not have to suffer root damage or be cut down.

[@biggles325]

Are these people serious? That's the price of a 2k+ sqft house in the midwest... and I love how they mention the "housing crisis" just to throw around buzzwords while continuing to inflate the cost per sqft of homes that should cost well under 100k.

[@toosense]

I bought almost new, beautiful two story brick home, 4 BR, 2.5 bath for 165k in Houston 10 years ago, granite upgrades and all. I understand the housing crisis in some areas but the price is expensive.

[@Mario-jf4fr]

What's the link for the prices?

[@Acevolt]

@@toosense i purchase my 2800 square foot house on a half acre lot in a gated community for $220K in Southern California 10 years ago. Inflation has changed a lot of things.

[@toosense]

@@Acevolt and now how much is your home worth? I moved into a new house several years back, it’s current assessed tax value is about 50k over inflated, I could never sell it for that price.

[@faithm9284]

This is just a reworked model of prefabs, and modular. They present it like it's a new concept! 🤪

[@Dain75]

Do you make anything that's wheelchair accessible? I mean not just a ramp, but something someone with a serious disability could live in. For example could you put in a ceiling track lift in the bathroom and bedroom? An accessible shower? Wider doorways? Lowered counters you can drive up to? It's incredibly difficult to find accessible housing anywhere, having your own place in a family backyard would be perfect for people who need care.

[@elisha052550]

Love them, but must be affordable to make a difference in housing issue

[@genjii931]

Individual dwellings like this will never be the cheapest option. It will always be multi-unit buildings like 4-plexes or apartment/condo buildings.

[@cislynmais7753]

check out incredible tiny homes in New Port TN on KZbin

[@barrettorth8413]

California housing prices are off the charts insane, which makes these ridiculously overpriced ADU's affordable _relative_ to the market their being sold in. If Abodu tried to sell them in other parts of the country for the same price people would laugh them out of town. That being said, I can't really fault them for charging market prices within their own market, however crazy.

[@jawkneekat]

Nice to see multi-generational living becoming normalized in American culture. It's common in much of the world especially our southern neighbors.

[@donnab.333]

Multi-generational living was very prevalent in the past & then some moved away from it. Now, some people are starting to go back to it, & there are some places where it never left, it just isn't promoted in the mainstream.

[@CleoHarperReturns]

I grew up in Michigan. At any given time we'd have 4 generations living in the house -- great grandparents down to us kids. And once in awhile a neighbor kid or two when they were having problems at home. We weren't the only ones; I think up there it's quite common.

[@CleoHarperReturns]

@@donnab.333 Especially Millennials. Those poor kids inherited an unaffordable world.

[@barrettorth8413]

Multi-generational living is typically rooted in poverty, and done more often out of necessity than preference. This growing trend in the US is actually a symptom of our poor economic and social conditions.

[@kblewis3331]

@@barrettorth8413 And with British Royalty apparently. :D

[@c.1211]

I was more blown away on the older gentleman's full set if Grey/white!👍 The small homes are awesome!🤓👊

[@e.l.france5136]

Added neighborhood density, heavier traffic, less street parking, extra water demands,and stress on utility pipes are a few problems with the state allowing established residential areas to take up the slack in not keeping current with rental needs which would have diminished the rent rates skyrocketing.

[@Chahlie]

People need to change the way they live, starting with getting rid of cars. I live on large acreage in a very rural area with 3 times a day bus, and I have made it work. My truck stays on my property, I specifically got a job that works WITH the bus schedule, rather than trying to make the previous job work around it. You can have increased density with not as much impact.

[@rondog869]

This is much better alternative than more urban sprawl . Better to have housing close into urban areas than continuing to build tract housing on agricultural land.

[@mdecicco8706]

Informative and timely video. Thank you for your dedication. Have you heard of Randy Jones/Incredible Tiny Homes in Newport Tennessee? He builds 8'x16' tiny homes for $20k.

[@jm-bv1wh]

Incredible Tiny Homes are on trailers and are classified as RVs. Most jurisdictions do not permit them to be used as ADUs.

[@withgoddess8029]

Just beautiful. Crazy price

[@fransirahome]

Wow..love this. Built in 14 days. Prefab home👌

[@lasherdj]

Great video and an amazing concept. Love the way ADU is being incorporated with the changing times.

[@jemg2002]

Reminds me of a she shed.

[@shawnbechard3680]

Minimaliste Tiny Houses in Quebec, are my favorite. Placing one of their largest tiny houses on a full walkout basement, would offer roughly 900+Square Footage in living space.

[@harindrachowdarynallamothu4476]

Can you please provide the details of the firm that is doing this Quebec?

[@du-me-Utube-1975]

BOXABLE is only $50,000…..and with everything included (Shipping to site & set up, foundation, electrical, water & sewage, permits, etc) will cost additional $20,000 - $40,000. TOTAL = $70k - $90k

[@BallardBaller]

You should check out Buffalo Container Homes in Sonoma County, Geoffery is creating some really interesting work, as well as restoring Airstreams, while his shop sits in the middle of a Water Buffalo dairy farm

[@stuartkorte1642]

Nice design. Will these be exempt from property tax increases? If these are $200k plus then property taxes will probably increase by $4k per year.

[@margaretlee-reed814]

Tiny homes is such an awesome idea. Tiny homes, condos and high rises (with medium homes and large homes) provides homes and sometimes income or second incomes to meet the needs and desires for so many. Similar to homeowners renting out basements or units built over garages with separate entrances. Some don't need (and may not want) a large living space but, not into or used to apartment living. People (families) did fine in "shot gun" style homes and then they disappeared. Unfortunately. Common sense and practicality has come back to America. Good job California.

[@laurab9867]

Thanks for saying that.

[@janmontarsi.-blendangles7960]

They should sell this design to companies that make single wide mobile homes. It’s a great design it’s just not everyone lives in California could be much cheaper to more people.

[@dpchait7793]

All of the Japanese people had heart attack when he’s in the shower with his street shoes on

[@genjii931]

Or the people trooping into the demo home, not just the shower.

[@gwendolyn7462]

6:40 that old man is so cutes

[@juliamckechnie256]

It is a great use of the space- layered, functional with good storage.

[@bent-erikmunch9839]

great work and keeping the family together for 3 generations :)

[@piconano]

When I build things crooked, I also claim it was done on purpose to add interest.

[@doctoroctos]

While the ADU doesn't depreciate like a car, it does come with annual costs, maintenance, additional insurance, and additional taxes. The annual expenses aren't exponential like a car's first day depreciation, but they do factor into a person's annual budget.

[@SW-lw6mt]

Lovely home design and the roof is such a good idea! But the price is just a little crazy for a small home.

[@live_emulator]

Do you think they'll ever be communities to place these homes and not just back yards?

[@ritabroils6190]

I like the generational housing with an ADU, is more likely. It will most likely will be changed to rental property. Hopefully, it won't be sky high!

[@Campzzyzx]

There is not a "housing crisis" there is an affordability crisis. That being said this unit is pretty cool. Kirsten another amazing video

[@markmitchell457]

Expensive compared to local builders.

[@pgbollwerk]

Gorgeous, but quite expensive compared to many other options. Definitely for the wealthier folks. The target market here is people who want to make MORE money with their existing real estate.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Where are the additional two cars per ADU going to park? Also, the wastewater and water infrastructure systems in cities like San Diego are already failing. How will adding ADU's impact suburban infrastructure?

[@ALCRAN2010]

Be prepared to potentially doubling your yearly property taxes. Ouch!

[@outingsforoldladieswhoaren7664]

These are very expensive. Boxables are about 50k while these start at $228k.

[@india6039]

That’s what I said. Elons are 50. This is like putting twenty percent down on property. I live in one of top 5 most expensive cities in US, so I’m aware $200;000 in relation to a home, but to me this is like a extra room in the yard.

[@eicrusade6161]

The lack of soffits and roof overhangs and the drywall. all have me thinking mold problems. Adjust the roof and use hemp insulation would help.

[@dod2304]

Mr. Geary needs to think about speaking just a tad slower for his over 30 viewers. Several times he spoke so quickly his words just ran together and I had a real challenge understanding what he was saying. Not to mention it was just a bit annoying. So I turned the audio off.

[@davidsaxby5400]

So it wasn’t just me then! The speed of his talking combined with the vocal fry made me cringe. Why can’t people put value in clear communication skills? I even tried to playback at .75 speed, but it was still annoying.

[@dod2304]

@@davidsaxby5400 thank you for the reinforcement! As a Sign Language Interpreter, I'm VERY attuned to how understandable hearing people are . When I'm not working, if someone makes me work too hard and/or has annoying vocal characteristics, I just have to give up!

[@lchanceiv]

Great idea, but the price is prohibitive for most. I hope more of these will be built around the country and competition will drive prices.

[@heathertrowell4268]

One of the problems where I am in FL….smaller homes demolished to make room for bigger $$$ homes-so there goes that yard space that could support another household. First responders are having trouble finding housing in our county

[@Mazda626gtturbo]

No links? Some are say 250k ouch

[@morganfalkdesigns]

I love the cover on the minisplit

[@thomasdecarlo8543]

Very cool but how much does that diagonal gable roof add to cost do you think?

[@TimBryan]

Since they’re prefab, not much. Even if it was a custom home it wouldn’t really add that much cost except in the building spending a little time to figure out the cuts, and the cuts will probably be more wasteful.

[@michaeljohnson2470]

@@TimBryan Seriously, how does it being built offsite, change the labor and waste involved in cutting those metal roof panels? If it were a standard gable, they could order the panels to the length they need and have zero waste and zero cuts. But then, when you lay in bed you aren't under the highest point... what a travesty. This design feature also complecates future repairs.

[@CrimsonGreaver]

These are very beautiful homes. I wish they were available in Canada

[@janefreeman995]

My dad on a team created the precedent on Bainbridge Island decades ago for ADUs with specific parameters to be code legal. The idea was to help with hidden homelessness. It's an island so with ecology in mind infrastructure already existed ...no unsightly apartments and a win win for aging residents. This was all before airbnb.

[@laurab9867]

I think I read that Airbnb is now having issues with new regulations in areas where there's a housing crisis.

[@NWforager]

Thanks Kirsten's family ♥

[@jreifsnyder2225]

Those weird angles would drive me crazy

[@victoriacarter7426]

This is so expensive for such a small space. The units are pretty, but not affordable for most people, while sacrificing the normal space with a more traditional or pre-fab home. You can get a pre-fab home with 3 times the space for around 100k in Maine. People who live in CA are crazy to pay that much. The concept is nice, too bad they're not more affordable.

[@marshallkamph9789]

These start at 229k and go up from there. Their two bedroom model is only 610 square feet. Not exactly affordable, but cool designs.

[@betsyolsson-mackowski7682]

I like this term #gentledensity .

[@addhoc256]

That tilted rooftop might also be good for solar panels? If the angle faces the side where the sun rises? Im told that solarpanels give much more electricity if they are tilted towards the sun in a certain way? you dont want a totally flat roof and you dont want a very pointed rooftop because you loose space. So a small angle rooftop might be the best.

[@campunderwood]

Looking to do this in Mission Viejo, CA. I'll have to check out your website 🤘🏻

[@BAD_CONSUMER]

I tried contacting these people in early 2022 and it was just crickets chirping. Go to their showroom in Redwood City. Nobody is there, and the doors are locked. Nobody is answering the phone or responding to emails either. If I had to guess, this startup is operating on a skeleton crew, and may need more funding.

[@richhudnut5110]

Very nice units, and ADU's are great for homes with space, the problem comes in when you have very low prop tax and you want to keep that low tax rate, adding to real property is going to move your tax base, where if you used a tiny home "DMV registered / on wheels" does not hit your tax basis.

[@curiousgeorge555]

Are tiny homes legal in all of California? I am in the Bay Area.

[@curiousgeorge555]

In other words do the new laws allow for a tiny home on the property in all of Ca.?

[@richhudnut5110]

@@curiousgeorge555 Yea, you can ether

[@richhudnut5110]

​@@curiousgeorge555 No prob with TH or ADU, just know what it will do to your tax basis

[@curiousgeorge555]

@@richhudnut5110 When did this change? Maybe it is city by city as I am almost certain you can't park a TH anywhere in the East Bay. I'll call a TH maker tomorrow. Thx.

[@Edrea]

Those angled windows look like a nightmare to hang any kind of drapery from.

[@Mark.Watson]

If you have the space I'd just add an apartment on to the existing house.

[@kmaguire7161]

Glad you asked "Is there anywhere you can't put in an ADU?" Here in SLO county in my town and I think at least one other it is still restricted and in fact in my town there is currently a lawsuit against someone who recently put in an ADU. Lack of water is the reason. But I know there are developers dying to start building here and I would much rather backyard ADUs were approved rather than huge open areas be developed with million dollar homes.

[@pelenaka]

All over America there are vacant well built homes sitting empty. Americans need to let go of massive front lawns, in front of huge homes located in cookie cutter suburbs.

[@AO-po8kc]

The small boxes we’re being hearded into is ridiculous

[@RichardTerry]

As nice as this looks once you start roiling in the other costs like getting permits, foundation, and everything else involved in putting a new structure onto property that has to be hooked up to various utilities, it's just not affordable. It looks nice, but ultimately it's for people who already have a bunch of extra cash looking to turn that into more. It's not really for someone looking to get a home at a cost that's doable with the wages that most Americans actually make.

[@MisaelMatute76]

I think its more for people, that dont feel like having their backyards under construction for a few months and rather just buy something already built. I'm sure the foundation work doesn't take too long (compare to a full construction) and then they deliver it in what seems like a day. Even with permits and everything else (which you would do anyways), it seems like it can all be done within a month after getting the permits..

[@TheTonyAndreas]

How does the state make money off of this? I'm curious to know if the property taxes increase when adding an ADU