Prefab vs Custom ADU | Which is the best option for your property?

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Which to choose? Prefab or a custom ADU? Most people initially are drawn to prefab ADUs thinking that they'll save money. An ADU built in a factory will be cheaper right? Not quite.
When you factor in the cost of installation, transportation, and connecting utilities, the final cost comes out to about the same as a custom stick-built ADU. However, don't write off prefabs entirely! There's a reason they're so popular.
A prefab will cut down your construction time significantly! A custom stick-built ADU will take anywhere from 6-10 months, whereas a prefab can be fully installed and ready for move-in in as little as one week. Pretty cool!
We're in the Golden Era of prefabs and we've seen incredible technology elevate the look and feel of prefabs. Click here to read our full blog on the full breakdown maxablespace.c...
WHAT IS AN ADU?
ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit. An ADU is a permanent additional housing structure built on a property that already has a main home or main structure. You may have heard them referred to as granny flats, casitas, guest houses, or in-law suites. They can be built on a single-family lot or multi-family lot (duplexes count as multi-family).
An ADU has its own entrance, separate from the primary house, as well as a kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
Accessory dwelling units can be rented year-round and add a lot of value to your property. They can be garage conversions, stand-alone units, attic or basement conversions, or be attached to the main house.
ADUs are exceptionally flexible, and most owners find that their use for the unit evolves over the years. The main reason people build ADUs in California is to house a relative, usually a parent but often an adult child. The second most common use is to rent for additional income.
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[@teddysthaiadventure2534]

In California, another factor is how many back yards are not accessible due to overhead power lines Panalized is the best option for most but very few companys do it well

[@Maxable]

Very true! But we're excited to see how new technology improves prefabs in the near future.

[@teddysthaiadventure2534]

@@Maxableme too :)

[@ThatADUGuy]

Great info, thanks!

[@patricksears163]

California building costs are totally ridiculous

[@frosted1030]

What if we want a 2000 Sq Ft modular home, not an ADU?

[@budnspud]

How about the Boxabl? If that is running at $50k wouldn't that be a significant savings?

[@jmartinez562]

You're correct, $200K for 400-sqft now defeats the purpose of " Affordable housing"...... The Price Gouging as Officially began! I've mentioned this to the young Man on TikTok who specializes in ADU Information.... He agreed 😌 Boxabl-like companies can SELL 375-Sqft 1-bedroom homes for $50K..... Their cost is maybe $42K Tops! .... And, from what I see Their's NO traditional foundation needed, just a proper flat zone that's of course checked/inspected before placing the fold-able ...... $85,0000 should be the cost..... Not $200K 🚫

[@Maxable]

We've heard great things about Boxabl! Just know that the$50K is most likely just for the unit itself. You will still have to pay for transportation (their website states $3-10 per mile from Las Vegas), installation, finishes, and utility connections (again their website states this can be anywhere from $5-50K).

[@StephenEMcKee]

Let’s not forget they are ANSI 119.5 certified not HUD or modular so there are very few places they can legally be installed.

[@budnspud]

@@StephenEMcKee I have no idea what ANSI is so I'll go look that up

[@henrywang3942]

Can you send me info on Modular’s ADU vendors? I hope to review and select one.

[@lc9935]

$250k for a prefab and $200k for custom ADU???? forget about it