Best Modular and Prefab Home Suppliers in California
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When it comes to investing in prefab homes, California is one of the best states to do so in the U.S. The laws are very accommodating to homeowners who are considering adding a modular home to their premises.
Over the last few years, the popularity of having a secondary dwelling unit has increased dramatically. This is mainly because people are beginning to realize what a good investment this could be.
If you are debating whether to build a modular home on your property, perhaps the following benefits will help you make your decision. Read on to find out all you need to know about owning modular homes in California.
Understanding Prefab Homes: A Guide to Off-Site Construction
A prefab home, also known as a prefabricated home or modular home, is a type of housing that is constructed off-site in a factory setting. Instead of being built entirely on the construction site, prefab homes are manufactured in sections or modules that are then transported to the site for assembly.
Prefab homes are built using standardized components and construction techniques, which allows for greater efficiency and cost savings compared to traditional on-site construction. The modules are typically constructed with walls, floors, ceilings, and other structural elements already in place. They are then transported to the site, where they are assembled and secured together to create the complete home.
Prefab homes can range in size and style, from small single-family residences to larger multi-story houses. They can be customized to suit individual preferences and can include various design features and amenities. Additionally, prefab homes can be designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, with options for sustainable materials, insulation, and energy-saving systems.
Top Companies Supplying Prefab Homes in California
Prefab homes are tiny houses pre-built-in factories and assembled on-site for a quicker and more affordable process. Some best modular homes come in different sizes and shapes, including several sections and modules, which the companies transport directly to the site. When it arrives on the site, people from the factory come and assemble it for you to create a single, complete, small modular house in your backyard.
A prefab home in California is an excellent choice for anyone that wants to add extra living space into their backyard without spending too much on house expansion. Additionally, they are eco-friendly, and you can customize them if you want, which makes them ideal for everyone.
Modular homes in California are becoming famous because of their efficient and rapid building process and affordability. In this article, we'll review the top manufactured homes California for every Californian who wants to build a modular house.
California has some of the best prefab home suppliers, so if you're searching for a company that can build you a tiny house, check out these 20 best suppliers in the country.
1. Autonomous
Autonomous's most valuable assets are its customers. Not only does the company strive to develop extraordinary products for its clients, but it ensures that it does it with the best materials and extra care. Increasing its customers' productivity is what gives Autonomous pride and purpose to continue creating incredible equipment, and here are the prefab home options this firm is offering:
WorkPod mini
This Autonomous Pod is an excellent way to expand your housing. You can quickly transform your backyard into something that provides extra space for various activities for you and your family.
WorkPod mini
Dimension | Overall size: 8’7"W x 9’L x 9’3"H Floorspace: 80 square feet Ceiling height: 7’3" Weight capacity: 2.3 tons (including Pod body) Pedestal: 24"W x 103"L x 9"H |
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass) | Main door: 37"W x 89"H (open side) & 33"W x 89"H (fixed side) Window: 43"W x 20"H Window & door material: Powder coated aluminum, 5/16" tempered glass |
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material | Siding: Plywood 1/2" , steel frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8", bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Metal roofing Floor: Plywood Balcony & Pedestal: Steel frame & wood plastic composite |
Electrical devices | 1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 2 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 1 Ceiling light 1 Wall light 1 Ethernet wall port 66ft power cable with 2 connectors |
Power input | Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W |
WorkPod
WorkPod
Overall size | 8.5’W x 12’L x 11’H |
Floorspace | 102 square feet |
Ceiling height | 6.8’ to 9.3’ |
Weight capacity | 2.9 tons |
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass) | Main door: 7.5’W x 6.8'H 3 windows: 1.1’W x 7.9’H Window material: Wooden frame, 5/16” tempered glass, composite wood cover Door material: Anodized aluminum frame, 5/16” tempered glass |
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material | Siding: Plywood 1/2”, wooden frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8”, bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Roof shingles Floor: Plywood Balcony: Composite wood |
Electrical devices | 1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 3 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 1 Ceiling light 1 Ventilator switch 1 Ventilator 66ft power cable with 2 connectors |
Power input | Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W |
Interior furniture | Unfurnished option: 1 Bookshelf, 1 Electrical Cabinet Furnished option: 1 SmartDesk Connect, 1 ErgoChair Ultra, 1 Monitor Arm, 1 Cable Tray, 1 Filing Cabinet, 1 Anti-Fatigue Mat, 1 Bookshelf, 1 Electrical Cabinet |
Compatible with | Portable air conditioner: A/C units with dimensions smaller than 22” L x 20” W x 88” H and a 5.9” vent hole diameter will fit well. Heater: A small personal heater is more than sufficient. |
WorkPod Versatile
ADU's prefab backyard studio fits perfectly in your garden or backyard, and you can use it as an extra living space, home office, or even rent it.
WorkPod Versatile
Overall size | 8’4”W x 12’6”L x 9’10”H |
Floorspace | 105 square feet |
Ceiling height | 7’3” |
Weight capacity | 2.9 tons |
Pedestal | 18”W x 43”L x 7”H |
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass) | Main door: 39”W x 89”H Large window: 59”W x 81”H Small window: 39”W x 39”H Window & door material: Powder coated aluminum, 5/16” tempered glass |
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material | Siding: Plywood 1/2”, steel frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8”, bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Roof shingles Floor: Plywood Pedestal: Steel frame & wood plastic composite |
Electrical devices | 1 RCB (Residual current breaker) |
Power input | Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W |
Furniture (optional) | Cabinet, Desk, Small & Big Bookshelf, TV Shelf, Foldable Sofa Table & Electrical Cabinet* (*Electrical Cabinet always included) |
2. Oasys
Oasys has the ideal prefab home in California for you if you want to increase your living space, invite guests, or generate rental income from Airbnb. Its dwelling units are available between 400 and 1,200 square feet, with adaptable layouts to suit your unique property.
The company focuses on creating a sense of openness in the ADU, from the 11-foot ceilings to the expansive windows, the open layouts, and the private porches to ensure that your new home looks good and is in perfect condition.
3. Blu Homes
Blu Homes has been creating unique modular homes in California for the last decade, where you can live with aesthetic open spaces with a floor plan that makes sense and many windows to enjoy the daylight.
The company builds each prefab house in its factory and completes it on your site in three months! Many structures cost a lot of money, but Blu Homes designed a living space where you'll pay less and enjoy the high-quality materials needed for a premium place.
4. Digz2Go
If you're looking for modern prefab homes in California, Digz2Go is a top place to start. The firm has been designing small and large cottages for quite some time now, offering only quality and great looks.
Digz2Go offers four units to its customers in various sizes, such as 300, 350, 700, and even 900 square feet! Moreover, it provides a building with an open, modern living space filled with light, multi-pane sliding doors, and much more.
5. Abodu
Abodu's primary goal is to encourage homeowners to increase their yard's potential by adding fabulous backyard cottages to liven up the place. This company wants to amaze everyone with how simple it is to add extra living space to work from home, play with the kids, or rent for another income stream.
Its team focuses on creating something unique and special for everyone, where construction and real estate veterans work together to bring smiles and more comfort to each customer.
6. Bay Modular
What's great about this supplier is that it understands that renovations and remodeling are often intimidating. Therefore, Bay Modular provides a fantastic solution for cheaply adding living space or workspace without experiencing any headaches.
The company designs many prefab houses in California, but Solo is one of its best creations. Solo is a modular backyard building designed from shipping containers that enable several configurations to fit your backyard's size and provide you with comfort and a place to relax.
7. Villa Homes
It should be uncomplicated to build a house on your property. However, it may be anything but due to problems with city agencies, architects, and builders. Villa Homes fills this void by providing complete services for ADU constructions.
The company's goals include promoting the construction of high-quality California prefab homes at low cost and in a short amount of time. Everyone on the team is committed to the firm's goal of creating a meaningful backyard accessory dwelling unit, and its priority has always been serving each customer.
8. HybridCore Homes
HybridCore Homes welcomes you to a new paradigm in construction. This firm gives homeowners all benefits of using a prefab home in California without any limitations. It bases its designs on livability, aesthetics, and value engineering.
A home isn't just a roof and four walls, it's a place where families grow and create memories. The company's expertise has walked through this before, and you can count on it to help you out every moment of the process.
9. AVAVA Dwellings
The AVAVA Dwellings company offers high-quality, durable summer house ideas that it can rapidly assemble. This firm simplifies house building at each step, from installation to design. Also, AVAVA's goal is to create more flexible little cabins for its cities since they quickly change.
It can build structures faster than any standard construction method and aims to eliminate waste and research quick delivery for net zero housing. Some of its prefab buildings come with a rooftop solar panel, electric water heater, greywater collection system, and much more.
10. Shilo
The California-based company, Shilo, constructs many modular dwellings that are fully adaptable with square footage between 200 and 1,200 square feet. Its accessory dwelling units are stylish, with flat roofs, large windows, and glass doors, which makes it excellent for everyone that likes bright living spaces.
In most cases, Shilo goes above and beyond the conditions of California's Title 24 for energy efficiency. When buyers are interested in purchasing an ADU that meets strict energy efficiency standards, the company can have the place certified as a “Passive House” or LEED.
11. Sagemodern
Sagemodern is a San Francisco-based firm specializing in designing and constructing luxury prefab and modular dwellings. This brand only makes one-of-a-kind designs, so the home's size, materials, and sustainability features can all be adjusted to suit the buyer.
Even though the company doesn't make the houses and works with a network of makers, it is still involved in everything from the initial site assessment to the final walkthrough with the local builder.
12. Clever Homes
The well-known Clever Homes company specializes in architecture, urban planning, and interior design. Its designs often feature water catchment systems and green roofs, and this company is an expert at constructing one-of-a-kind modular and prefab buildings.
Clever Homes is a firm that has been developing an integrated solution for the housing industry for over two decades. During this time, it has offered assistance with design, licensing, engineering, and building. Because of this, it's among the most experienced companies in the prefab industry to create an outdoor home office pod.
13. Connect Homes
Connect Homes might have a plan that works for Californians looking for a stunning contemporary residence that is remarkably insulated and efficiently works with electricity. It offers 13 modern designs with big windows, flat roofs, and square corners.
The company aids the homeowner in preparing for the required planning, local permitting, and design. Moreover, it also assists in locating a local GC to complete the home's finishing touches after delivery.
14. Kapana
Kapana is a manufacturer of prefab houses in California. Housing modules from Kapana come in two sizes (10 x 20 or 10 x 40 feet) and offer optional add-ons for the bathroom and kitchen.
Its modules have an elegant, futuristic look thanks to their high glass walls and uncovered metal framework. These modules can be used separately as an additional dwelling unit (ADU) or small home, or purchasers can mix them to make a unique modular home design. In addition, buyers can choose their preferred color scheme and type of flooring.
15. Sierra Tiny Houses
This brand is a company that creates California prefab homes on wheels with different floor plans to give you various options for your budget and benefit your life. The company has options for anyone looking to settle in a brand-new customized house or increase their earnings by listing a little cottage on Airbnb.
Sierra is more than just a construction firm; if you like to do things independently, it offers packages that include everything you need to start building by yourself, including a steel frame, trailer, and a small studio cabin kit.
16. Tiny Heirloom
Tiny Heirloom is widely known as the pioneer in modular homes in California. With extensive knowledge of architecture, design, construction, and interior finishes, the company has revolutionized how people live in areas as small as RVs and as big as mansions.
Frequently raising the bar and taking on the seemingly impossible, the firm has produced modular houses complimented as "masterworks of craftsmanship."
17. Handcrafted Movement
Since 2010, the Handcrafted Movement has been designing and building modern prefab homes in California. The inspiration for it came from pursuing innovation and originality, intending to create an innovative, high-quality backyard studio for living and working in limited spaces.
Its goal is to make a quiet area where customers can rest, and employees can get some work done from home. Most Handcrafted interiors have lofts, LED lighting, hardwood flooring, custom-built fixtures, and marble countertops.
18. Cover
Cover designs, licenses, produces, and installs fabulous backyard cottages in Los Angeles if you're in the market for a prefab home in California. The company ensures a fully tailored prefab ADU to the specifics of your parcel, with a single, all-encompassing price and no need to deal with subcontractors.
Furthermore, the firm does all the legwork for you, from obtaining permits and researching zoning laws to creating and building your building, managing every part of the construction process, and finally installing it in your backyard.
19. Hybrid Prefab Homes
This company is a well-known California prefab home provider based in Santa Rosa that provides full-service project management for clients seeking semi or fully-custom modular houses.
Hybrid has over 30 house plans it can use as a starting point for new construction, and it's flexible enough to adapt to a wide range of requirements. Additionally, its prefab cabins come in various styles such as ranch, craftsman, Spanish, farmhouse, cottage, and contemporary farmhouse.
10 Benefits of Prefab Homes in California
With the increase in demand for manufactured homes, California companies have been competing to provide the best products on the market. If you get in on the act right now by purchasing a modular home, you will enjoy many of the following advantages:
1. Increase in Property Value
You can dramatically increase the value of your property by adding some prefab homes. California is a popular hunting ground for real estate investors, so owning property in this state is already a huge investment.
However, with just a few modifications, you can add a modular home that will set your property apart. Investors love buying properties with multiple buildings on site because it opens up many possibilities for further development.
2. Secondary Income
Did you know that you could have another income stream just by investing in affordable prefab homes? California, like many other states in the U.S., sometimes struggles with housing shortages. This is especially true for places that are close to the CBD. Here, affordable housing is in short supply due to the many employees who work within the city.
If you happen to own a piece of real estate close to the city center, you are sitting on a gold mine without even realizing it. A simple modular home can attract a lot of potential tenants who will be willing to pay good money for the chance to live closer to their places of work. Your modular home can pay for itself and provide you with a decent profit from the rentals alone.
3. Home Office Space
The COVID-19 pandemic left its mark on many people, and for some, changed their lives dramatically. People who used to commute to work every day were suddenly forced to stay at home. This is a habit that has endured long after the restrictions were lifted.
If you are considering having a home office on your property, a modular home may be the way to do it. It offers the perfect balance between being close to your home and having enough privacy to get some work done. Once you experience the freedom of working from home, you will wonder why you endured so many years battling the California rush hour traffic.
4. Simple Construction
It is easier than you think to construct modular homes. California has many companies that will do all the heavy lifting for you. If you visit the Autonomous website, for example, you can order your prefab home online and have it delivered to your location in just a few weeks.
Once it arrives, all you have to do is point to the spot where you want your ADU to be installed, and the rest will be done for you. These manufactured homes are designed to make the installation process as simple as possible. This makes it the preferable option when compared to the many months of hard work it would take to build an extra cottage on your property.
5. Design Flexibility
When you built your home, you had to follow many housing regulations set by the state of California, as well as some rules that you may have been given by your local municipality. This puts a lot of restrictions on the things you can do when building a house.
However, many prefab homes are too small to require any local building permits. You will have a lot more freedom and flexibility regarding how you want to design your prefab ADU. This means you can create the perfect man cave for your needs without having to worry about breaking any bylaws or building codes.
6. Sustainability
One of the biggest talking points in most major industries over the past few years has been sustainability. In the construction industry, manufacturers and consumers alike are now taking a much closer look at the type of material they use to build their homes. Many homeowners are even willing to pay a little extra to guarantee that their homes are sustainable.
If you are concerned about the state of the environment, you will be pleased to know that many modular homes built by reliable manufacturers are made from earth-friendly materials. That means having a second dwelling unit on your property is not going to negatively affect the planet.
7. Safety Features
Many homeowners may be concerned about the safety of the prefab homes California suppliers have to offer. However, all you need to do is to put your trust in a reliable company and your ADU’s safety will be guaranteed.
You can rest assured that your prefab home was fully inspected before it left the factory floor. It will come with all the regular safety features that you have in your home, such as fire alarms. Once the modular home has been installed, another inspection will be done to make sure that it is structurally sound and suitable for occupation.
8. Quality Control
All reliable prefab home suppliers are subject to regular quality checks from the various boards they are accredited by. This means you can rest assured that only the best quality of materials and the highest levels of craftsmanship went into building your home.
Such an ADU will last you a long time before you consider making any big renovations. The material is also specifically selected to endure the hot California weather. Its insulation properties will be able to keep the interior a lot cooler than the outside temperatures.
9. Personalization
Having plenty of room for personalization is one of the great things about investing in manufactured homes. California suppliers are willing to be very flexible when it comes to choosing your ideal designs.
At Autonomous, for example, you can choose whether you want a studio, home office, man cave, or sleep pod, and your ADU will come with the appropriate furniture to suit your needs. There is even enough room to create both an office and a sleep pod if you wish.
10. Energy Efficiency
One of the most impressive things about this kind of investment is the energy efficiency of modern modular homes. California can get very hot in summer, and a lot of people spend big on air conditioning.
However, you will be surprised at how much you can cut your electric bill just by using the proper insulated materials. The latest prefab homes are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible, meaning they will save you a lot of money down the road.
Key Considerations for Buying Prefab Homes in California
When buying prefab homes in California, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key considerations:
Building Codes and Permits
Ensure that the prefab home complies with California's building codes and regulations. Check if the manufacturer has experience constructing homes in California and can provide the necessary documentation for permits and inspections.
Quality and Reputation
Research the reputation and track record of the prefab home manufacturer. Look for customer reviews, testimonials, and examples of their previous projects. Assess the quality of their materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Customization Options
Determine whether the prefab home can be customized to suit your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like the layout, size, number of rooms, and available upgrades or add-ons.
Energy Efficiency
Given California's focus on sustainability, consider the energy efficiency of the prefab home. Inquire about the insulation, windows, HVAC system, and other features that contribute to energy savings. Look for homes that meet or exceed energy efficiency standards, such as ENERGY STAR certification.
Cost and Budget
Determine your budget and compare the prices of different prefab home options. Consider the overall cost, including delivery, installation, foundation, site preparation, and any additional expenses. Evaluate the long-term value of the home by considering its durability and potential resale value.
Warranty and Support
Review the warranty provided by the prefab home manufacturer. Understand the coverage, duration, and any limitations. Inquire about after-sales support, maintenance, and repair services.
Location and Site Preparation
Consider the specific location where you plan to place the prefab home. Evaluate factors like access, utilities, zoning restrictions, and any site-specific considerations. Determine if the manufacturer provides assistance with site preparation or if you need to arrange it separately.
Financing Options
Explore financing options available for prefab homes, such as loans or mortgages. Research if the manufacturer offers financing or if there are any specific lenders familiar with prefab homes in California.
Timing and Delivery
Discuss the estimated timeline for manufacturing and delivery of the prefab home. Consider any potential delays and align the schedule with your needs and requirements.
Insurance and Liabilities
Consult with insurance providers to understand the coverage options available for prefab homes. Assess any potential liabilities, such as damage during transportation or installation, and ensure appropriate insurance coverage is in place.
Resale Value
While not an immediate concern, it's beneficial to consider the potential resale value of the prefab home. Factors like location, quality, design, and market demand can influence the future value of the property.
Remember to thoroughly research and compare different prefab home manufacturers and models to find the best fit for your needs. Consult with experts, such as real estate agents or construction professionals, if needed, to ensure a well-informed decision.
The Prefab Construction Process - What You Need to Know
Do you know how prefab homes are constructed? The process is a very simple one that starts with choosing the right materials.
Materials
Many kinds of materials can be used to manufacture prefab homes. California, with its very hot summers and wet winters, requires specific types of insulated materials that are also water resistant. As such, many of the ADUs are made from wood.
However, modular designs use layers of various materials to achieve the perfect level of insulation against weather conditions. Take the Autonomous ADU, for example. It comes with several layers made from all kinds of materials, such as plywood, steel, honeycomb paper, and bitumen. Extra layers can be included for specific features, such as soundproofing.
One of the most important things when choosing the material for constructing the prefab home is that it be of the highest quality. The last thing you want is for the ADU to start falling apart just a few months after buying it. This should be a long-term investment that will last you many years.
Offsite Construction
When you order your affordable prefab homes, California manufacturers will construct them offsite and then deliver the finished product to your home. This is what prefab means.
If you go online on the Autonomous website, you will see great examples of how to order your ADU online, have it constructed at the factory, and wait for it to be delivered.
The great thing about offsite construction is that you do not have to suffer through the noises and disruptions of the building process. If you live in areas where there are neighborhood rules and regulations regarding construction projects, this will be a good way to get your ADU delivered as quietly as possible.
Delivery
To make transportation easier, a lot of manufacturers will deliver the home in the form of panels. Once the home arrives, it will be assembled in your yard and left ready for occupation.
However, another possibility is to deliver the prefab home already assembled from the factory. The advantage of this is that once the ADU arrives on your property, it will not take long to set it up. When delivering the home in that way, the transporters have to adhere to strict California highway regulations that govern the size of ADUs that can be transported on the road.
Setting Up
Once the team of contractors delivers your prefab home, they will begin the setup process. Depending on the size of your ADU and the number of special features it has, it may take a few days or weeks to set it up.
In many cases, the delivery team will leave your ADU ready for occupation. This means all the basic amenities that are required, such as electricity, water, and gas will be installed and fully operational.
Conclusion
If you've been dreaming of a new prefab home in California for some time, then these top 20 suppliers have got you covered! From quick and cheap options to completely customizable and eco-friendly designs, these firms offer a wide range of prefab houses in California that fit your needs and desires. There are many advantages of investing in prefab homes. California has the perfect weather conditions and flexible housing laws to make this a suitable option for homeowners thinking of adding some value to their properties.
Imagine you're finally getting your new modern backyard shed faster than you've ever thought possible while saving money and the environment. With California prefab homes, you can expect to have it all today! Start looking into these companies and find the ideal one for you and your loved ones.
FAQs
Are Prefab Homes Worth It?
Yes, if you choose the right manufacturer who can deliver a top-quality prefab home, it can be one of the best investments you have ever made. The increase in property value and the many possibilities that ADUs provide cannot be overlooked.
As such, if you have the opportunity and free space available, consider building a prefab home on your property, this is something you need to start working towards.
How Long Do Prefab Homes Last?
There is no definite lifespan that applies to all modular homes. California homeowners need to consider two important things when buying their ADUs, and these are the type of material and the weather conditions in their area.
If you buy the wrong material for your climate, you will find that your prefab home may not last as long as you would have wanted. However, good-quality prefab homes are usually designed to last many years or decades.
Do Prefabricated Homes Lose Value?
Well-designed affordable prefab homes in California will continue to appreciate along with the rest of the property. Your prefab home will be part of your real estate property, so its value will be linked to local property prices.
Are Prefab Homes Allowed in California?
When it comes to manufactured homes, California has very favorable laws. You are allowed to build a prefab home on your property as long as you have the space for it and follow a few local municipal guidelines.
Can Prefab Homes Have Basements?
It is uncommon for prefab homes to have basements, but it is possible. If this is something you want, you will have to talk to the manufacturer and see if they can accommodate your needs.
How Long Do Prefab Homes Take to Build?
It takes around 16-18 weeks to build a regular prefab ADU. The more specialized features you include, such as sound insulation or special flooring, the longer the building process will likely take.
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