ADU Builder - Prefab

I had eliminated the pre-fab ADUS because of the cost and my dislike of their overall look/design. Granted a prefab-ADU costs less than hiring an architect and a contractor but the price per sq ft is still not cheap, running around $400 per sq ft for an ADU that for the most part is a take it or leave it scenario.

For example, here's a list of prefab-ADUs available in the San Jose area:

Abodu $402 per sq ft for their 495 sq ft. ADU

California Modulars starting at $360 per sq ft but no doubt, not the true price

prefabADU $345 to $405 per sq ft depending on model

I have taken a look at Abodu and toured their model. While I was impressed with the build and finish and the overall layout the design reminds me of the homes in Sea Ranch, Big Sur or off the coast of some ocean windswept town. It was not a design I would build in an urban or suburban back yard. And at $400 per sq ft the ends don't justify the means.

California Modulars isn't much better. Most of their models are for wide-open lots, not in a tight urban core. I say that because most of the models are too wide and narrow. For example, their model called the Verona 750 is 747 sq ft with a width x depth of 54 ft x 13 ft. I don't see how an ADU that is 54 ft wide will fit in most urban or suburban backyards.

prefabADU has a number of models I think would work well in the typical backyard, but their floor plans don't seem to make the best use of space and their exteriors look a bit vanilla-like. Nothing wrong with vanilla, I just don't want it in or outside my ADU.

Then through a friend, I came across Habitat ADU which has gotten venture funding to try and take over the ADU space. In full disclosure, my friend now works for Habitat ADU but it was our discussions over a year ago that lead to his reaching out to Habitat ADU to see if they could use his sales skills. And they decided they could!

Habitat ADU is quoting ADUS for under $300 sq ft and depending on the location could go as low as $240 sq ft. If that holds true and the available models can fit in my backyard then this may be the way to go.

So let's scratch the DIY and take a look at going prefab.