Maxable Article: Cost Differences Between a Prefab ADU and a Custom ADU

Crosspost from Maxable

Author: Renée J. Schomp, Director

We are big fans of the terrific content produced by the ADU company Maxable (which sadly doesn’t currently operate in Napa and Sonoma Counties) so we want to share an excellent recent breakdown the company put together on the costs differences between prefab vs custom ADUs.

If you’ve watched our in-depth webinar on prefab ADUs, then you know that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the types of prefab ADUs on the market and the cost drivers that can help you save money or time with this option.

Below are some excerpts from Maxable’s post delving into the cost differences between prefab and custom ADUs, and you can click here to check out the full post!

And for individualized help at Step Zero of your ADU planning process, don’t forget to sign up for an ADU Feasibility Consult with our nonprofit, where we can talk through realistic budget expectations and the best type of ADU build for you!

Prefab ADU companies may say they can save you 10 to 20% compared to a custom ADU of the same size and quality. 

If you compare bids from individual designers and contractors to bids from prefab companies, the prefab ADUs often have more straightforward pricing. Their base price may seem a lot lower than a general contractor’s ballpark construction bid.

But there is a long list of elements that go into building and installing a prefab ADU, and the base price is where it starts, not where it ends. For example, transporting the ADU to your property may or may not be included in the base price.

Read this cost analysis of prefab ADUs before you meet with any prefab company so you’ll have a better grasp of how they price their products and services.