FAQ
What is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second complete dwelling unit which is built within or on the same lot as an existing single-family residence. An ADU provides complete independent living facilities including a kitchen, bathroom, and its own entryway. ADUs are typically not allowed to be sold separate from the primary home and the homeowners are usually required to reside in one of the two units.
There are many types of ADUs, including detached, attached, conversions, and more. Read our Quick Guide to Types of ADUs to learn about all the different types and which one might be suitable for your property.
Why are people building ADUs?
Thousands of new ADUs are being built in communities across the U.S. because they are a manageable and minimally-disruptive option for adding desperately needed housing to existing neighborhoods. Moreover, ADUs typically cost less than other forms of housing and make efficient use of existing land.
It’s never too late to start ADU planning. If you’ve been thinking about an ADU, please read 3 Reasons to Build an ADU Today to see if an ADU is the right option for you.
How are your ADUs different?
We build prefab modular buildings, which means you get your ADU faster than conventional on-site construction.
Whereas all the work on a conventional construction site happens one after the other, we can start site preparation and building construction at the same time because all of our construction happens offsite in a factory.
Our buildings are also made from up-cycled shipping containers, which are already manufactured units by default.
Why shipping containers?
With a shipping container, not only do we reduce waste and repurpose scrap metal, but the container acts as an extremely durable, waterproof, fire resistant, and earthquake-rated body/chassis for the rest of our build.
How do you make the ADUs?
Because our process begins in a factory, we can deliver your unit with complete framing once the sitework is prepared. We load up our models in sections and deliver to your site using a crane, boom truck, or Gradall lift. Once installed permanently to the foundation, our selected 3rd party utility partner will connect your new ADU with planned electrical, waste, and water connections.
What’s included in your ADUs?
All of our ADUs are completely finished and equipped with and built-in cabinetry. To read additional information on our prefab ADUs, click here.
In addition to our turnkey ADUs, our construction project management services are included in our unit pricing at no additional hourly cost, which includes a member of our team who will handle all the permitting discussions with the Planning and Building Departments.
How much does it cost?
Our Backyard Office (Solo 1) starts at $52,000.00 and is available in 2 configurations — open space & en suite bathroom.
Our ADU Series includes 3 models, starting at $182,400.00 for a Solo 2, our 384 sq. ft. model.
All Bay Modular products are priced as turnkey buildings. Our price includes project management for everything throughout the process. Additional fess are applied for foundation, drain lines, electrical, craning and delivery.
We charge additional fees for custom projects, upgrades, and other changes to our base model. Our pricing is based on 2 main components: permitting and construction.
How long does it take to build my ADU?
For the Solo 2, our smallest ADU, it takes 4-6 months from the moment we are issued a permit* to the day we perform a checklist walk thru. This provides us time to construct our building modules, deliver, connect, and install on-site.
On occasion, it takes longer to receive materials to complete our project, in which case we will inform you of the delays. Additionally, we may be delayed by city inspection scheduling, in which case we will inform you of the delays.
*Bay Modular does not guarantee the timeline for local plan check and permit issuance. Plan review may take up to 4-6 months, depending on the local jurisdiction, before a permit is issued. Custom container projects that require adjustments to prefab plans takes additional time and will include additional service fees for design and engineering.
How long does it take to get permitted?
Because our base models are standardized, total permitting process typically takes an average of 3-4 months. While some city building and planning offices are faster than others, this is a safe estimation for your planning purposes.
Custom projects tend to take more time to permit than our prefab ADU because of additional architectural and structural requirements, of which we’ve already completed for our pre-approved ADU models. Due to the modular nature of our buildings, we can design multiple structural connections to create most custom spaces.
Can I finance it?
Yes, financing is certainly an option. We’ve partnered with HomeTap to bring you a smarter way to access home equity. Working with HomeTap is a simple and transparent process that will help you tap into your home equity and get your ADU project funded. To learn more or get pre-qualified for financing, visit Bay Modular’s HomeTap Partner Page.
Can I customize it?
Absolutely! Although the structure for our prefab ADUs are fixed, you can customize most of the exterior and interior within our standard pricing. Some special exterior and interior materials come at an additional cost, but we will be sure to discuss this with you in advance of purchasing material.
Can I stack multiple containers?
Our containers are ISO-rated intermodal shipping containers that fall under ICC G5 guidelines for safe use. On ships, these containers can stack as much as 8 units high. However, due to zoning and planning limitations within neighborhoods and most commercial zones, we are unable to stack units in order to meet local requirements.
(Update 5/2020) We have begun the design and engineering of multi-family units, comprised of 2-3 story buildings. These buildings require careful planning with local permitting offices to ensure project feasibility.
What does it mean that you handle everything?
Our prefab ADUs are turnkey buildings.
You work with one project manager who manages the construction of your unit in addition to all on-site work, so you don’t have to work with multiple contractors. Our team of designers, architects, and engineers will work together to select the best model for your lot. From permitting to final installation, we partner with you to realize your ideal space.
In your case, this means:
planning and permitting assistance
standard site survey and project feasibility assessment
site preparation and foundation
building construction, standard delivery, and installation
To read more about each step in the process, please visit Our Process.
Can I put an ADU on my property?
At the moment, Bay Modular specializes in the construction, delivery, and installation of prefab modular ADUs in California. Recent California housing regulation and legislation updates have made building ADUs easier and more affordable.
To learn more about relevant legislation, read our Quick Guide to California ADU Policy and What It Means For You.
Cities and counties are constantly working to update codes and reduce fees to encourage the development of ADUs because they provide additional housing. Planning & Zoning fees and regulations will vary by municipality but all cities within California with exception to protected areas will allow ADUs.
Can I rent it out?
In most cases, your ADU can be rented out! However, different cities have requirements for duration of rental and whether the property owner resides in the primary home or ADU.
An SB13 update voided owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs for 5 years.
How will an ADU affect my property value?
A permitted ADU will enhance the curb appeal of a house on the market by adding additional square footage to the property. ADUs are seen as investments that are reflected in the appraised value of properties.
What happens to my property taxes?
A permitted ADU will result in an increase in property taxes equal to the assessment of the ADU as an improvement to the property. It should not result in a new assessment of the rest of the property. The homeowner’s property tax bill can still increase as a result of standard annual increase in taxes and new levies that are added to property taxes each year unrelated to the ADU.
How does an ADU access utilities?
We access sewer and water service by connecting to the main sewer and water service to the primary residence. We connect to the existing electrical service of the main panel and route a line via conduit to a subpanel in the ADU. We do not use natural gas in our ADUs.
What else can I do with my ADU?
It’s up to you how you use your ADU! If you or a renter is not living it — many use the extra space to be creative with music, art, fitness, etc.
What’s the difference between modular and prefab?
Modular is a style of building refers to the creation of modules or sections of a building (usually built offsite) that are later assembled (on-site).
Prefab is a term that defines the offsite building of these modules.
What’s the benefit of building prefab?
Buying a prefab ADU has a host of benefits, which include:
greater time and cost predictability
fewer distractions and disturbances at your residence
faster speed to market
lower cost due to fewer workers on site
far less construction waste due to ordering and delivering specifically manufactured parts
the ability to streamline reviews with planning departments with a pre-approved set of drawings
reduced accidents, normally due to lack of necessary equipment on a job site