Why Backyard Bungalows?

WHY BACKYARD BUNGALOWS

Don't complicate the process. Make your life easier.

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As your factory-built supplier, BB will offer a wide variety of plans, sizes and options, pre-engineered and often already permitted by the local building authority

Once you decide that the benefits of an ADU are worthwhile, you must decide which building method best suits your needs, budget and temperament. The options include: conventional site-built construction involving an architect, an engineer and a local building contractor and, factory-built which is either manufactured or modular home construction. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each is usually an important first step.
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FACTORY-BUILT

If you are looking to build a new accessory dwelling unit entirely from scratch, choosing a factory built ADU is worth consideration. While this is the least flexible option in terms of layout and options, it offers you a convenient way of having your ADU built entirely in a factory and delivered to you as a finished unit with minimal setup and assembly. You won’t have people coming in and out of your property for months and disrupting your or your neighbors’ schedule, privacy and security.


As your factory-built supplier, BB will offer a wide variety of plans, sizes and options, pre-engineered and often already permitted by the local building authority. You will be able to select finishes and even appliances from a factory catalog at one convenient sitting. 


Everything is installed at the factory, including mechanical, plumbing and electrical and even appliances. Numerous energy solutions can also be incorporated into the design of your ADU.


This is an example of prefabricated ADU being assembled on location

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Factory-Built ADUs are normally more cost effective than site-built ADUs and are reliably priced at the beginning of the process. Your price is set when you sign your contract. Constructing inside a building means there will be no weather caused delays. Quality control is guaranteed and you do not need to look over the shoulder of your contractor at the end of each day.



There are two types of factory-built ADUs. Manufactured ADUs are built to the federal HUD code. Modular construction conforms to the California residential building code. Adhering to these codes at the factory before the home is shipped, significantly reduces delays in construction while contractors wait for building inspector inspections.



SITE-BUILT

Site-built construction requires a homeowner to hire an architect and an engineer to design an ADU. Then the homeowner hires a contractor who employ subs like electricians, plumbers, roofers, dry wall installers, etc. The contractor then buys lumber and materials and builds the ADU from scratch. The entire project is assembled on site with one building trade following another until the project is finished.

This method of design and construction requires extensive owner involvement in the selection of materials, options, fixtures, materials and appliances. 

Conventional stick framing uses a lot more manpower than other methods as individual pieces need to be measured, cut and installed. A civil engineer needs to supervise or inspect every aspect of the job to make sure it follows the plans.

Conventional site-built construction takes longer and needs more supervision than factory building methods. A longer period means the overhead expenses go up, weather conditions may change and risks in safety are prolonged. Site cleanliness is also a factor since lumber and other materials are cut on site. However, even with these disadvantages, stick framing offers the most flexibility in the design and layout of the ADU. If you are looking to extensively alter an existing garage into an ADU, or even adding onto an existing building, this option is likely to be the best choice.

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