I’ve started to build ground-up multi-units for myself and its been a painfully long to get to completion with all these new requirements.  So I started looking for other options if I want to keep doing this.  A new friend suggested looking into prefab homes...   So i did!

Over the weekend, I had a chance to check out a presentation of PROTO HOMES at their headquarters in Los Angeles. ( www.protohomes.com )   I was always skeptic about prefab (offsite-built) homes before my visit.   I was concerned about quality and the appraisal value.  But this particular builder had me convince this might be a good option to consider for new developments in Los Angeles... especially for multi-family.  Unlike traditional modular/manufactured homes that have to be craned in... this company’s process is almost the same as traditional where they custom design your house the with their inhouse architect and the same materials as traditional built homes.. The only real difference is the process of being built offsite... and assembled onsite using their proprietary method.  They claim to get new construction completed in 4mos... and more cost effective ($170/sqft) compared to your traditional stick built homes.  They also claim that their homes will appraise the same as stickbuilts.   

That said, Im not a fan of their exterior modern designs but the process looks promising for future projects.   Anyone here have any experience working with this company or have bought one of their homes?   Are there other better prefab home builders/companies like Proto Homes that you can recommend in Los Angeles or in CA?    

@Alvin Uy

Don't know anything about this particular company or what your market is like in LA. But as someone in the construction industry the Northeast, I have no doubt that modular construction is the future. Even mid-rise to smaller high-rise buildings are being built this way now. From what I've seen, it's just a better way to build. 

Check out companies like Katerra. They are doing some amazing stuff in the commercial construction world. 

Disclaimer: While I’m an attorney licensed to practice in PA, I’m not your attorney. What I wrote above does not create an attorney/client relationship between us. I wrote the above for informational purposes. Do not rely on it for legal advice. Always consult with your attorney before you rely on the above information.

I have not dealt with the type of homes you are describing but I have been handling modular construction for many years. I can get one completed quicker than that and it appraises the same as a site built.  I most recently had one delivered last Friday, and set on Monday.  If weather allows, I should have everything complete including site work in 30 more days.  I ordered the house 3 weeks ago, mind you. Built better than most of the stick built construction.  My cost will be lower than $85/sf including site work.  Cali much more expensive than the Charlotte region, but I bet you would be better off going the mod route.

The design work that you are speaking of is very popular in the heart of Charlotte but I deal mainly 25 miles out.  Culture is different.

Originally posted by @Paul Sofia :

I have not dealt with the type of homes you are describing but I have been handling modular construction for many years. I can get one completed quicker than that and it appraises the same as a site built.  I most recently had one delivered last Friday, and set on Monday.  If weather allows, I should have everything complete including site work in 30 more days.  I ordered the house 3 weeks ago, mind you. Built better than most of the stick built construction.  My cost will be lower than $85/sf including site work.  Cali much more expensive than the Charlotte region, but I bet you would be better off going the mod route.

The design work that you are speaking of is very popular in the heart of Charlotte but I deal mainly 25 miles out.  Culture is different.

30 days?  That cant happen here because city permit and requirements are pretty strict.  Plus foundation needs to be completely redone new for Protohomes structure requirement. 

Did the mod builder you dealt with do custom design based on your lot or were they predesign selections you had to choose from?

@Paul Sofia Hi Paul, I am thinking of adding a modular home to a piece of land in Fayetteville. I m unfamiliar with modular home builders in the area. With your local expertise, whom would you recommend? Thanks so much!

I can check with one of my factory reps and get back to you next week. [Solicitation removed by Moderators]

Originally posted by @Alvin Uy :

Originally posted by @Paul Sofia:

I have not dealt with the type of homes you are describing but I have been handling modular construction for many years. I can get one completed quicker than that and it appraises the same as a site built.  I most recently had one delivered last Friday, and set on Monday.  If weather allows, I should have everything complete including site work in 30 more days.  I ordered the house 3 weeks ago, mind you. Built better than most of the stick built construction.  My cost will be lower than $85/sf including site work.  Cali much more expensive than the Charlotte region, but I bet you would be better off going the mod route.

The design work that you are speaking of is very popular in the heart of Charlotte but I deal mainly 25 miles out.  Culture is different.

30 days?  That cant happen here because city permit and requirements are pretty strict.  Plus foundation needs to be completely redone new for Protohomes structure requirement. 

Did the mod builder you dealt with do custom design based on your lot or were they predesign selections you had to choose from?

 

I am the dealer.  I had footers dug and poured and foundation in place the week before.  Are you actually using an existing foundation?  I have never done that with site built or mods.  The majority of the mods I setup are existing plans but we can get custom as well for a nominal fee.  

Originally posted by @Paul Sofia :

Originally posted by @Alvin Uy:

Originally posted by @Paul Sofia:

I have not dealt with the type of homes you are describing but I have been handling modular construction for many years. I can get one completed quicker than that and it appraises the same as a site built.  I most recently had one delivered last Friday, and set on Monday.  If weather allows, I should have everything complete including site work in 30 more days.  I ordered the house 3 weeks ago, mind you. Built better than most of the stick built construction.  My cost will be lower than $85/sf including site work.  Cali much more expensive than the Charlotte region, but I bet you would be better off going the mod route.

The design work that you are speaking of is very popular in the heart of Charlotte but I deal mainly 25 miles out.  Culture is different.

30 days?  That cant happen here because city permit and requirements are pretty strict.  Plus foundation needs to be completely redone new for Protohomes structure requirement. 

Did the mod builder you dealt with do custom design based on your lot or were they predesign selections you had to choose from?

 

I am the dealer.  I had footers dug and poured and foundation in place the week before.  Are you actually using an existing foundation?  I have never done that with site built or mods.  The majority of the mods I setup are existing plans but we can get custom as well for a nominal fee.  

 

I was told the existing footer/foundation will need to be torn out and redone entirely to meet new code requirements in Los Angeles... and to work with mod builders system.  

 Not necessarily a terrible thing since property will then be deemed as “new construction” if new foundation is poured.... which will consequently be exempt from LA Rent Control.  (a huge plus).  

@Paul Sofia Thank you! Any information you could provide would be appreciated!

@Keisha Hosea, give this  mod dealer a call....

https://downeasthomesnc.com/

If your property was not so far from me, I would quote it.  It's too hard for me to manage a project that far away, though.

@Paul Sofia Thanks for the info. Definitely going to check on this!

My pleasure.