LivingHome

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Living Homes is a designer of prefab homes based in Santa Monica, California
that started as a standalone firm and now is part of the prefab manufacturer
Plant Prefab.

NUMBER OF MODELS AVAILABLE

Living Homes has 11 models designed by world-renowned architects such as Koto
and Kiernan Timberlake. The models range from a single-bedroom ADU to a full
home with 5 bedrooms.  The homes range in size from 480 to 3135 square feet,
with a base price range between $180,000 and $1,010,000.


WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

The base price only includes the modular home. There are considerable additional
costs that usually add up to more than the cost of the modular home itself.
Living homes give an estimate for additional costs on their website. For
example, they estimate that the total all-in cost for their Model Series 6 is:


* Base Price: $260,000
* Site Work: $180,000
* Transport and Install: $40,000
* Design, Engineering, and Permitting: $89,000
* Total: $569,000

Detailed cost estimates are available on Plant Prefab’s website
[https://www.plantprefab.com/]. 

DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS

Different architects designed their models, but they are characterized by their
sleek modern style, with tall windows, sliding glass doors, and lots of natural
lighting.

CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

Plant Prefab offers full exterior and interior customization options. 

WILL THEY ASSIST IN THE INSTALLATION PROCESS?

Plant Prefab manages the construction of your home in their factory, and you’ll
hire a local general contractor for site work. If Plant is your architect, they
will assist in bidding your project to three local general contractors to ensure
that you receive an equitable deal from a reputable resource. (If you are
working with your own architect, they will typically support you with this
process. But they can still help make recommendations or referrals if needed.)
In all cases, their factory will coordinate closely with your general contractor
throughout your project.


WHAT CODES DO THEY COMPLY WITH?

Plant Prefab designs and builds all its projects to local requirements, such as
HOA and local zoning ordinance to comply with local building codes.

WHERE DO I GO TO DEAL WITH THE PAPERWORK AND PERMITS NEEDED?

Plant Prefab will manage engineering and permitting for your home, which are
governed by state authorities. Your general contractor will manage engineering
and permitting for your foundation and site work, which is governed by local
authorities.

WHERE DO THEY SHIP TO?

Plant Prefab can ship almost anywhere, but the further you are from their
factory in Rialto, CA, the more you’ll spend on transportation fees. They found
that Plant is only cost-competitive outside of California for high-end projects
shipping to areas with very expensive local labor.

PROCESS LENGTH

Homes are built in a factory simultaneously with site work, with both requiring
about 8-16 weeks. A general contractor then selects a transportation company and
schedules delivery of the home modules. Homes ship over 90% complete, with
drywall, paint, millwork, tile work, and appliances already included. Once on
site, a crane lifts the modules and lowers them onto the prepared foundation,
where they are bolted down. Once the home is assembled, a general contractor
will connect the water, sewer, electric, and appliances, and apply the finishing
touches in about 6-12 weeks. 

WARRANTY

Living Homes' warranty is similar to what is offered on typical site-built
structures. 

FINANCING

Finance your modular home with Dwellito [https://www.dwellito.com/financing]