Abodu Backyard Homes: Fast Permitting & Build Times in Los Angeles

Abodu Launches "Quickship" Program for Rapid ADU Installation

Abodu, a company focused on providing backyard homes and office solutions, is addressing California’s housing challenges with its new “Quickship” program. This initiative streamlines the process, reducing the time from contract to completed installation to approximately thirty days.

The accelerated timeline is made possible by a pre-approval system initially implemented in San Jose, California, and recently extended to Los Angeles.

Pre-Approval Process and its Origins

Abodu first began utilizing pre-approval for installations in 2019. This coincided with a San Jose city program designed to expedite permitting for alternative dwelling units (ADUs) by allowing developers to submit plans for advance review.

This pre-approval process allows ADU developers, including Abodu, to secure permits in as little as one hour. Other developers pre-approved in San Jose include Acton ADU, Connect Homes, J. Kretschmer Architect, Mayberry Workshop, Open Remodel, and prefabADU.

In Los Angeles, La Mas, IT House, Design, Bitches, Connect Homes, Welcome Projects and First Office have also received pre-approval for their ADU designs.

Expanding Across California and Cost Considerations

Beyond San Jose and Los Angeles, Abodu has completed projects throughout California, including cities like Palo Alto, Millbrae, areas within Orange County, and Oakland.

Units in the Bay Area start at around $189,000. This is significantly lower than the cost of constructing mid-rise apartments ($650,000 - $850,000 per unit) or steel-reinforced high-rises ($1 million per unit), according to the company.

CEO on the "Quickship" Program

“Our Quickship program represents the most efficient method for increasing housing availability,” stated John Geary, CEO of Abodu. “Homeowners facing immediate needs, whether related to family or investment opportunities, can now finalize an ADU project in as few as four weeks.”

Abodu’s core objective is to substantially reduce the state’s housing deficit and provide both individuals and municipalities with a viable framework for enacting meaningful change.

Industry Expert Highlights the Significance

Kim-Mai Cutler, a partner at Initialized and former TechCrunch writer, who also serves on Abodu’s board of directors, views the 30-day construction milestone as a significant achievement.

Cutler’s extensive research and writing on the housing crisis, particularly in the Bay Area and California, informed her perspective.

She previously engaged in public service, overseeing the allocation of federal funds for homelessness initiatives and municipal bond proceeds for affordable housing. As she explained in a blog post, sometimes explicit housing subsidies are necessary at the local level.

The Importance of Addressing Housing Challenges

Cutler’s investment in Abodu stems from her in-depth understanding of the complexities surrounding housing.

“Northern California is notoriously difficult and unpredictable when it comes to new housing construction,” Cutler noted. “Projects typically require years due to entitlement uncertainties and material sourcing issues.”

Over the past year, Abodu’s co-founders, John Geary and Eric McInerney, have successfully installed homes for a diverse range of clients, including those accommodating returning college students, providing separate living spaces for family members, and fulfilling long-term housing needs.

Focus on Granny Flats and Legislative Support

Abodu’s founders strategically focused on granny flats, casitas, and backyard dwellings. While discussions regarding high-density development were ongoing, state legislation, including AB 68 and SB 1069, facilitated the addition of backyard units.

This approach resonated with suburban communities and proved politically viable.

Impact on Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics

Cutler believes Abodu’s 30-day construction schedule will influence consumer choices. The ability to crane a home into place in under a day, following a foundation build of less than two weeks, is a game-changer.

The affordability of these units will create opportunities for inventory expansion, which is crucial given the current scarcity. Currently, only half as many homes are being sold in the United States compared to last year, coinciding with a period when millennials are entering their prime home-buying years.

• Rapid Installation: The "Quickship" program delivers completed ADUs in around 30 days.
• Cost-Effective: Abodu's units are significantly cheaper than traditional construction.
• Legislative Support: State laws are promoting the development of backyard units.