Frequently asked questions.

“Type V” is a building‑code classification for standard wood‑frame construction – the same method used in most houses in the U.S. Our company name, Type Five, nods to this reliable, time‑tested construction method and highlights that we build with quality wood framing (not shipping‑container boxes) to create sturdy homes that stand the test of time.

No. We’re a design‑build firm that constructs every ADU on‑site. Your Type Five ADU is built from the ground up in your backyard – no cranes or oversized trucks – letting us customize to your property and needs while still capturing some prefab‑style efficiencies.

An ADU is a secondary home on your property with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. It can be a detached backyard cottage, an attached addition, or a conversion of space like a garage. The defining feature is a full kitchen so it can function independently from the main house.

Yes. California state law allows ADUs “by right” on residential lots. Any single‑family or multifamily property can add at least one ADU (and often more) if it meets state and local development standards.

State law guarantees at least one ADU on a single‑family lot. You’re also allowed one Junior ADU (JADU) inside the existing house. Multifamily lots may add up to two detached ADUs plus JADUs in unused interior space, so many owners can build two units in total.

Design phase ≈ 1 month (faster if you’re decisive).

Permitting phase ≈ 2–4 months once we submit plans.

Construction phase ≈ 6 months on‑site.

Most projects take about 10–12 months from first design meeting to move‑in.

Our software‑driven design and systemized field process make Type Five pricing competitive with custom stick‑built projects – often lower when you match finishes. Simple pre-fab units can cost less, but high‑quality prefab ADUs with similar finishes usually exceed our price once you add transport, craning, and site work while offering far less design flexibility.

No. ADU permits are ministerial: if your design meets the checklist rules, the city must approve it and neighbors cannot veto it. We still recommend friendly communication, and we can provide information packets for peace of mind.

One point of contact from concept to keys.

Plans in hours, not weeks, using proprietary software.

Guaranteed pricing because design and construction live under one roof.

No finger‑pointing – we own the result and the warranty.

Prefab ADUs are factory‑built modules craned into place with limited design changes. Type Five builds on‑site, giving you full layout and aesthetic freedom while still leveraging modular efficiencies without needing cranes, oversized loads, or street closures.

Complete customization – thousands of layout and finish options.

Integrated software‑driven process for speed and precision.

High‑grade materials, all‑electric, and standing‑seam metal roofs for longevity.

Our online configurator lets you explore layouts and pricing. Our in‑house architects then refine the design, create renderings, 3‑D floor plans, and permit‑ready drawings – all included, so no outside architect needed.

Every Type Five ADU is made‑to‑order. We can rearrange rooms, add windows, expand baths – virtually any code‑compliant change you like.

Yes. During the design phase you can resize rooms, move walls, add built‑ins, and pick from a wide menu of upgrades and add‑ons.

Absolutely. Choose from our curated catalog of siding, paint, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and more – all vetted for quality. Custom requests are welcome when feasible.

Our standard standing‑seam metal roof comes in several colors and is fire‑resistant with a 40‑plus‑year lifespan. Flat‑roof membranes or other code‑approved materials are available if your site or aesthetic requires.

Wide‑plank engineered hardwood is standard. Sustainable Marmoleum, cork, or luxury vinyl plank are optional upgrades – we’ll advise on cost and performance.

We include a refrigerator, induction cooktop, and sink, plus optional ovens, dishwashers, and laundry units. You can supply your own appliances if they fit and meet code – we’ll coordinate hookups.

Yes. We can add zero‑step entries, wider doors, roll‑in showers, and more. There’s no blanket surcharge; cost depends on the specific features you choose.

Yes. We minimize waste with precise ordering, use sustainable finishes where feasible, build all‑electric, solar‑ready homes, and exceed California Title 24 energy standards.

Explore & consult – design in our configurator and book a free call.

Site visit – we assess your property and gather data.

Proposal & design agreement – receive renderings and budget, then sign.

Design development – finalize plans and finishes with our architects.

Permitting – we submit and shepherd approvals.

Construction contract – fixed price locked after permits.

Construction – on‑site build in about six months.

Move‑in & warranty – walkthrough, keys, and ongoing support.

The traditional architect‑plus‑builder route is slower, costlier, and leaves you coordinating between firms. Type Five’s integrated model gives you one contract, faster timelines, guaranteed pricing, and single‑source accountability.

We include a setback survey in the design fee. If a full boundary or topo survey is required (e.g., hillside lots), we coordinate it and let you know the additional cost upfront.

Yes. We welcome iterations during design and show real‑time pricing impacts so you can decide confidently before permits are submitted.

Yes. After permits and the final budget are in place, we sign a fixed‑price construction contract covering the build.

Yes. Grading, retaining walls, drainage, and other site‑specific work are all within our turnkey scope if required.

Our all-in price covers design, engineering, permits, site work, construction, and project management. Once permits are approved, we present a line‑by‑line budget and lock in a fixed number that only changes if you request scope modifications.

After design decisions are finalized and permits are approved – then we convert the estimate into a guaranteed fixed price before construction begins.

Only the design & permitting fee is due upfront. Construction payments are milestone‑based, so you pay as work progresses rather than in one lump sum.

We identify potential extras (like utility upgrades or hillside foundations) during design and include them in the guaranteed price. True surprises are rare, and we take responsibility for anything we miss.

One‑year general workmanship warranty.

Ten‑year structural warranty.

Manufacturer warranties: windows/doors ~20 years, metal roof ~45 years.

We also provide long‑term support beyond formal warranty periods.

Common options include cash‑out refinance, HELOC, home‑equity loan, construction loan, or personal/family financing. We can connect you with lenders experienced in ADU projects.

Your main house assessment stays unchanged under Prop 13. The assessor adds the ADU value separately, typically increasing your annual bill by about 1 % of the ADU’s construction cost.

It’s how the assessor combines your original home’s low tax basis with the new ADU’s value. Only the ADU portion is assessed at today’s value; the main house keeps its historical assessment.

A permitted ADU generally boosts resale value significantly by adding living space and potential rental income. Many owners recover most or all of their investment while enjoying the space in the meantime.

Type Five secures everything: planning approval, building permit, fire‑department sign‑off, utility coordination, and any other agency reviews. You just sign an authorization form and we handle the rest.

Design usually takes 1–2 months depending on iterations. City review is typically 1–3 months, as state law requires a decision within 60 days of a complete application. Plan on roughly 3–5 months total before construction.

Often no. If your property is within ½‑mile of transit (or meets other exemptions), the city cannot require parking. Even when required, only one space max is allowed and tandem or setback parking counts.

State law caps side and rear setbacks at 4 feet for detached ADUs. Front setbacks follow local zoning (usually 15–20 ft). Fire‑hazard zones sometimes require 5 ft sides/rear. We’ll confirm your exact case.

The city issues a separate address (e.g., 123A Main St). We file the paperwork and you install a mailbox for that address so USPS and delivery services recognize the unit.

No. California laws AB 670 and AB 3182 prohibit HOAs from blocking ADUs. They can request reasonable design consistency but cannot deny your right to build one that meets state and local codes.