LOS ANGELES – Inside the Proto Homes Factory in Downtown LA, workers are putting together all the parts necessary to build a house.
Founder Frank Vafaee launched Proto Homes in 2009 after becoming frustrated with the home-building process.
"The idea was to come up with a process that is predictable and it’s more efficient, of course," Vafaee said.
Unlike traditional construction where raw materials are sent to a job site, Proto Homes puts together components that are then assembled at the job site, where crews follow a specific set of instructions.
"We’re not creating finished modules like manufactured homes or modular homes. We are sending components to the site," Vafaee said.
Think of it like purchasing a home kit. Prices start at roughly $80 per square foot, so a 2,000 square foot single-family home would cost about $160,000 just for the components. Interior finishes are added separately.
By standardizing the process, Vafaee says it doesn’t require sub-contractors or highly-skilled labor and involves less supervision, ultimately reducing the bottom line.
"We’re hoping to be able to bring the cost of construction down to a point that you don’t see new structures only in affluent neighborhoods," Vafaee said.
His team can assemble a home from foundation to exterior finishes in just 48 days with six guys.
"It doesn’t show up as a big box that you have to hoist over the house over the wires and plant in the backyard," Vafaee said.
He says another key feature is the Proto Core built into every one of their pre-fab homes.
"It’s the central, infrastructural core of the building," Vafaee said.
The company puts all the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems in a single area, making it easier to access and maintain.
That includes valves, pressure tank, toilets, fuse box, and switches.
"This particular model is 337 square feet," said Development Advisor Shawna Allwein.
At the factory, there is a model accessory dwelling unit or ADU…a typical guest house.
"The component package is going to run about $50,000 dollars on this particular model," she said.
The company calls it a quick way for existing homeowners to add a rental unit for additional income.
"They’re not forced into choosing model A, B, and C. It’s a very site driven and a very project specific type of experience," Allwein said.
They can also be more luxurious. A Proto Home in Redondo Beach is currently on the market for almost two million dollars. All the homes have a modern design. The company says its process allows for mass production while still being customizable.
"We can do 12-foot-high ceilings on each level. We have a larger span of windows that people might expect, so our homes are very light and airy," Allwein said.
"We see a lot of demand from consumers, builders, and architects for our service because it’s a different way of home building, and it really addresses the affordable crisis," said CEO Ameet Amin.
While housing is a complex issue, Vafaee hopes simplifying the building process will help more SoCal residents find a home they can afford.
Some housing experts do mention some things to keep in mind. Residents must own the land where they plan to put the pre-fab home. Then, they have to get permits, inspections, and make sure local utilities such as water, electricity, and sewer can hook up to the home.
Also, unlike existing homes where a buyer can put down 20% and pay off the mortgage over time, pre-fab homes require residents to pay for the construction costs in full before they move in. Some builders do offer payment plans and financing options.
Proto Homes offers a weekly open house to learn more about their building model. For more information, click here.