GARDENA, Calif. – Imagine being able to build a brand new home in a matter of weeks without a single nail or hammer.

Alexis Rivas is the co-founder and CEO of Cover, a SoCal tech startup that uses algorithms and the latest technology to build backyard units in a factory.  

“We looked at the way conventional construction was done and it was time consuming, it’s expensive, it’s unpredictable and we said how could we build homes more like furniture or more like cars,” said Rivas. “We’ve designed and engineered a set of parts, wall panels, floor panels, ceiling panels that are made in the factory with electrical plumbing, insulation water proofing, we deliver them out to the site and then we connect them like Legos.”

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The housing crunch in California has sparked renewed interest in granny flats, also known as “Accessory Dwelling Units,” or ADUs. They cost about $150,000, including permits and site work.

Lawmakers have already warmed up to the idea. In 2017, the California State Senate passed the ADU law, making it easier and cheaper to install backyard homes. Last week, Governor Newsom signed five new bills into law, easing up building restrictions, waiting times and fees.

For Gabe Arniella, a video-game designer who lives on the miracle mile, the selling point was never having to deal with bureaucracy.

“Not going to a government office once during this entire process is the biggest advantage,” Arniella said.

Arneilla went on Cover’s website, entered his wish list and let the algorithms do the heavy lifting. The program was able to figure out his best options based on his property and local zoning codes and restrictions.

The result was a sleek one bedroom unit designed within weeks and assembled on site in eight days.

“It’s adding unique value to the house,” Arniella said.