Homeowners FAQ Guide

Check out our cost calculator to get an estimated price.

The total cost of a project depends on various factors that can only be determined during a site visit, such as trenching for utilities, grading, and soil conditions for the foundation. Without this information, we cannot provide an accurate estimate.

Yes, each home listed on our website includes a price range. This gives a level of accuracy, but for a more precise estimate tailored to your specific needs and budget, a site visit and analysis are required.

Absolutely. We have a range of options from budget-friendly to high-end. Our prefab kits typically range from $150 - $250 per square foot. For example, a 1000 square-foot home would cost between $150,000 and $250,000. Site work could range from $50 to $295 per square foot.

We’ve built a cost calculator on our website to help you estimate your budget based on the options you select.

The perception of a newly constructed home being expensive often stems from the extensive process and the quality of materials used. Building a new home involves numerous stages, including design, permitting, site preparation, construction, and finishing touches.

Each of these stages requires skilled labor, high-quality materials, and a considerable amount of time, all of which contribute to the overall cost.

Additionally, newly built homes are constructed to meet the latest building codes and standards, ensuring they are safe, energy-efficient, and durable. This often means investing in advanced technologies and better building materials, which can increase the cost compared to older homes that may not meet these standards.

Furthermore, when you purchase a newly constructed home, you are also paying for customization and the ability to tailor the space to your specific needs and preferences, something that is not typically possible with an older property. All these factors combined contribute to the higher upfront cost of a newly constructed home, though they also bring long-term benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and personalization.

Another question we often get is about the price perception a smaller home like ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Despite their size, small homes still require all essential utilities and core work, which means that the cost per square foot can be higher compared to larger buildings where the cost is distributed over more square footage.

However, investing in a new construction typically pays off in the long run as these homes are built with superior materials and craftsmanship. In comparison to older homes, a newly constructed home may actually be more cost-effective due to its long-term durability, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance needs.

Dwellito has partnerships with lenders offering a variety of financing options, including Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), other home equity loans, and construction loans specifically tailored for prefab homes and ADUs.

Yes, we offer standard models and also provide custom design services for any configuration and need. Custom designs can add an additional cost of $10,000 to $20,000 to the architectural drawings and potentially more for the build.

If you wish to modify a standard plan, we can discuss licensing with the homebuilder and work on adapting their plan and design to suit your needs.

We can ship to any location in the US. However, our network of installers is primarily based in California. For turnkey services, availability is limited to certain cities.

If you’re outside of California or our network, we will assist you in sourcing a local installer. Our designs and systems are suitable for all types of climates, and we can provide engineering for specific requirements like hurricane resistance, heavy snow loads, and extreme temperatures.

A modular home is nearly complete upon arrival at your property, whereas a prefab kit requires on-site assembly of components such as walls, roofs, windows, doors, and finishes. Modular homes are typically limited in design due to transportation constraints, whereas prefab kits offer more flexibility but take longer to install.

Consider the accessibility of your site (narrow/windy roads, overhead lines) and your preference for installation time. Modular homes can be installed in a day, while prefab kits require a few weeks.

Yes, all of the homes listed on our website are made-to-order, ensuring that you can choose and purchase any model you are interested in. Our process is designed to cater to your specific needs and preferences, with each home being built and shipped upon order.

While we do not have a traditional showroom, some of our units may be available for in-person viewing if a prior customer generously agrees to showcase their backyard home. This, however, depends on customer willingness and location availability.

To ensure that all potential buyers can thoroughly explore our homes, we offer advanced and realistic visualization tools on our website, allowing you to view every detail of the home and make an informed decision from the comfort of your own space. These tools are designed to provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of our homes, ensuring transparency and confidence in your purchase.

The construction of the home itself takes between 2 to 4 months in a climate-controlled factory setting. However, the entire process from start to finish, including permitting, can span 6 to 8 months. The duration is also influenced by the time taken by local jurisdictions for the permitting process, which we try to estimate during the site analysis stage to provide you with a clearer timeline.

The extent of your responsibilities depends on your location. In California, homeowner responsibilities are minimal. Outside of California, you would need to take a more active role, particularly in sourcing and coordinating with an installer for the site work, utilities, and home installation.

Dwellito acts as a connector between you and the prefab manufacturer, offering our services free of charge. We assist in comparing options, helping you find the most suitable home provider and design that not only saves you money but also aligns perfectly with your preferences. Our mission is to make the process smoother for you, ensuring you end up with a home design you love.