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Frequently Asked Questions

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET OUR ADU?

Around 7 months, which typically covers unit permitting, manufacturing, and installation. The biggest variable to this schedule is the building permitting process which is dependent on your location and the unique characteristics of your property. Every Cajas proposal includes a projected timeline that is specific to your property and our property analysis findings so you have a more precise timeline to work with.

IS GETTING A CAJAS ADU FASTER THAN TRADITIONAL SITE BUILT CONSTRUCTION?

Cajas already has engineered approved designs and is manufactured in parallel with the local permitting approval, our projects typically save you 4-6 months compared to traditional site-built construction.

DO ALL CAJAS CONTAINERS  DWELLINGS NEED ADU PERMITS?

Short answer is no. It will depend on the municipality you live in, but many municipalities only require building permits for structures over 120 sq. ft. 

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FULL COST OF OUR CAJAS DWELLING ALL AT ONCE?

No way. We purposefully have multiple milestone payments built into our timeline to manage the cost of your project. Since most ADUs are financed through lenders who provide home equity based loans, we don’t collect payment or start work until you’ve secured financing. This helps protect your finances in the event that you cannot secure financing.

WHAT FINACING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CAJAS DWELIINGS?

Options are typically done through one of the following methods:

  • Cash-out refinance

  • Home equity line of credit

  • Home equity loan

  • Renovation or construction loan

Our team will outline the benefits and risks of each option to help you secure the right financing for your specific situation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE BASE INSTALLATION?

Our installation costs vary between each project. As part of our quote to you, we will break down those costs and tailor them to fit your needs. Typical installation includes:

  • Full-time project management by an experienced sub-contracting team

  • An allowance for building permits and encroachment permits necessary for installation

  • General working conditions for the construction team including mobilization, a site toilet, protective barrier for the work zone, and the required storm water prevention methods to avoid storm water contamination

  • Surveying services required for a typical Cajas installation including a boundary survey and foundation survey

  • Clearing of the installation site including small bush and shrub removal

  • Re-routing of minor landscape irrigation in the location of your Cajas ADU

  • Standard foundation installation.

  • Equipment, labor, and material to provide the following utility connections: - 100’ of 3” Sanitary Sewer (typically connected in your front yard)

    • 75’ of 60A electrical conduit and wire (typically connected at your main electrical panel

    • 50’ of ¾” PVC water line (typically connected at the rear of your house)

  • A crane capable of lifting your container dwelling at least 125’, traffic control, and safety barriers for delivery day

  • Installation of wooden entry stairs at the container's main entrance

  • All touchup and final cleaning of the container dwelling after delivery

WHERE ARE ADU's LEGAL?

Currently the construction of ADUs depends on the individual municipalities. However, thousands of municipalities allow ADUs and more are being added to the list every year. Contact our team and see if your town/city qualifies for adding ADUs.

DO MUNICIPALITIES OFFER ADU INCENTIVES?

Absoluetly, more and more cities and towns are offering incentives to build ADU's. Cajas' home town of Durango, CO has started a new ADU incentive program to help create affordable housing options. Homeowners who build an ADU can get an $8,000 credit if they rent it as affordable housing. Click here if you're our neighbor in Durango. 

Here are links to other cities with ADU incentive programs.

WILL ADDING AN ADU TO MY PROPERTY IMPACT MY PROPERTY TAXES?

Yes, adding an ADU will increase your property tax based on the value of the ADU but will not trigger a re-assessment of your primary residence. This is why ADUs are a tax efficient means of adding additional housing or building area to your existing property. ADUs can also provide many tax-related benefits depending on your ADU use case.

DOES ADDING AN ADU AFFECT PROPERTY VALUES?

Yes, a permanent ADU can add to your property’s total square footage, bedroom and bathroom count, and increase its total value.

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