San Francisco ADU Companies Mighty Buildings vs. Orbit Homes vs. Shilo vs. Modal Homes vs. Bay Modular vs. Studio Shed vs. Habitat Homes vs. Veev vs. Avava vs. Abodu vs. Modern Empathy vs. Digz2Go
As the State of California moves to ease the barriers on building new ADUs (auxiliary dwelling units) in California, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals interested in building ADUs. Along with the growth in demand for ADUs, there has also been a significant increase in the number of companies offering ADUs in California and in the San Francisco Bay Area, in particular. With so many new ADU companies operating in and near San Francisco, you may have a hard time comparing companies and determining which is best for your particular ADU project. You may find yourself with questions like, “How do I start the process of building an ADU in San Francisco?” and “What is the best company to help me with my ADU project in San Francisco?” While our Guide To Building and Buying an ADU in San Francisco can help you better understand the entire process and how to start, this article will help you compare the best companies that build ADUs in San Francisco.
To compare ADU builders in San Francisco, we have highlighted important aspects of each company’s operations: years in operation, projects completed, 3rd party reviews, project cost estimates, and more ADU specific metrics like number of unique models available, ADU sizes, design aesthetic, and whether they offer project customization. Continue reading below to see our comparison of prefab and modular ADU builders in San Francisco.
If you would like assistance with your own ADU project, connect with one of our prefab concierge representatives here.
Comparison of ADU Builders in San Francisco
| Year Founded | Projects Completed | Project Cost Estimates | # of Unique Models | ADU Sizes | Design Aesthetic | Project Customization | Full Service | 3rd Party Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mighty Buildings (Oakland, CA) |
2017 | 2 | $300 - $685 per sqft | 6 | Studio - 2 Beds 350 sqft - 984 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | Yelp: 2 Stars |
| Orbit Homes (Malibu, CA) |
2018 | 8 | $225 - $310 per sqft | 6 | 1 - 3 Beds 450 sqft - 1,200 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Shilo (San Francisco, CA) |
2018 | 4 | $325 - $455+ per sqft | Custom | Custom 200 - 1,000 sqft |
Modern | Yes | Yes | No |
| Modal Homes (Salt Lake City, UT) |
2019 | 10 | $270 - $337 per sqft | 3 | Studio - 2 Beds 338 sqft - 567 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Bay Modular (Oakland, CA) |
2018 | 3 | $275 - $335 per sqft | 3 | Office/Studio - 2 Beds 128 sqft - 583 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Studio Shed (Louisville, CO) |
2008 | 500 | $200 - $300 per sqft | 30+ | Office/Studio - 2 Beds 64 sqft - 1,000 sqft |
Modern | No | No | Yelp: 3 Stars Houzz: 4.7 Stars |
| Habitat Homes (San Francisco, CA) |
2019 | 0 | $225 - $400 per sqft | 10 | 1 - 3 Beds 440 - 1,196 sqft |
Modern, Ranch | No | Yes | No |
| Veev (San Mateo, CA) |
2018 | 25 | $435+ per sqft | 1 | 1 Bed 568 Sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Avava (Berkeley, CA) |
2010 | 75 | $300 - $435 per sqft | 5 | Studio - 2 Beds 270 sqft - 750 sqft |
Modern | No | No | No |
| Abodu (Redwood City, CA) |
2018 | 12 | $415 - $565 per sqft | 3 | 1 - 2 Beds 335 sqft - 620 sqft |
Modern, Cabin | No | Yes | No |
| Modern Empathy (Los Altos, CA) |
2017 | 24 | $325 - $515 per sqft | 6 | 1 - 3 Beds 300 - 975 sqft |
Modern | No | No | No |
| Digz2Go (Alameda, CA) |
2006 | 40 | $400 - $450 per sqft | 4 | 1 - 2 Beds 300 sqft - 900 sqft |
Modern | Yes | Yes | No |
Mighty Buildings (Oakland, CA)
Offer 3D printed, environmentally friendly ADUs
Orbit Homes ( Malibu, CA)
ADUs are considered manufactured units and are built to HUD code
Shilo (San Francisco, CA)
Can design and build ADUs to meet LEED and Passive House certifications
Modal Homes (Salt Lake City, UT)
Build modular ADUs that can be shipped 100% complete
Bay Modular (Oakland, CA)
Provide turn-key project services for their pre-designed ADU series
Studio Shed (Louisville, CO)
Allow for design and layout customization though ADUs are often delivered as a flat-packed, panelized kit
Habitat Homes (San Francisco, CA)
Provide turn-key project services on their modern ranch style ADUs
Veev (San Mateo, CA)
Offer one, 568 square foot modern ADU with solar panelling and smart home capabilities
Avava (Berkeley, CA)
Design and build flat-packed ADU kits which can be particularly useful for projects on hard-to-access lots
Abodu (Redwood City, CA)
Offer 3 models of modern ADUs ranging in size from 335 square feet to 650 square feet
Modern Empathy (Los Altos, CA)
Design and manufacture 6 models of modern ADUs that come with high-end and energy efficient fixtures and finishes
Digz2Go (Alameda, CA)
Offer both pre-designed and custom ADUs in addition to handling all stages of the ADU building process
For more information related to building an ADU in San Francisco, be sure to read our Guide To Building and Buying an ADU in San Francisco and our Guide to Financing an ADU Using Home Equity Sharing Agreement. Or see our list of the Best Prefab ADUs for Sale in the Bay Area.
