PRADU 4 U

This book is all about how steel frame homes are both affordable and available. These homes of 1200 square feet or less, often referred to as ADUs in America, are of much higher quality than timber framed homes. They can be built by a DIYer, or as a hybrid build with Trade Contractors or built by a General Contractor. Regardless of your choice a FrameUpNow cold framed steel home can be built for 1/2 the cost of a traditional timber framed home. Read this book for a complete education on the modern method of building with cold formed steel also know as light steel framed homes. Every home has a complete Bill of Materials that we refer to as a Materials Shopping List. This book offers the Home Depot Materials Shopping List as download so you can shop before you buy

PRADU 4 U Your Ultimate Guide to Permit-Ready ADUs

In this PRADU 4 U book we feature one of more than 200 models. This Yoke Model is from the Carlsbad Yoke Contemporary Collection

400 sq ft – Studio Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

680 sq ft – 1 Bed, 1 Bath Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

800 sq ft - 2 Bed 2 Bath Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

Rodger Ford and Brad Cooper All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 979-8-35094-670- Authored by David Dundas

iii

PROLOGUE: A BETTER WAY TO BUILD

In a world where housing costs are rising faster than incomes, the American Dream is quietly slipping out of reach for many. Families downsize, generations move in together, and promising homeowners are trapped in a cycle of rent and red tape. But what if the solution wasn’t a grand political program or a distant innovation—what if it already existed in your own backyard? Welcome to the age of the PRADU—a Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit. More than just a clever acronym, PRADUs represents a quiet revolution in how we think about homebuilding. They cut through the bureaucracy, eliminate the guesswork, and restore hope to those who want to build, not just dream. And there’s more. Behind the PRADU movement is a structural evolution: cold-formed steel, aka light-gauge steel; Stronger, Faster, Smarter. It’s what separates a project that might happen from one that will. That’s why FrameUpNow is leading the charge—offering not just kits, but complete building systems engineered for speed, affordability, and long-term value. This book is your blueprint—whether you’re a seasoned builder seeking higher velocity and perfect outcomes, a homeowner with a vision, or a capable DIYer standing at the edge of something big. We’ll show you how PRADUs break down the barriers that have long kept homebuilding a distant goal, and how steel frames make that dream not just possible—but practical and very affordable. PRADU 4 U is more than a title. It’s a promise. And it starts right now. Although our PRADU/ADU library grows at more than 100 per month, this book will feature the perfect example of a single ADU design: The Carlsbad-Yoke- Contemporary. It is available in four floor plan sizes, from a Studio of 400 sq ft to a 3 Bed 2 Bath model of 999 sq ft. You will see the Yoke woven into each of the 17 Chapters that follow.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue: A Better Way to Build .................................................................. iv Chapter 1: What is a PRADU? ........................................................................1 Chapter 2: The PRADU and its Many Benefits ..............................................5 Chapter 3: Steel Frame PRADUs ....................................................................9 Chapter 4: Why a Steel Frame is Better than a Timber Frame ....................15 Chapter 5: Flowcodes, Abbreviations, and Construction Terms Used in This Book .......................................................................................................21 Chapter 6: Is there a Difference Between ADU S , PRADU S , and Affordable Housing? .......................................................................................25 Chapter 7: How Steel-frame ADU S and PRADU S Have Become a Game-changer for the Elderly ...............................................................................29 CHAPTER 8: How ADU S and PRADU S Make Construction a Family Affair33 Chapter 9: PRADU S and ADU S – Ideal for Investing .................................37 Chapter 10: PRADU S , Steel-Frame Homes, and the DIY Self-build Revolution .......................................................................................................41 Chapter 11: Two Essential Requirements for a Home Built to Last............45 Chapter 12: Your Quick Guide to Constructing a Steel Skeleton.................51 Chapter 13: For Those Who Are Superstitious, There Is No Chapter 13!....55 Chapter 14: The Materials Shopping List .....................................................57 Chapter 15: Financing Your ADU or PRADU ...........................................115 Chapter 16: Meet the Team Behind Frame Up Now...................................121 Chapter 17: PRADU State-by-State Resource List .....................................124 Contact Us ...................................................................................................130

CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS A PRADU?

The term “PRADU” is an acronym for a type of residential dwelling and is part of the ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) family. PRADU stands for Permit- Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit, and as you will learn later in the book, the introduction of PRADUs to the ADU construction landscape is already proving to be a remarkable gamechanger. The Steel Frame ADU Revolution As you may have recently become aware, a revolution is taking place involving steel frame ADUs. Why? Because prior to the introduction of steel frames, the term “affordable” was debatable, as traditional construction methods and materials are affordable only at a certain level, below which there has to be a sacrifice in quality, not just in terms of construction but also in terms of materials used. Instead of “affordable,” think “cheap,” which invariably brings with it its own unique set of post-construction problems. Here at FrameUpNow (FUN), we have been at the forefront of this revolution in steel-frame homes, providing steel frames for ADUs across the USA and beyond, offering more than 400 ADU designs and multiple finishes. We are as keen to champion the PRADU as much as we have steel frame ADUs as a new concept, as we are aware of how much easier this makes housebuilding, especially for those of you who are not familiar with all that is involved. In this opening chapter, we will summarize the attractions of ADUs and PRADUs as a means of introduction to those of you who are not yet familiar with these high-quality yet extremely cost-effective affordable dwellings. What is an ADU? If you have not come across the term before, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential accommodation, either in the form of an attached extension to the main property, a garage conversion, or a separate dwelling within the existing plot of a principal property. In other words, an ADU is an ancillary dwelling built on the site of an existing dwelling.

The principle behind the “affordable” element of an ADU is that, in theory, the only construction costs are the materials and labor, as the plot of land it will be built on is already owned. Depending on where you live, that can mean a considerable reduction in the cost of an ADU in comparison to an equivalent property built on its own independent site. However, that was pretty much the only saving, so until recently, ADUs have still remained out of reach of many would-be homeowners, existing homeowners looking to maximise the financial potential of the land their home stands on, and even many developers. How the PRADU has increased momentum in ADU construction and where to find a PRADU. Scan the Flowcode below to begin your search. The

introduction of steel frames for ADUs provided a second means to making these residential units genuinely more affordable. Today, steel frame ADUs

are within the financial reach of so many more of you, and the introduction of the PRADU has made things even easier and helped to further reduce the overall project costs for an ADU.As you will discover in full later on, a PRADU, by its very nature, has helped to make ADUs even more popular, primarily by removing one of the biggest hurdles encountered to building an ADU: Getting permission. If your ADU is your first venture into the world of property construction, it will soon become apparent what we are referring to. In short, we are talking about designing an ADU that meets all local building codes and zoning regulations. This, at times, is no easy task. The process can be time-consuming, and can eat heavily into your overall construction budget as well. So let’s have a closer look at PRADUs in the next chapter. *Throughout this book, we have placed images of the Yoke PRADU. It is available as a PRADU in Carlsbad, California, with four models ranging from 400 to 999 sq ft.

400 sq ft – Studio Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

680 sq ft - 1 Bed and 1 Bath Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

800 sq ft – 2 Bed and 2 Bath Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

999 sq ft – 3 Bed and 2 Bath Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

CHAPTER 2: THE PRADU AND ITS MANY BENEFITS

From Chapter 1, you may have been able to deduce that in terms of design and structure, there is no difference between an ADU and a PRADU. Both are accessory dwelling units; the only difference is that a PRADU comes with all the plans approved (the PR stands for Permit-Ready), and PRADU relates to the complete package you receive when you purchase your steel frame from FrameUpNow. When you learn about ADUs, PRADUs will make much more sense If you are new to the world of ADUs, then a PRADU will mean little to you. What we would strongly recommend, if the thought of building an affordable home appeals to you, is buying a copy of Building the Dream— Affordable Steel Frame Homes. The book contains all the information you need about steel-frame ADUs and why they are becoming such a gamechanger in the affordable housing sector. In the meantime, we will include a few sections from the book a little later just to provide context for PRADUs.

Understanding the Full Benefits of a PRADU It doesn’t really matter if you are a seasoned pro in the construction industry or someone who has never built a dwelling before, the first problem you are likely to come across will be the same—obtaining the necessary permissions and permits to build it! You will need the patience of a saint, deep pockets to pay for architects’ and engineers’ drawings, legal fees … the list goes on, with no guarantee that the money you invest in this property will see a return, as there is no guarantee you will get the permits you need. The whole point of an ADU is the other “A” word—affordable! It is difficult to work out which part of “affordable” wasted fees belong to—if you are on a tight budget, such an expense could mean you will be delayed by six months in finishing the build while you save up the money you had originally earmarked for internal finishes. If you are a construction professional, we don’t need to remind you that time is money, and delays in getting the necessary permits could cost you dearly. So, what is the best solution to this problem? Until recently, there wasn’t one, but the good news is, there is now a very good solution, which comes under the name of a P ermit R eady A ccessory D welling U nit, or PRADU. A PRADU looks to deliver on all the promises the ADU has tried, but not always succeeded in delivering—a reduction in construction costs so great that it has brought the affordability of homes well within reach of many hundreds of thousands of you who previously could only afford to rent. What Does ‘Permit Ready’ Actually Mean? Across America, there is no single, universal set of building regulations that all districts and housing authorities must adhere to where building codes and zoning regulations are concerned. They differ from city to city, municipality to municipality, county to county and state to state. With a PRADU, you have a selection of plans for individual ADUs that are already available, and the construction design and engineering plans meet all local rules and regulations, building codes and zoning regulations. All you have to do to obtain your building permit is present the plans, together with a site plan showing where all the services will be connected (e.g., gas, water, waste, electricity).

Where PRADUs Already Exist Many forward-thinking cities saw PRADUs as an effective way to increase the number of low-cost (affordable) residential units without having to pay for them. By introducing the PRADU, new entrants to the housing market appeared—existing homeowners looking to generate rental income while maximising the value of their current home, and potential homeowners looking to get off the renting treadmill and buy an affordable home to get on the property ladder. Cities with Permit-Ready ADU Programs California : Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose have permit- ready ADU plans to help combat housing shortages. California has more than 60 jurisdictions that provide PRADU plans.

Oregon: Portland offers PRADU designs to encourage affordable housing. Washington: Seattle and other cities have adopted similar programs to promote ADU development. At the end of this book, you will find an appendix with details of Permit Ready designs for ADUs in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, as well as several for Canada if you happen to live north of the border. The list grows by more than 200

PRADUs per quarter. PRADUplan.com and ADUplans.com display a list of all PRADUs worldwide that is updated each month. Find Permit-Ready ADUs Here This collection represents all of the known PRADUs in the world. The PRADU Collection Library is updated every 30 days.

Scan the Flowcode below to begin your search.

400 sq ft – Studio Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

CHAPTER 3: STEEL FRAME PRADU

When you read Chapter 2 and discovered all the benefits of PRADUs, it is easy to get side-tracked and lose sight of the main reason PRADUs and ADUs are now more affordable than ever, and that is the introduction of steel frames. As we have already touched on and is well covered in our book Building the Dream—Affordable Steel Frame Houses, steel framing has significantly reduced building costs while also allowing competent DIYers to work with a contractor as a means of further reducing the labor cost. At this point you may be wondering about the materials recommended for the frames in the existing PRADU designs offered in those states mentioned. The answer is that the design is for a timber frame. However, the steel used in frames supplied by FrameUpNow meets all the necessary building regulations across the United States, so the Permit Ready approval for these plans may cover a steel frame and make the ADU Permit Ready. You have probably and rightly figured out that the plans for an ADU built with a timber frame will be different from the plans for an ADU built with a steel frame, especially one from FUN, and you would be 100% right. But you have absolutely nothing to be concerned about, because we have the engineering software and an AI library to convert any plan for a timber frame unit into a steel-frame unit, and these plans are included with any steel frame bought from FUN. In other words, while FUN has designed low-cost, high-quality steel frames for ADUs, we can also provide you with a copy of your Permit Ready (PRADU) plans to save you substantial expense in obtaining your permits. If This is Your First-Ever Construction Project For those of you who are in the construction business, the many hoops you have to jump through will be familiar to you. While frustrating, annoying and frequently far too time-consuming, they will not faze you as you know what to do. As they say, this is not your first rodeo. However, what happens when you embark on building an ADU when the last time you built anything, Lego may have supplied all the materials?

PRADUs Come with Fewer Challenges

Challenges: Building an ADU

Challenges: Building a FUN PRADU Establish what level of funding you have available from loans and savings Ask FUN for the list of PRADU designs available

Establish what level of funding you have available from loans and savings Seek inspiration for a suitable design Find and hire an architect to create the design Attend several design meetings Find and hire an engineer to create drawings for approval Submit all the plans for approval and to obtain necessary permits Make any necessary amendments to plans (and pay for the amendments) Choose your final design Pay for all the above Submit site plans showing connection to services to get final permission to build Obtain a quote for construction and labor costs. This will involve numerous meetings to discuss materials to be used, such as external finish, internal wall finish, etc. This does not include bathroom and kitchen units, flooring, etc. Make numerous visits to multiple Home Depot-style stores to help choose final finishes and create a budget. Find a contractor After many, many months, decide if you can afford to proceed with construction.

N/A

Choose your design

N/A

N/A N/A

N/A

Submit site plans showing connection to services to get final permission to build Obtain quote from contractor and discuss if you can reduce the labor cost (if appropriate) by working with them. All FUN designs come with a BOM (bill of materials), which is basically a materials shopping list. Find a contractor Your BOM will also include kitchen and bathroom fixtures, flooring options, etc. Take this to Home Depot and ask them to price everything; it’s that simple After a couple of weeks, ask your contractor to commence work.

As you can see from the table above, opting to build a PRADU is so much less daunting, simpler, appreciably more cost-efficient, and much faster. There may be one question in the back of your mind, and that is whether the PRADU residential plans in the appendix are for traditional timber-frame ADUs or steel-frame ones. The simple answer is they are for timber-frame ADUs, but that is not a problem. Here at FUN, as we have mentioned, we have the software and AI technology to convert engineering drawings for a timber-frame unit into drawings for a steel-frame unit. These plans are used by the machinery for the production of the frame itself, and the plans are

completely engineered, saving you more costs. As an example, FUN has converted more than 400 Design Path Studios timber-frame PRADU designs to steel-frame designs that have already been accepted by 16 California jurisdictions: https://www.designpathstudio.com/. Scan the Flowcode below to begin your search.

800 sq ft 2 Bed 2 Bath Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

CHAPTER 4: WHY A STEEL FRAME IS BETTER THAN A TIMBER FRAME

For decades, if not centuries, timber (i.e., wood or lumber), along with bricks, blocks and stone, have been the traditional materials for building our homes. They are all tried and tested materials, and any builder worth their weight understands the benefits and disadvantages of each when it comes to property construction. Today, however, we have a new

option—steel. Or, to be more precise, cold-formed steel, (i.e., light gauge steel) used for framing. Of course, steel is not a new material when it comes to construction. If you wanted an example or two of steel structures that have stood the test of time, we can think of three you might know.

First, we have the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in the USA, which opened in 1936 and connects San Francisco with Marin County. Going back a few years, in 1890 the Forth Bridge (a railway

bridge) opened in Scotland. The bridge is approximately 2.5 km long and spans the Firth of Forth, creating a connection between Edinburgh and Fife, as well as shortening the route to Dundee and Aberdeen.

A year earlier, the Eiffel Tower opened for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World Fair) in Paris. It was initially meant to be a temporary structure, but would become a landmark forever associated with the capital city of France. Apart from being built of steel, what else do these three iconic

structures have in common? Yes, they are all still standing and will likely be around for another 100 years, which is how durable and suitable steel can be when it comes to construction. Now, having established the suitability and durability of steel as a construction material, this would be a good time to look at the type of steel used in ADUs from FrameUpNow. Here we are referring to cold-formed steel (CFS), also known as light-gauge steel, as opposed to the bridges’ steel cables, plates and girders manufactured through the Bessemer process, which involves red-hot molten steel! CFS is a construction material made by shaping sheet steel at room temperature, typically using processes like roll-forming or bending. Unlike hot-rolled steel, which is formed while heated, CFS is created by cold-working steel sheets. This method results in lightweight, high-strength structural components with precise dimensions, making it suitable for framing, roofing, and other building applications. The Advantages of CFS Over Timber There are so many advantages to CFS over timber for framing it is difficult to know where to begin. Speed of construction – The entire steel frame for an ADU can be put up in a matter of a few days. This is where it proves itself to be so much better than

timber framing, which can take several weeks. Compared to steel, wood or lumber substantially increases the labor cost of erecting an ADU frame. Accuracy of every piece of the frame – Because all the pieces of the frame are cut to the nearest millimeter, there are no mismeasurements or adjustments to be made, as is often the case with timber joinery. Steel frames eliminate the risk of costly human error! Every corner is exactly 90 degrees, so fitting of flooring, paneling, cabinets, countertops, drywalling, and so on requires no annoying and time-consuming adjustments. A steel frame for an ADU can be constructed by anyone who is competent at DIY, so you have the option of constructing the frame yourself, calling in a builder to do the work, or combining the two options. The same applies to the whole construction process. Steel-frame ADUs from FrameUpNow allow you to build at a pace to suit yourself. Steel frames do not suffer from getting wet, so you can buy the frame with no need to protect it against the elements while you save up for building materials. Steel lasts appreciably longer than timber, and all steel frames from FrameUpNow use G60 galvanised steel for added protection and a longer lifespan. “G60” means the steel has 0.60 oz/ft² of zinc coating (total, both sides). It offers moderate corrosion resistance, and its uses include metal framing of walls, trusses and floor joists. This equals approximately: 0.30 oz/ft² per side and is roughly 18 µm (microns) thick per side.

Steel is resistant to the destructive effects of termites and other wood-boring insects. Steel does not suffer from mold; does not warp when damp; and walls, trusses and beams always retain their original form. A steel-frame ADU is less expensive to insure, partly through being fire- resistant, but also it is not prone to becoming deformed in the unfortunate event of a burst pipe and subsequent internal flood, or external flood during a storm. Steel is more environmentally friendly for framing as there is no waste—every piece is manufactured and designed to minimize waste, and any steel offcuts are recycled. Steel frames can absorb shocks without fracturing, so steel frame ADUs are suitable for construction in earthquake-prone areas. All steel frames come with an International Building Code (IBC) engineered stamp. The IBC is a model building code used by careful jurisdictions to establish minimum requirements for the design and construction of homes and ADUs. IBC is a standard recognized worldwide. This means you will not need

to invest in a local engineer to certify your ADU plan is safe to build. You will only require a local engineer to certify that your foundations meet local code and will support the structure above it. From reduced cost to ease of construction, and durability to accuracy, as you can now see, there are so many advantages to using steel rather than timber for your ADU framing.

400 sq ft – Studio Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary

CHAPTER 5: FLOWCODES, ABBREVIATIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION TERMS USED IN THIS BOOK

Flowcodes Steel-frame houses are revolutionizing the affordable residential building landscape, and Flowcodes are revolutionizing QR code technology. In this book you will come across several Flowcodes, which are similar in purpose to QR codes but more descriptive, that will direct you to additional information. Simply scan the Flowcodes with your smartphone and your smartphone will display the additional information we want you to see. We use Flowcodes because they are more reliable than traditional QR codes and are more responsive (which is better for you), giving you faster, more reliable and direct connections.

Ab breviations and Terms For many of you, steel-frame properties may be a new concept, and with that comes new terminology. In addition, because steel-frame properties can be built by someone with competent do-it-yourself skills, there may well be a number of construction-related terms that you are also not familiar with. However, this book tries to use generally accepted construction terms that are recognized globally. For those of you who are simply not familiar with certain construction terms, this summary of terms and abbreviations used should prove to be very useful as you read further in this book. Abbreviations • ADU – Accessory dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit in general terms is a secondary form of residential accommodation either attached to a main residence or built on the same lot as the principal dwelling. ADUs are also referred to as “affordable housing” and “low-cost housing.” • CFS – Cold-formed steel. Cold-formed steel (CFS) structural skeletons are made from cold, structural-quality sheet steel that are formed into C- sections and other shapes by roll forming the steel through a series of dies. • DIY – Do It Yourself. DIY is a shorthand term used to describe various tasks associated with property maintenance and improvement. Someone who is good at DIY should be perfectly capable of building a steel-frame property. • IBC – International Building Code. This is a globally accepted standard that ensures that the quality, safety and sustainability elements of a construction project are strictly adhered to. • PRADU – Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit. This is no different than an ADU, other than it comes with construction plans which have already been approved. This means you will save a considerable amount of time and money that is associated with getting permission to construct an ADU without pre-approval.

Terms • Affordable housing – This is a term with a different meaning to cheap housing or cheap property. Affordable housing (also known as low-cost housing) is a property constructed using lower costs than traditional properties, consequently making them more affordable to purchasers. Certain affordable or low-cost housing developments are built specifically to make inroads into the housing crisis and to provide dwellings suitable for short- and medium-term rental. • Beams – A beam usually runs the whole length of the property and is in one section. A roof beam is a load-bearing length of wood or steel that is integral to the strength of the building. It supports the floor or roof above while adding strength and stability to the walls. Additionally, it supports joists, trusses and other roofing elements. • Foundations – Generally made of concrete, the foundations of a property are the ultra-stable platform on which the main structure of a property is built. Foundations are designed and constructed so that they do not move in any direction, at any time during the life of the property built on them. • Frame – The internal structure of a property which is attached to the foundations and to which the walls and roof are attached. Properties with a frame made from timber are referred to as timber-frame properties. • Joists – These are lengths of wood or steel that run perpendicular to and are supported by joists that run across open space. While beams support joists, joists support flooring laid on the joists, or ceilings attached underneath them. • Low-cost dwelling – An alternative term for affordable housing. • Residential property – Also referred to as a residential dwelling. The word “residential” is used to distinguish this type of property as specifically for living in. Other types include commercial property (e.g., shops, offices) and industrial property (e.g., factories, steelworks). • Skeleton – The internal structure of a property which is attached to the foundations and to which the walls and roof are attached. The structure of a steel-frame property is more commonly referred to as a skeleton and this term is specifically used for steel frames. • Trusses – Invariably triangular in shape, you will find trusses on the roof of a property that provide strength and stability. The stronger the truss, the heavier the material you can cover the roof in. A truss is a web-like roof design made of wood or steel that uses tension and compression to create strong, light components which can consequently span a long distance. The sides are in compression and the bottom is in tension to resist being

pulled apart. For CFS steel-frame properties from FrameUpNow, the roof trusses will arrive on site pre-assembled to considerably reduce construction time. • Wall panels – In terms of CFS wall panels for steel-frame properties, a wall panel is part of the external structure of the property on which the roof rests. On a standard oblong, single-story dwelling, you would have four wall panels. Similar to steel roof trusses, wall panels for FrameUpNow steel-frame properties arrive on site pre-assembled to substantially reduce construction time.

Carlsbad-Yoke-Contemporary 400 sq ft Studio Skeleton

CHAPTER 6: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADUS, PRADUS, AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

An ADU, in general terms is a secondary form of residential accommodation, either connected to an existing property or built on the same lot as a principal dwelling. Because the design of ADUs varies considerably, this is the perfect scenario for FrameUpNow’s CFS construction system, whether one of their pre-designed units or one which is made to order. In many countries, “affordable housing” refers to housing units owned by housing cooperatives and associations which, in turn, rent out these properties at an affordable rate. However, throughout this book, where we refer to affordable housing, we are simply referring to a housing unit that is affordable to build for private/personal occupation. FrameUpNow properties are described as “affordable” because the metal frames help to substantially reduce the speed and cost of construction. If you’ll excuse the pun, affordability is the foundation of CFS ADUs. However, flexibility of design is another major plus point. Bearing in mind these two major advantages, the following are 10 of the most common situations identified by FrameUpNow where this type of construction is perfectly suited. 1. A Growing Family. In the world of residential property, it is a frequently quoted “fact” that the three most important aspects of choosing a property are location, location and location! Having found the perfect site for your home, it seems unfair to have to leave because you have outgrown the space. Thanks to ADUs, you don’t have to. Not only is the cost of construction of, say, two additional bedrooms and a shower room more affordable with CFS steel-frame construction, but much of the cost will be covered by the savings in realtor’s fees if you had sold your home and bought a new one. 2. The Rising Cost of Property. For those who are looking to get on to the property ladder, or who want to move to a larger property, the cost can be prohibitive. However, where the lot or plot is large enough, many ADUs can be built on the grounds of an already existing building. This is often the case where children have left college and are in full-time employment, but who can only afford to rent. Why pay rent when the

cost of a loan to build an ADU next to your parents’ home will likely be so much less? 3. Multiple Family Units. In many societies, the family unit is what everyone lives for. Fifty years ago, in many Western societies it was rare for a family household to include grandparents and mature grandchildren who were already carving out their own careers. Today, not only can you commonly find three generations of adults under one roof, but you will often find great-grandchildren as well. Many traditional homes lack the space for multiple families, but the addition of one or two ADUs within the grounds of the existing home can solve all accommodation problems, whether these units are attached to the main property or are detached and self-contained. 4. Divorce. It is an unfortunate fact of life that after a divorce, there often comes a dramatic change in lifestyle, especially the home you live in. This period can be especially difficult for women with young children, if they are the principal caretaker. However, for both men and women, building an ADU on the grounds of your parents’ home can provide not just affordable accommodation of a good standard, but also a child support network next door! 5. Unemployment or a Change in Employment. Being made unemployed can cause a financial crisis, and if you have a substantial mortgage to pay your home could also be at risk. However, if you have owned your home long enough, you could sell it (while retaining sufficient land to build an ADU) and put the net proceeds after any mortgage has been paid off toward the cost of your ADU. The same can apply if you want to change careers but feel tied to your current job because you have a large mortgage to pay. Building and then living in an ADU for a few years could give you the financial freedom to pursue a whole new career. 6. Caring for Elderly Parents. One of the biggest challenges when caring for elderly parents is their desire to maintain their independence. In addition, they may have downsized earlier in life and their current home would be impractical for two families or a carer to live in. An ADU, whether an independent structure or attached to the principal dwelling, could be a complete game-changer. Building on a self-contained ADU

for a carer would let parents keep their independence, yet also have help on hand as needed. 7. Lack of Affordable Housing. Certain cities have such a shortage of building land and such high demand for property that for a first purchase, the cost of anything other than a broom closet is just too high. It’s not that grown children don’t want to leave home; they just can’t afford a place of their own. Depending on your own financial circumstances, you might be able to afford to construct an ADU for them to live in while they save money for the deposit on a place of their own. Alternatively they could perhaps afford a loan to build an ADU but would never have been able to afford the money for a plot of land as well. 8. Investment. If you live in an area with good rental demand, particularly in an area where the value of residential property is high, why not build an ADU on your own land? Many planning restrictions are being lifted owing to a lack of residential homes in large cities. Investing in an ADU could give you a good return on your investment, and the maintenance costs on a brand-new property would be negligible. 9. A DIY Home-build Project. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who decide to build their own home, and this can be put down to one very clear reason: YouTube. Yes, that may surprise you, but when it comes to building or maintaining your own home, there is a YouTube video (and often many of them) for every single aspect of property construction, from laying foundations to changing a light bulb. The greatest problem facing DIY homebuilders was the timber frame, which required exceptional carpentry skills. With that replaced by the simplicity of a FrameUpNow CFS steel frame, not only is it easier to build your own home, but it is now more affordable as well. 10. DIY Community Self-build Projects. Across the globe there are small pockets of five or six houses that have been built by a group of tradesmen who have shared their skills, in a form of bartering, to build a family home they would not have otherwise been able to afford. Put together a plumber and electrician, a carpenter, a drywaller, a construction specialist and a roofer, and you would be surprised by what can be achieved. With the introduction of CFS steel frames, these projects have been speeded up considerably, while costs have again been

lowered. Members of these community groups all still work full time, but then spend their evenings, weekends ,and holidays working on each other’s properties until they have all been completed.

As you have probably gathered, when it comes to the difference between an ADU and a PRADU, ultimately it is just two additional letters. When you look at the completed dwelling, there is absolutely no difference between an ADU and a PRADU. The only difference comes in the speed of the overall project as opting for PRADU construction plans will save you many wasted months and help reduce the overall cost of the project. As you can see, the opportunities for affordable steel-framed houses are endless, and these opportunities all share one common bond—making property ownership as flexible and affordable to as many people as possible.

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CHAPTER 7: HOW STEEL-FRAME ADUS AND PRADUS HAVE BECOME A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE ELDERLY

For many who enter their golden years, retaining independence is often seen as a benchmark for how good life is. However, with the rapid growth in house prices, many first-time buyers are having to turn to their parents for help getting a foothold on the property ladder. So the passing of time brings with it a whole new set of challenges to meet and hurdles to overcome. Thanks to FrameUpNow and FRAMECAD, steel-frame affordable housing provides multiple solutions, many not previously possible, if the plot or yard your current home occupies is large enough. Let us look at five of the most common situations faced by the elderly where an ADU, also known as affordable housing, would work well and avoid your having to relocate. 1. Becoming infirm – It is wrong to assume that once your health begins to deteriorate, the only option available is to move into a nursing or care home or assisted housing with help available 24/7. Why not build an ADU for a live-in carer? It could be a totally independent unit, or it could be attached to your home with a connecting door. Not only will you add value to your home, but you will save a fortune in assisted living fees. 2. Bringing your family closer to you – Of course, you could achieve two goals with one project. You might be struggling to look after yourself and your home. Perhaps it is now too big for you to maintain. Why not build an independent ADU? Then, if your adult child has a family and they already live nearby, they could move into the main house and look after you while you keep your independence in the smaller property. A good accountant will advise you, but where estate planning is concerned, you may choose to sell the main house to your son or daughter at a reduced price (to cover the cost of the ADU) or gift the property to them as part of your legacy. 3. Boost your pension fund – It could be that most of your wealth is tied up in your home. This is quite a common situation. You could consider building an affordable home on the plot and then renting out the main house to generate a monthly income. Alternatively, if you have modest savings, an affordable steel-frame home built within the boundary of your

property could be rented out to generate additional income. The property would become even more affordable to build, as you will only have to pay for the structure – you already own the land it will be built on! 4. Helping out your family financially – In many countries, the value of property has risen so much in the past 20 years that getting on the property ladder can be very difficult, if not impossible. Because the younger generation has so many options where work is concerned, many choose to live in a town or city a long way from home, sometimes even abroad. Local planning laws may allow you to build an independent ADU on the existing plot of your home, create an independent entrance, and then sell off the main home. The proceeds would comfortably pay for your ADU and allow you to help your children buy rather than rent. 5. Staying with your family – It may be tradition where you live that the family stays together under the same roof. That may have worked out well when it was you, your wife, and two children. Once those children marry and start their own families, it is likely space will become a premium. Then, when their children become teenagers and require their own bedrooms, you may then be forced to look at the costly option of moving to a larger property or they may have to consider living elsewhere. However, with the low cost of construction, you could easily expand the square footage of the existing property with steel-framed extensions to provide additional bedrooms and living space. If you work out the finances involved, you will find this is one of the most financially viable options. And what are the two things all of the above five scenarios have in common? First, each option adds capital value to the principal residence. This makes perfect sense if you have children you wish to leave a legacy to. Second, no relocation is needed. No changing towns, no saying goodbye to neighbours, no

massive upheaval at a time in life when you least need it. An ADU makes perfect sense in so many different ways. When a PRADU can be a godsend

Sometimes we have to be honest and look at all the circumstances where an elderly person may want to live in an ADU. In truth, perhaps for many, there isn’t a choice and worse still, there is a distinct sense of urgency about the situation.

What are we talking about? Situations where there has been a virtual overnight change in the health and wellbeing of an elderly person. This could be the result of a stroke, a heart attack, or even a fall, but the outcome is that person is no longer able to live totally independently, and they need a swift solution. However, there is also a thing called pride. Many elderly people are reluctant to give up their independence entirely, so they opt to build an ADU, either in the yard of one of their children’s homes where they can live or attached to their existing home where they could accommodate home help or live themselves while a son or daughter and their family live in the main dwelling. With a PRADU, you can save many months that would ordinarily be occupied getting plans drawn and permits issued. With the speed of construction of a steel-frame ADU, you could have the additional new accommodation completed in just a few months, and with so much less stress involved!

CHAPTER 8: HOW ADU AND PRADU DESIGNS MAKE CONSTRUCTION A FAMILY AFFAIR

In this book we have discussed the multiple benefits of building an ADU when you become less able to look after yourself but are still keen to retain your independence. All those options apply when you already own a property. However, there are numerous other scenarios where, as a homeowner, building an ADU or affordable housing unit on your property could still make a lot of sense if the property you own is on a sufficiently large plot. If you are wondering why ADUs or affordable housing can provide so many solutions to a myriad of challenges and problems, the answer, to a degree, lies in the description. Steel-frame homes have already carved themselves a niche in today’s property market, not just in the US, the UK, or Europe. Across the globe, they are providing a cost-effective solution to many of today’s housing problems. Now, if a property is affordable to build and that affordability includes the price of the lot or plot the property is built on, imagine just how much more affordable a steel-framed home would be when you already own the land! And it doesn’t stop there—with the introduction of PRADUs, the cost of that ADU just got a whole load more affordable, while the construction process got a whole load shorter! So what scenarios are we talking about here? 1. Helping your children gain independence – In many countries, the average age for children leaving home and buying their own property is now well over 30. The sole reason for this is the rising price of residential property in areas where there are good work opportunities. Many adult children looking to gain independence run the risk of falling into a common trap. If you can’t buy your own home and get on the property ladder, then your only option is to rent. However, with the rising value of residential property, rents have risen. Renting a property is now so costly, it can be impossible to also save for a down payment and buy a property later on. What is paid in rent just becomes lost money. As a parent, you have two options if you want to help out your children and support them in becoming independent. If your savings permit, you could build an ADU on your current property and let your son or daughter live there while they save for a place of their own. Alternately, you could downsize your own property and build an ADU in the grounds of your

new, smaller home. Once your child or children have saved enough to buy their own property, you can then rent out the ADU and boost your retirement fund! In the ideal scenario, once your son or daughter has become financially stable with a secure job, they could well decide to buy the ADU from you and get on the property ladder that way. 2. Children’s divorce – There is also the scenario where, unfortunately, an adult child gets divorced. One of the biggest challenges facing divorced couples is that one or both have to find somewhere else to live. If there are children involved, the mother often becomes the primary caregiver, meaning she will require more space. In a perfect world that would mean continuing to live in the family home, especially as it would then minimize disruption for young children who are faced with an emotionally challenging time. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. The problem is, life begins to look somewhat unfair when you realise that property values are such that the value of a three-bedroom family home is likely about twice the price of a one-bedroom apartment, which creates problems where the children are concerned. If, financially, the only option available is to sell the family home, then what can be done about finding new homes for both parties and the children? As an adult, returning home to live with your parents is seen as a last resort—having left home, returning tends to create a sense of failure. For the parent who will be the primary caregiver to the children, remaining in the family home may not be possible. They may not have the ability to take over the existing mortgage, even with financial aid from their ex-spouse. Similarly, even for the partner who is not the primary caregiver, providing financial support can make paying a hefty mortgage on a new property for themselves particularly challenging. However, ADUs could be a complete game changer for one if not both parties involved, especially if parents can help by providing space on the grounds of their own home to build an ADU.

ADUs are called affordable homes for exactly that reason. And when speed of construction is combined with affordability, they can be the perfect solution to housing problems following a marriage or relationship break-up. In this book, we have also discussed the options available to you as parents where it is the norm for families to stay and live together. The ADU provides an ideal, financially viable solution to expand your existing property, either with extensions or independent ADUs built on the main property. Where this solution also works well is that as you get older, you may find you don’t want all the hassles that come with maintaining a large property, so you could move into one of the ADUs you have built on the plot and let a family member move into the main house. ADUs allow the creation of multiple family- oriented scenarios that can provide great flexibility.

Stacked and prepared to deliver. This 1200 sq ft ADU will erect in 3 days It rained all 5 days this home was being erected. This 2200 sq ft under roof home has an attached ADU and Garage.

Wet weather has no impact on a metal skeleton.

CHAPTER 9: PRADUS AND ADUS – IDEAL FOR INVESTING

There are no hard and fast rules that say who should live in an affordable property, or why. Consequently, in this book we have looked to mention only the most likely scenarios where ADUs can provide a viable option for many of the residential hurdles encountered in life. To a degree, the adaptability and versatility of steel-frame ADUs make them the Swiss army knife of the domestic construction world. This section of the book will deal with one additional key area where affordable housing can play an important role, and that is as an investment. Investing in an affordable housing unit, an ADU Traditionally, property has always been seen as a solid long-term investment. The trouble today, for many, is that the cost of even the cheapest property puts it out of reach as an investment opportunity. Where steel-frame low-cost housing is concerned, while the cost of construction may be a lot less than traditional construction methods, that doesn’t mean the rental income will also be less than for a traditionally built equivalent. Ordinarily you might look for a 6-9% return on capital invested when setting the rent on a traditional property. If you can charge the same rent for a property that costs less to build, then it makes a steel-frame affordable home an even better prospect. One word perfectly sums up steel-frame homes through FrameUpNow, and that is “versatility.” Beyond the multiple designs we offer, an even greater investment opportunity is available to many homeowners, and that is the PRADU. With an ongoing homelessness crisis in many cities worldwide, there is huge demand for the most elementary forms of accommodation—a bed-sitting room with an integral kitchenette and a separate shower/toilet/bathroom. Whether grouped in pods or as a structure with multiple units, such low-rent affordable homes could not just generate regular income with high demand, but also contribute to a solution for the homeless problem. It should be noted that many homeless people are not unemployed, nor do they have mental health

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