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).
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