How long does the whole SHAPE process take from first call to move-in?

For most ADUs, the build phase from permit to move-in is 2–4 months. Design and permitting typically add 1–4 months before that, so total from first call to move-in is usually 4–8 months. That's roughly half the timeline of a conventional Bay Area ADU.

Who pulls the permit, me or SHAPE?

SHAPE does. We prepare the full submittal package, file with your city, respond to plan-check corrections, and coordinate inspections. SHAPE is the licensed contractor on the permit. You sign any owner authorization the city asks for, and we handle the rest.

When do I pay, and how is the contract structured?

We work on a fixed-price contract signed before construction. Payments are tied to milestones, design, permit submittal, factory production, site work, set, and final completion. No allowances and no open-ended billing.

Can I make changes after we've started?

Yes, with limits. Design changes are easiest before permit submittal. After factory production starts, structural and layout changes get expensive fast, by then, the modules are being framed. Finish-level changes stay flexible longer.

What's included in the fixed price?

Architecture, engineering, permits, factory build, transport, crane set, foundation, utility tie-ins on a typical lot, and standard interior and exterior finishes. The only exceptions priced separately are exceptional site conditions (major grading, retaining walls, septic upgrades, long utility runs) and finish upgrades you choose, both quoted before you sign.

Do I need to move out during construction?

No. The whole point of modular is that the disruption on your property is days, not months. Most of the build happens in our facility. On-site, you'll see foundation work, then a one-day crane set, then finishing, usually a few weeks total of active site activity.

What warranty comes with a SHAPE home?

One-year workmanship warranty from SHAPE, plus full manufacturer pass-through warranties on every system and appliance, typically 5 to 25 years depending on the component.

What if my lot has unusual conditions, slope, trees, septic?

We handle them upfront. The feasibility phase includes a site walk, geotech review when needed, and an arborist consult on protected trees. Anything unusual gets priced into the fixed contract before you commit, not discovered mid-build.

How we work

A smarter path from idea to move-in.

Five clear stages. One team. No surprises. Here's how we deliver custom homes faster, with predictable cost and uncompromising quality.

Discover

We start with a free consultation to understand your site, your goals, and your budget. You leave with a clear sense of what's possible.

Design

Our architects translate your vision into a tailored design, from massing and materials down to the smallest interior detail.

Permit

We manage every drawing, submittal and revision. You get one point of contact through the entire approvals process.

Build

Modules are precision-built in our facility while site work happens in parallel, cutting months off a traditional build.

Install

Your home is delivered, set, and finished on site. You move in to a fully complete, warrantied home.

Frequently asked

How long does the whole SHAPE process take from first call to move-in?: For most ADUs, the build phase from permit to move-in is 2–4 months. Design and permitting typically add 1–4 months before that, so total from first call to move-in is usually 4–8 months. That's roughly half the timeline of a conventional Bay Area ADU.
Who pulls the permit, me or SHAPE?: SHAPE does. We prepare the full submittal package, file with your city, respond to plan-check corrections, and coordinate inspections. SHAPE is the licensed contractor on the permit. You sign any owner authorization the city asks for, and we handle the rest.
When do I pay, and how is the contract structured?: We work on a fixed-price contract signed before construction. Payments are tied to milestones, design, permit submittal, factory production, site work, set, and final completion. No allowances and no open-ended billing.
Can I make changes after we've started?: Yes, with limits. Design changes are easiest before permit submittal. After factory production starts, structural and layout changes get expensive fast, by then, the modules are being framed. Finish-level changes stay flexible longer.
What's included in the fixed price?: Architecture, engineering, permits, factory build, transport, crane set, foundation, utility tie-ins on a typical lot, and standard interior and exterior finishes. The only exceptions priced separately are exceptional site conditions (major grading, retaining walls, septic upgrades, long utility runs) and finish upgrades you choose, both quoted before you sign.
Do I need to move out during construction?: No. The whole point of modular is that the disruption on your property is days, not months. Most of the build happens in our facility. On-site, you'll see foundation work, then a one-day crane set, then finishing, usually a few weeks total of active site activity.
What warranty comes with a SHAPE home?: One-year workmanship warranty from SHAPE, plus full manufacturer pass-through warranties on every system and appliance, typically 5 to 25 years depending on the component.
What if my lot has unusual conditions, slope, trees, septic?: We handle them upfront. The feasibility phase includes a site walk, geotech review when needed, and an arborist consult on protected trees. Anything unusual gets priced into the fixed contract before you commit, not discovered mid-build.