Modular Homes​

What’s an ADU (Modular) Home — and Why Are They So Important Right Now?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Modular Homes are self-contained homes that share a lot with an existing single-family house — but offer completely independent living. They come in many forms: backyard cottages, secondary suites, garden suites, or “granny flats.” Whether attached to a home, tucked into a basement, or standing alone as a modular build, ADUs are helping families and communities rethink how we use space.

With housing costs consuming 30% or more of the average household income, affordability is no longer just a challenge — it’s a crisis. But the good news? Cities and homeowners alike are starting to see ADUs as part of the solution.

At Mint, we believe modular ADUs are one of the fastest, smartest, and most flexible ways to add housing without the cost, stress, or delays of traditional construction. They’re built off-site in weeks, delivered turnkey, and designed to fit beautifully into existing neighborhoods — all while supporting multigenerational living, rental income, or more space to breathe.

Fixed build cost – we have inventory units available for the price listed and custom homes will be price-fixed once the final specs are determined. This means you can rest easy and know that there will not be any cost creep on your home build.

Move-in same day – our homes are only ever delivered fully built and appointed with full kitchens and baths. The day the unit is delivered and hooked up is the day someone moves in. This also means you are a good neighbour – no lengthy construction and disruption

Sized right – all of our homes fit the regulated square footage and height for ADUs which means you can easily choose the right home for you and your property.

Fully certified – we are a fully certified local BC builder and we take pride in building great quality into our homes. Our ADUs are built to BCBC (British Columbia Building Code). All our homes have complete drawing packages and are ready to be submitted to your city.

Pretty darn fast – we can build the home of your choice in 6-8 weeks! Not months. Weeks. We create all our quality homes in our Delta factory and shipping to all over BC is 1-2 days from completion.

What are ADUs and secondary suites?

The terms accessory dwelling unit and secondary suite are used in their ordinary meaning. An accessory dwelling unit or ADU is generally considered to mean a building, or part of a building, that:

(a) is a self-contained residential accommodation unit, and
(b) has cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities, and
(c) is secondary to a primary dwelling unit located on the same property

The Timing Is Perfect

The Benefits of Modular Homes

In recent years, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have gained significant attention as an innovative solution to the growing demand for affordable housing and flexible living spaces. Whether you are a homeowner, a property investor, or a professional in the real estate industry, understanding the benefits of ADUs is crucial. In this article, we will explore the various advantages of ADUs and shed light on the impact they can have on your family, finances, personal happiness, and even profitability.

Expanding Housing Options:
ADUs offer a unique opportunity to expand housing options without requiring extensive construction or acquiring additional land. By converting existing space, such as a basement, garage, or unused backyard, into a self-contained living unit, ADUs provide affordable housing alternatives for family members, and aging parents, or even as a rental income source.

Supplementing Income:
For homeowners, ADUs can be a significant source of supplemental income. Renting out an ADU allows you to leverage your property, effectively increasing its value and helping to offset mortgage payments or other expenses. This additional income can provide financial stability and contribute to long-term wealth creation.

The Timing Is Perfect
ADU – Jason

Planning for getting an ADU

Applying for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the USA and Canada typically involves a multi-step process that varies depending on the city or jurisdiction where the ADU will be located. Here are general steps you might need to follow:

  • Check local regulations:  Review the zoning and building codes in your specific city or municipality to determine if tiny homes are allowed as ADUs. Some areas have specific size requirements, foundation types, or other regulations that might affect the eligibility of a tiny home as an ADU.
  • Consult with local authorities: Reach out to your local planning or building department to discuss your plans for the tiny home ADU and clarify any specific requirements or permits needed. They can provide you with information on what is allowed and any necessary steps to take.
  • Obtain permits: Apply for the necessary permits from your local building department. This typically includes building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, etc. The permitting process may vary depending on whether the tiny home is on wheels (like a trailer) or permanently fixed on a foundation.
  • Foundation or trailer requirements: If your tiny home is on wheels, you may need to comply with additional requirements, such as those for recreational vehicles (RVs). If your tiny home will be on a foundation, you will need to ensure it meets local building codes for permanent structures.
  • Utilities and connections: Determine how the tiny home will be connected to utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity. Ensure that all connections meet local utility requirements and codes.

Modular Homes FAQ'S

1. What is a modular home?

A modular home is built in a factory setting and transported in sections to the building site, where it is assembled and placed on a permanent foundation.

2. How does a modular home differ from a traditional stick-built home?

Modular homes are built off-site in a controlled environment, which can lead to shorter construction times and lower costs compared to traditional homes built entirely on-site.

3. Are modular homes cheaper than traditional homes?

Most often Yes. While costs can vary, modular homes can sometimes be more cost-effective due to efficiencies in the construction process. However, factors like customization, location, and site preparation can influence overall costs.

4. Can modular homes be customized?

Yes, modular homes may be customized in terms of floor plans, finishes, and features. Mint offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.

5. What are the financing options for modular homes?

Financing for modular homes is similar to that of traditional homes, including options such as mortgages. It’s important to work with a mortgage broker familiar with modular construction to ensure a smooth financing process.

6. What are the quality standards for modular homes?

Modular homes are built to meet BC building codes and standards as traditional homes. Mint adheres to stringent quality control processes in our factory. 

7. How long does it take to build and install a modular home?

Construction time for a modular home can be shorter compared to a traditional build, typically ranging from 8-12 weeks depending on the complexity and size of the home.

8. What are the transportation and installation logistics for a modular home?

Our homes are transported in sections (modules) to the site using specialized trucks. On-site, a crane is usually used to lift the modules into place onto a prepared foundation.

CONTACT US