LA architect needed small home. He got turnkey custom prefab
Fred Fisher and Jennie Prebor’s teen boys had outgrown the family’s two-bedroom LA home. Instead of adding space to their charmingly compact mid-century modern home, the couple dropped a prefab in their backyard to serve as the boys’ bedrooms.
[Watch our first video with Cover, from right when the company was starting with its vision: • LA startup offers cust... ]
Fisher, an architect, had heard good things about the CNC-cut, modular homes of Cover and he liked that they used a flat-pack system, so there was no need for a crane or trimming an old oak tree to place the home. Instead, Cover’s panels snap together in a couple of days, and the entire house - including plumbing, electric, bathroom, and built-in furniture - is complete within two months. With panels that can be rearranged like LEGOS, the system can be tailored to fit any property.
The couple chose a black cladding for the unit to match their original home. With floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors in each bedroom, the space allows for independent living for the teens, while feeling open and connected to the nature around it.
Since the prefab was cut by CNC machines, the tolerances can be tight and afford details like automated floor-to-ceiling blinds and light switches, and electrical sockets that are flush with the walls.
buildcover.com/
On *faircompanies: faircompanies....
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I live in this neighborhood. These modest homes all sell for considerably over 1.5 million, depending on the lot. They also come with a lot of restrictions as to adding on to the main homes or building up. Glad to see they are allowing ADUs in the neighborhood. Honestly, given rent rates in Los Angeles, the teens are likely to be living at home for a while after college too. It wouldn't be a stretch to put in mini fridges where the desks are or install murphy beds to make the rooms more multi-functional.
@cn9630
Жыл бұрын
Here, in NC, we have been inundated with transplants from NY, as well as an invasion from the southern border... Those from NY raised this once incredibly depressed states housing costs to insane levels (bringing not only their money from big bang NY housing sales eith them,... but also, bringing their politics to this BIBLE BELT STATE... THEN---- Now taking up all of the affordable housing (where the other half lives (or LIVED), is the illegal aliens!!! Now, a 1950 dilapidated mobile home rents for $1500 a month. Folks here just don't make that kind of money. And, After the plandemic, so very many have lost jobs (as many small businesses were cornered into folding), and lost their housing. Rents have suddenly tripled EVERYWHERE... With Biden's gas gouging, food prices, and housing all putting us all in ruin. We have had to contemplate converting a box truck... And my husband made incredible money PRE-COVID❗️ My being a pancreatic patient, I can't work, and now,... we are living 3hrs from his job at a Wilmington college (6hrs roundtrip-daily)... And wonder... WILL NC NOW SOON ALSO LOOK LIKE LOS ANGELES? WILL ALL OF OUR NATION LOOK LIKE LOS ANGELES? IT IS SLOWLY BECOMING OUR REALITY, AS WELL AS SO MANY HARDWORKING FOLKS THAT WE HAVE KNOWN FOR EONS... FOLKS THAT HAVE, as we had, LIVED EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE LIVES PRE-COVID... LORD THY GOD,... AS WE AWAIT YOUR RETURN,... WE DO SO BEG THEE FOR COMFORT (as YOU are THE COMFORTER), AND FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS HAND UPON THIS PROBLEM: TO END THOSE WHOM ARE TEARING [SO VICIOUSLY] AT THE FABRIC OF THIS NATION, AND ARE WICKED AGAINST OUR PEOPLES. FOR WE ARE YOUR LOVING & FAITHFUL SERVANTS,... AND WE ARE BEING ABUSED BY THOSE TRAITORS IN THIS CURRENT GOVERNMENT❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️ WE ASK, A HAND OF YOUR AMAZING MERCY UPON ALL SUFFERING NEEDLESSLY, THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN DOING. LIFTING YOUR HEDGE OF PROTECTION AROUND THEM,... UNTIL YOUR RETURN. WE SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR YOUR RIGHTEOUS STATUTES,... AND WE DO SO VERY MUCH LOVE YOU, DEAREST FATHER... AS WE PRAISE YOU, ALSO DESIRING YOUR WILL BE DONE... IN YESHUA'S MOST PRECIOUS AND ALMIGHTY NAME,... AMEN
@georgekrpan3181
Жыл бұрын
Without revealing the location of the home, could you tell us what neighborhood this is?
@sharonadlam3195
Жыл бұрын
@@georgekrpan3181 The owner was talking about the original development being designed by Quincy Jones so a quick Google on his name and Los Angeles would probably give you a reasonably accurate location. 😊😊
@georgekrpan3181
Жыл бұрын
@@sharonadlam3195 Thanks!
@swaghili
Жыл бұрын
@@georgekrpan3181 Considering a view of the ocean and DTLA in the distance this guy talks like he lives in Santa Monica.
This looks like a very well though out prefab house design, despite being build out of panels it looks very clean cut you almost can't even tell it's a prefab, great job!
@jamesjross
Жыл бұрын
It looks like shit
@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer
Жыл бұрын
Oh, I think it looks like a prefab and that groovy. It is the 2020 version of MCM.
@aleksandra4653
7 ай бұрын
Agree. It feels luxurious and airy!
Excellent modular home by Cover, they also would have liked the input from Fred Fisher. Love how it nestles into the existing space, thank you Kirsten for a great video.
Those kids are never leaving home 🙂
@Ghostmanriding
Жыл бұрын
When a shack house in the neighborhood is $2,000,000 plus, no kid ever will.
@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer
Жыл бұрын
Only if that's a possibility.
@sylvia_golightly
Жыл бұрын
6:15 yeah he looks thrilled.
@CoCo-yv3hl
Жыл бұрын
Not a bad idea this day in age even with a degree & money management skills with the cost of living. I wouldn’t have kids unless I can provide them a home for their adult life… things aren’t cheap like when I was in college & im only 35. My college apartment was $425 2006-2010. Now you can expect $1000 for a room - $1700.
@maggot1234
Жыл бұрын
@@sylvia_golightly was thinking the same, looks aboslutely decimated :D
This is the first one of these adu things in which I would actually want to live! Wow clear/frosted window combos and white walll panels and sockets! Amazing shower details and moulded sanitaryware! beautiful
@aleksandra4653
7 ай бұрын
I agree. I could live there if it had a kitchen.
Big props to the parents to instill such trust and strong relationships with the children. And to the sons in having the maturity of self reliance
The man of this house has a good narrator voice.
I just came across this. Absolutely love the design and the black exterior material. It's luxury architecture packed in a tight space. Well done Kirsten!
It’s like a transitional house for teens. I needed one of those! My bedroom was right across from my parents 😱
@pollenhead
Жыл бұрын
OH SNAP. I thought you had passed away.
@P.E.A.C.H_P.I.T
Жыл бұрын
“Some stay dry and others feel the pain.” 🍫 🌧️
@mosimosi630
Жыл бұрын
@@Jessica-kk1czI think he said the kids are in College so if that’s the case they can live out there if not then they will be doing drugs back there 😂
@sm3675
Жыл бұрын
@Jessica I agree. Better suited for aging parents or in-laws.
@sm3675
Жыл бұрын
@@Jessica-kk1cz .
It is interesting because the courtyard and the screens as well as the overall design reminds me of the traditional Japanese house and then of course the Bauhaus in the monochrome and steel components. It seems an excellent way to give more space (tiny though) to the two children. I like the concept.
I'm disappointed that they only serve LA for the foreseeable future. I'd be very interested in using this. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the company.
@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer
Жыл бұрын
I haven't looked into it, but I'm guessin they can't be the only company in the country.
@cn9630
Жыл бұрын
Shipping these units/panels surely wouldn't be terribly difficult. Just needing trained LEGO guys to place them!
@Sweetlyfe
Жыл бұрын
They are using SIP’s (structurally insulated panels) so I’m sure you could find someone doing near you.
@SoCalFreelance
Жыл бұрын
Probably engineered for the LA climate. Cold environment models would require better insulation, the exposed seams would probably need to be redesigned or eliminated, triple pane windows, etc.
I have a feeling this prefab is very expensive per square foot, but I suppose when you can afford a house that costs several times the U.S. national average home price, it's a drop in the bucket. I love the finishes with the white walls, light wood, and big windows, but everything being bespoke and integrated is going to make future repairs and upgrades expensive and more difficult than typical.
@unamor
Жыл бұрын
You are absolutely right regarding the $/sqft.
@nicoftime1534
Жыл бұрын
200-300 $/sqft
@unamor
Жыл бұрын
@@nicoftime1534 Yup, and very restrictive when it comes to terrain: if you can't get a crane to your plot, you can't build with them. And -in all fairness- that's pretty much the same case with most prefabs across the board.
@briankuhl9314
Жыл бұрын
Ya, but that's democratic. In the sense that you need options for all income levels, including established urban professionals. If it's a good option for him at his time of life that adds value to property of his type in a "sustainable" way, (they didn't plow down the house and build one twice as big.) Other people do other type of ADUs at different price points.
@johnnylara
Жыл бұрын
@@nicoftime1534 I feel like that’s what it cost for a non prefab addition ? I could be over estimated
8:48 A beautiful Yağcı Bedir carpet. I got mine in Turkey couple years ago and I love it ♥️♥️♥️
I love the comment Fred made about not wanting to feel like they were in the wilderness. Not much chance of that in L.A., lol!
It is on the Westside but not on the coast. And that area does not typically get real LA heat. The zip is 90049 which is one of the most expensive zips in the country, not just California. And if you Google the architect he mentions at the beginning you can find the neighborhood of these mid-mod homes.
I see a touch of Arthur Erickson style in the design. I like this. I like that it is modular too. For colder climates, you can have several separate units like this one, connected by a covered bridge that has either glass panels or part glass, part solid wall. This would make a unique design.
This was a WOW video. Extremely interesting.
I really, really like this ADU and how it come together! ❤️👍I can get with this, modify with living room and kitchen area.
You could easily make this a 1 bd adu with the other room being a integrated kitchen/living/dining.
I’ve been following Cover for a little while now. Super intriguing company. Looking forward to seeing them expand their installation locations.
200k and 2 months for 400sqft of an unserviceable house? and this is supposed to be affordable and less wasteful than stick frame? these people live in their own world
@danpan001
Жыл бұрын
I was wondering why it takes 2 months to assemble?
@Onyx-Rose150
3 ай бұрын
@@danpan001 I might be wrong, but I think he means manufacturing and assembly. So from the time the machines start assembling the 1st panel to setup being finished on the lot.
I like the idea of getting a lot, putting a small place on it and then just landscaping the rest.
Love it. Scandinavian inspired really. Wondering what the climate range is. I live here but just how far out of this California weather can it go I wonder.
California recently made it easier to get building permits for second or in-law units. I do wish they had included the cost in this video.
Always a good time on this channel
I was thinking 'those teens are gonna want more privacy than that' and then a minute later to answer my concern they showed the well-thought-out shades dropping from the ceiling. It's a nice ADU! And I liked seeing the people walking around the neighborhood, and the mountain biker cruising downhill on their way from the nearby trailhead.
@kristinab1078
Жыл бұрын
Americans seem to insist on more privacy and more space for teens. As though sharing a room will somehow damage them psychologically. In many countries two same-sex children often share a room.This used tp be the case in the US as well. I shared with a sister, and we managed just fine and perhaps we are closer for it as adults. Plus, teens need supervision and coming and going as they wish can often lead to problems.
Great thinking and bringing these ideas into living space plans !!
This has become my favorite prefab house :) Going to check Cover now.
In keeping with the post war construction idea the modular system has a modernized Lustron house vibe.
Love this concept. The boys must love their space. Great idea. Well insulated, I'm assuming.
Would have loved to do a tour of the main house as well. I think they could have made it a bit bigger to add a kitchen, there was still room on the property to do that, that way when kids have moved out, it could be rented out for airbnb for income options and a place the boys could grow into if they chose to live at home longer as adults.
@ravent3016
Жыл бұрын
You could convert one bedroom to a dining/kitchen area.
@aleksandra4653
7 ай бұрын
I agree. Though sometimes less is more. I think in this case it seems they wanted something very specific. And they got it.
That's super nice, floor to ceiling windows makes it feel extremely open.
I hope you do more videos featuring prefab homes. This design is great, especially the 2 house concept. Prefabs have really come a long way, and new companies are sprouting up worldwide. I've been keeping up with what's going on gor a few years now and I went from curiosity to wanting a prefab!
Love your Cover build. The exterior looks wonderful. I'm going to install one at the bottom of the garden. In the UK, idiot's are paying silly money for "Garden Rooms" that are essentially sheds. At least you can have guests stay in a Cover prefab.
@aleksandra4653
7 ай бұрын
You should have Kirsten do a video of yours too when you build it. Sounds wonderful!
Spend 40K per year per kid to live on campus…or build an ADU that they can live in…and will become a guest bedroom/Airbnb later. The place buys itself. Brilliant. (Plus, if you have a 529b you can use that money for room and board to pay for this tax free.)
The landowner continually mentions IN THIS CLIMATE. I'm extremely curious as to how well insulated these panels actually are. Are they like an RV, or, created for ALL-SEASONS❓
@ChristopherBuchananLA
Жыл бұрын
They are very well insulated (note the white insulation on the panels) which makes them efficient in terms of heating and cooling. The insulation also keeps the unit very quiet!
Very nice and they must be very happy with their new living space!
What was the cost with installation? How much square footage? Is there a website for the company? Thanks ahead for any answers 🙏
@marylbullock
Жыл бұрын
400 sq ft.
Nothing says home like keeping your toiletries in a bag and putting them back in to your backpack when you're done
@PDogB
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps for a quick escape to the wilderness?
@wildlifegardenssydney7492
Жыл бұрын
I thought perhaps they were packing to go somewhere. I sure hope it wasn’t for mum to do son’s washing.
Hey, it works for the purpose and adapts to needs. The light industrial feel fits with the original house.
That is Le Corbusier's machine for living. Great job!
I used to bike up that road. Too many single family homes in LA, not enough multi-family. Upzone. Upzone. Upzone. For the planet and for people.
@danpan001
Жыл бұрын
Not in California. Liberals hate affordable housing
Simply put, I LUV IT!!!
What a BEAUTIFUL "Garconniere" !!!
I can see the wisdom outlined in Christopher Alexander’s “A Pattern Language’ in this property
Thanks again for another segment of pure entertainment.
The wisdom of simplicity. The luxury of efficiency. I remember reading a comment.. years ago... to paraphrase... It is now beyond argument, that in the future all homes ,except those of the very wealthy, will be mostly mass produced in factories. Forget " cookie-cutter"... think cutting-edge modern. Somewhere along the way people were programed into accepting the insanity that bigger is better... it's time to remember.. less is more. Smaller spaces.. fewer rooms but more outdoor living area.. yes... even in colder climates this makes sense..More quality..less quantity.
The boy looks soooo excited….😂
Great Interview. Very Articulate.
8:50 These rugs work really well on the wood floor 9:02 Slips on a rug on the wood floor xD
It's like an artist buying prints on-line to brighten up their home.
I like it but if that is $200,000 like I saw someone say in the comments that seems like way way way way too much. Some of the original goals with making prefab was to reduce the cost and simplify construction. It should be able to be mass-produced for a fraction of the cost of regular stick-built houses.
@WestShoreMan
Жыл бұрын
As a contractor in LA this is a cost effective solution to gain living space. Ive also craned in Airstreams or vintage campers to use as guest quarters or artist studios.
@danpan001
Жыл бұрын
@@WestShoreManIs it legal to rent out an airstream in the backyard? Does the City of L.A. allow you to hook up water and sewer to a camper?
Wow wonderful and amazing
I'm wondering about fire safety of these units - meaning from the outside if there would be a fire come through the neighborhood, I wonder if the building materials of these units is any more fire-retardent or anything. Also wonder if there is any or much off-gassing in the interior with these materials. They look great!
Hi Kirsten, thank you for the new video. Hope all is well with you guys. I’m not sure if I missed it, did he mention the cost? Thanks
"currently serving the los angeles area" I hope they bring this to more areas. This looks great
This looks like the new house my parents bought in 1959..the most natural feeling house they owned
Just needs a kitchen space
I really would have liked to know how much the whole project cost. Whereas the advantages of this prefab approach are obvious, the per sq ft cost is generally HIGHER, not lower, than a conventional stick project, which makes it unattainable for the majority of homeowners in the US. I am still waiting for a startup to emerge that will offer this kind of solution at a price below stick, which would transform the whole thing from an experiment for affluent homeowners (this house is probably worth $1.5M) into an actual revolution in construction technology capable of alleviating the terrible housing supply problem we have been experiencing in this country for years.
I love everything about it, but, as a retired Electrician I am bothered by the lack of accessibility for service to the receptacles and switches. How does one go about servicing a bad receptacle?
@blueman5924
Жыл бұрын
great point. not to BC🇨🇦code for sure.
@SmartMass
Жыл бұрын
It's difficult to tell if these are the flush mounted outlet covers or not, but the ones I've seen installed have magnetic covers you just use a small suction cup to remove to service.
@murraywagnon1841
Жыл бұрын
@@SmartMass I've worked with those. These don't look like that.
No price on the builder's website either.
Floor to ceiling windows might be easier to build but eveything inside will be viewable at night when artificial lighting is on. Also, I didn't notice any screen doors, which would make these tiny rooms more livable in Los Angeles' mild climate.
Is it me or does the owner of the house remind you of Sean Connery.. Nice house and nice neighborhood..
Isn't there any safety concerns since the house is open and beside the road?
I like the house a lot , but I love, love the gravel yard 🙂👍
that is better than needing to rent an expensive crane
all that black paint is super hot in the Summer though, like the style and simplicity though
Awesome crunchy-bougie-ass LA pad.
"the rugs work great on the floors..." immediately slips
I would have added a small kitchen so it was self contained. When the boys leave it could then be used by elderly parents and guests with kids.
I need the same home in Mar Azul, Buenos Aires, Argentina. I love it. Its amazing. Good job
always love the California style houses / ranch houses.. almost like the cliff may ones.. but wouldn't stand in FL.. hurricanes would destroy it.
How do they handle heating, cooling and ventilation?
I d love to be able to also experience the Cover Build radiant climatization ❤, specially during polluted days we have here in São Paulo.
How would this prefab/ Lego home do in say... mid central Ontario where there is extremes of temp and moisture.
Lovely structure. Wondered what it’s dimensions are and the cost?
@acdnintheusa
Жыл бұрын
I believe Cover’s system is incredible flexible. They’ve designed their system to be very malleable.
I love de idea, I love the simplicity, I love the materials, I love everything in this solution. Looks amazing.
Very smart choice in that it fits in with the aesthetic of the main house which is a midcentury modern. I'm wondering what the durability is of the home and if it could withstand major storms and strong winds. Because I like the concept and look of the home very much but I wonder how it would fare in say the Caribbean or Florida during hurricane season. Also wondering what the cost is if one wanted to build say a one or two bedroom home.
@cn9630
Жыл бұрын
EXACTLY I just also asked about insulation and if it is ALL-SEASON. I live in COASTAL NORTH CACALACKY (North Carolina)... And after being hit by 7 hurricanes in a row, IN ONE YEAR,... with 1 swinging back to nail us yet again,... I HAVE SEEN WHAT POORLY-MADE STRUCTURES LOOK LIKE, POST STORM!!! With housing costs/building costs today... Lol... WHATEVER I PURCHASE IS GOING TO HAVE AT LEAST A 110MPH STAND!!!!!!
Since the price wasn’t mentioned and they don’t seem to have pricing on their site, I’m guessing these are cost prohibitive. Likely starting over $130k or more. And throw in expensive LA permitting and you’re looking at $$$. Just a guess here.
@brandonlee4175
Жыл бұрын
Probably had to spend a decent amount of $ providing water/sewer service also
@sam-collects
Жыл бұрын
Everything on this channel is cost prohibitive. Building and real estate in the US is now something only for the wealthy, older demographic group
@deborahdanhauer8525
Жыл бұрын
@@sam-collects Not true, you don’t have to be wealthy, but you do have to be creative. I know nothing about LA or California, but you can still afford a home in Nashville despite housing doubling in the last few years. You have to consider neighborhoods and fixers that you wouldn’t ordinarily look at. Get SOMETHING, rehab as best as you can, sell it and go to a better neighborhood. Rinse and repeat until you have what you want. It takes longer and it’s a lot of hard work. But it’s still possible in many places in the US if you’re willing to live somewhere besides LA or New York.
@kerrsydotes
Жыл бұрын
Thank you. Prolly why no mention of it in vid
@aceyage
5 ай бұрын
@@sam-collects Not to mention that it actually makes more sense to build multi-story buildings and the sustainability of these glorified shipping containers.
I noticed what looked like an air return vent in one of the panels so this doesn't seem to be a ductless system. Does the HVAC system come with the design? Are the air ducts built into the panels?
@FlorentineChristian
Жыл бұрын
Yes, they are built into the panels.
almost want a tour of their main house
Mid Century modern is my favorite design aesthetic. Doesn't work quite so well in Phoenix AZ where I live. For most of the year the last thing you want in Phoenix is "the outside coming in". I think they've done really well with this ADU. Such a pity the awful McMansion across the street from it can't be torn down and replaced with anoter MCM in keeping with the aesthetic of the neighborhood.
Nice, but it would be nice to know what their cost were, and time frame.
@marylbullock
Жыл бұрын
They said two months to build.
Looks good to me .. beautiful
I love the black color of the exterior. But doesn't that heat the house during summer?
Very nice. Question: what kind of foundation was used on this project?
@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer
Жыл бұрын
Looks like concrete to me.
@blueman5924
Жыл бұрын
answer @12:30 sequence. structural floor panels
In traditional African "homes", it's more of a homestead with separate buildings all serving different purposes ie cooking, sleeping, storing.
Your son seems super happy haha, kids these days
Just went to the website. 1 bdrm structure including installation, permits/engineering, site work etc = $355,000.
@danpan001
Жыл бұрын
How big is one bedroom?
Excellent addition to the property. the Germans have been building factory homes like this for many years. No overhangs on the roof…could be a problem in summer, making it very hot!
Should have been a bit bigger with a livingroom/kitchenette
The neighborhood looks straight up from gta
For those interested, I read that his company charged $200,000 for a 400 square foot model in 2021. I'm not sure if that includes any sewage or plumbing that goes to the property or the permitting fees required by the city. It is still a relative bargain for this neighborhood. To add to 400 square feet to their existing home would have cost more in this area.
Nice build
I like it but I prefer a roof overhang to provide shade instead of closing up.
This was so nice of the parents to build their kids their own little place on site. My boomer parents kicked me out at 17 with nothing and told me to pay my own way even though they got their house paid for by their own parents and had free education paid for by the government when they were teens.
The architect is from California ! What about sliding doors to save space?
Current Zestimate for this house = $1,893,400. But is actually inexpensive for the neighbourhood. His near neighbours' houses are valued at $4-$6M.
@danpan001
Жыл бұрын
How big is the house?
black house in 110 degree LA summer sun is like black car in 110 degree LA summer sun
@wildlifegardenssydney7492
Жыл бұрын
Architects and designers are mad keen on black here too. Lately has been between 35 and 40 (104F) degrees for two weeks here in Autumn in Sydney. You could fry an egg on the house. Without wide eaves and a jungle like house cover it is way too hot. I do note the roof here is white (heat mitigation). Is the glass special? What about ventilation to open the house to cooling breezes?
So what was the 'off the rack' cost of this place straight out of the factory, ie without plumbing and electric connection?