Building Community: Empowering people around the construction of Small-Scale Housing for a Sustainable Tucson

Hello, Neighbor! We've all made it through the holidays, and this year in particular feels like something new is on the horizon...like change is imminent. I'm not sure about you, but it feels like my "New Year's resolutions" need to have a bit more teeth. Whatever goals I set now won't flutter away as the year goes on but rather set the tone for what life looks like this time next year.

I see evidence of that in all facets of my life and community. Therefore, this seems like just the right time to revisit what it means when we recite our mission:

We Empower People Through Construction 

To empower our community, we quite literally mean that we want to equip you all with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of building permitting and construction.

We want to make sure that you feel you have all the necessary resources to make informed decisions for your future. We want to help you build confidence so you know that every dollar you spend is being used efficiently and contributing to adding value to your projects.

 

This month's message is about ensuring that you know what you are paying for when you are selecting the process and type of building for your backyard project. Urban Infill Project sells pre-permitted house plans that can be used for backyard ADUs...AND - we are a resource page for you. We've added a few new things to our website with this in mind. We will continue to build upon the following things, so please bookmark our page and start there when you have building, permitting, or construction questions! And please reach out if you have suggestions for resources that would help you so that we can continue to improve.

 

First, our RESOURCE page links you to information in the different jurisdictions to save you time finding what you need on the City or County web pages. As part of these resources, we've compiled a list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS to help you decide if building an ADU is right for you.

 

Second, we added a button for you to SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION on our homepage so that even if you aren't building one of our buildings, you have direct access to our expertise. We want your construction experience to go smoothly. You can also use that process if you have a property that you need an in-depth zoning interpretation of, ensuring you know what you are allowed to build - or not. We can help you identify all the opportunities your property has to offer.

 

Third, we've added a REFERRAL NETWORK to our page with lenders, builders, subcontractors, and various other trusted industry participants. These are all local businesses that we have worked with over the years - we know them, we trust them, and we work with them regularly.

 

Last, we've added a PORTFOLIO page where we showcase built ADUs. It's difficult for us to take new customers on tours of other ADUs so this way, you can see what others have done and get a sense of what the buildings can look like when they are completed.

Know what you are buying

Construction costs are high and have not come down much since we were affected by Covid. There are new projections that the cost of building materials may rise again, particularly wood. To combat rising housing costs, many companies are turning to innovative construction technology like prefabrication and kit construction that claim to deliver homes faster and cheaper. Plus, smaller, more efficient homes like tiny homes are gaining popularity, offering a more affordable and sustainable path to homeownership

There are currently many options available for ready-made Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), including those from well-known retailers and companies specializing in prefabricated structures. While these options seem appealing, it's important to be aware of potential hidden costs and complexities. You'll want to be sure to understand exactly what you are paying for - most often these products do not come with any permitting support and you will be left to navigate city zoning and building code requirements that many of these products don't meet the specifics of.

An off-the-shelf ADU may seem like a bargain, but the initial price often only covers the basic shell structure - not including any interior finishes, no foundation, and may not meet local envelope requirements. In Arizona, you'll need to engage a drafter or architect to create supplemental plans that meet state and local building codes. For factory-built homes, this could include permitting the unit through the state before obtaining local permits. This adds significant design, permitting, and impact fees to the overall cost. At the end of that process, you may find you are spending the same or more than if you'd engaged with a local designer and created a custom-designed and site-built home.

Shipping containers are another popular option, but they also require professional design services and present many layers of difficulty when permitting in the City of Tucson and Pima County. While advertised as a complete kit that can easily be dropped into your backyard, they are challenging to have reviewed and approved. Ensuring they are detailed properly to avoid condensation issues in our extreme heat may not be a level of detail the company is willing to address - it is important to ask many questions to align your understanding with what they are selling. You'll want to get specific answers with verification that what they are delivering is what they promise and that it meets all of your needs.

Other companies offer to manage the ADU construction process for you, a turnkey process that promises to take all the headaches off your plate. This business model adds an extra and unnecessary layer of cost and you will want to understand this person's background to ensure they have specific knowledge of the construction industry. Engaging a qualified contractor with experience in ADU construction is a more efficient and cost-effective approach. Experienced and licensed builders can manage the construction process in alignment with your goals, eliminating the need for an additional project management layer. If the project complexities call for it, an architect can be hired to manage Construction Administration and will act as the liaison between a homeowner and builder. Architects and builders are trained specifically to do this efficiently and effectively.

The best material and construction method for your ADU depend on your individual needs and budget. Options range from traditional stick-built construction to off-site or factory-constructed components or modules to alternative materials like hemp blocks or Adobe. A builder, designer, or architect can help you weigh the options and choose a material or construction process that best meets your project goals, budget, and overall sustainability goals.

To help you navigate the process, our new referral network of experienced ADU contractors is available on our website. They can provide guidance on design, permitting, and construction, ensuring your ADU project meets all requirements and aligns with your vision. We have also added the option to hire us for one-time consultations so we can answer specific questions about your project and help you make the best decisions.

Calls to Action:

Investing in your well-being is an investment in your community. Here are a few ideas that can help create an intentional impact as you evolve over the coming year:

• Practice mindfulness and escape on a walk along the river path or one of the many hikes surrounding Tucson. Let nature guide your reflections for the year ahead. Listen to your breath as you walk, or bring along some inspiring music to keep you company as you wander. Smile at passers-by.

• Replace chatter with positive input by feeding your mind with more uplifting content. Limit news and endless phone scrolling - fold in more audiobooks, inspiring movies, or conversations with friends. Silence can be a good option too.

• Buy a new outfit from a thrift store, or visit a building thrift store. Explore the world of recycled items - New isn't always better.

• Journal question: What feeling do you want more of this year? What types of experiences bring you JOY? What would you need to adjust in your schedule to do more of that??