How Much Does a YardPod Cost?

This is the single most asked question we get. Our website lists a finished YardPod in the greater San Francisco Bay Area at a starting price of $11,500 for an 8ft x 8ft unit and a starting price of $14,500 for a 10ft x 12ft YardPod, again in the Bay Area. Because most buyers upgrade their finishes, a typical 10ft x 12ft YardPod costs between $20,000 and $25,000 installed. This is approximately half the cost of a custom building constructed on site by a general contractor. YardPods are not only higher in quality and lower in cost, but also much faster to construct, taking days rather than weeks. And, unlike many competitors, a high level of insulation is standard in the floor, walls and roof. For people outside the Bay Area, for those who wish to build themselves, or have a friend or a contractor to help them, we also offer a “Do-It-Yourself” YardPod starting at $3,700 for an 8ft x 8ft unit and $5,430 for a 10ft x 12ft unit.
For more on pricing, visit: YardPods.com/pricing/

Exterior Finishes – Cedar
Our Showcase YardPod in San Rafael California has 3″ vertical cedar cladding on four sides. This is still my favorite exterior, but it is more expensive than many finishes in both material cost and labor, and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking bright and fresh. Cedar naturally weathers to a grey finish that can fit in well to a landscaped yard. However, weathering can be prevented by annual cleaning and re-coating with a (water-based,non-VOC please!) clear stain. When using a more expensive finish like cedar, costs can be saved by using it only on the sides that can be seen. For example, if the YardPod backs to a neighbors fence, it is probably best to finish that side with a material like Hardy Board which will need no maintenance other than painting every 3-5 years.
For more on exterior finishes, visit: yardpods.com/options/exterior-walls/

Tiny Homes
We are frequently asked if we offer larger YardPods with Kitchens and Bathrooms. The answer is “Yes,” we can do anything as a custom project. We are, however, also considering launching a standard range of “BackYard Cottages.” These would be designed for young people wanting a place at their parents house (without actually being in the house), for retired parents moving in with their children, and as studio rental units. We are considering two delivery methods; 1. Flat-packed panels which could be assembled in a couple of weeks, and 2. Delivering complete, finished units as modules which can be craned or rolled into place in a day. If this interests you, please contact me directly at md@yardpods.com. If you like reading about living in small spaces, I recommend a new book; “Tiny Homes Simple Shelter” by Lloyd Kahn which provides an entertaining and somewhat “quirky” look at small buildings, including YardPods (p89).
For more, visit: http://yardpods.wpengine.com/tiny-homes-simple-shelters-by-lloyd-kahn-shelter-publications-inc-2012/