Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nova Cottage Co. do?
We create a low-cost, rapidly-deployable, safe, beautiful, and permanent house by merging innovative construction methods with sustainable technology. We then guide our partners through every step of the build process.
What makes Nova Cottage Co. different?
Unlike most modular or prefabricated house companies, we include utilities (power, water, and sewage treatment) within our Cottage design. Additionally, the Cozy Cottage is optimized for fast permitting approvals. We find efficiencies throughout the entire housing process, not just in the construction.
Who can live in Nova Cozy Cottages™?
Our Cozy Cottage is a comfortable space for a single occupant, but it can house up to two people. Possible residents include families affected by the Eaton or Palisades fires, previously unhoused adults, seniors, college students, low-income individuals, or young adults aging out of foster care.
Is Nova Cottage Co. the right partner for me?
We partner with churches, colleges, developers, and investors in California who want to build housing for their friends and neighbors. We’d love to partner with vision-oriented people who have land, financing, or expertise.
How much do the cottages cost?
A single Cozy Cottage Studio permitted as an Accessory Dwelling Unit costs $125,000 to $175,000 including pre-engineering, materials, installation labor, foundation, and placeholders for utilities and permitting fees. Pre-existing utility connections and easy site access will move costs toward the lower end of the range. Additionally, building a grouping of homes in a Nova Cottage Community would also ensure that costs per home on the lower end of the range. Costing for our newer one-bedroom design is underway.
What is the size of a Nova Cottage Community?
Communities can range from 4 to 100 interconnected homes. Groupings of 8 to 10 are spatially convenient for piping runs and central courtyards.
Why does Nova provide small floorplans?
Nova Cottage Co.’s mission is to house as many people as possible in safe and permanent homes. In order to achieve that, our designs are highly livable but limited in customization and size. In engineering terms, we believe Nova Cottages are the Minimum Viable Product for lifelong comfort.
How customizable are your floorplans?
Nova Cottage Co. supports a catalog of two designs: a Studio of 270 sf (25sm) and a 1-Bedroom of 450sf (42sm). In order to deliver homes at an affordable price, we limit customization to exterior cladding and paint colors. Talk to us about minor customizations and subtractions.
Is your Cottage permitted?
Yes, our Studio is considered Factory Built Housing and is permitted in multiple Californian jurisdictions. Both of our designs are permanent houses on permanent foundations.
Can the Cottages be moved?
The Nova Cottage is permitted as a permanent house with a permanent foundation. However, if the use case is temporary, the ground screw foundation is excavation-free and can be removed at the end of a project with limited effect on the underlying site.