Interview with Studio Shed Founder Jeremy Nova

What makes Studio Shed's prefabs different?

"We're aiming at disrupting the traditional home improvement category, removing the pain and expenses associated with home additions and expansions. With Studio Shed, the construction happens outside the home with no need to take down walls or impact current home spaces and takes just weeks instead of months, adding value and square footage to a property without the hassle.

As the ADU space continues to evolve, we're providing end-to-end design, manufacturing, and installation of ADUs with the popular Summit Series designs providing prefab, turnkey solutions, and fully customizable designs. Delivered flat-packaged as a kit and installed DIY or through the company’s network of certified installers, models are going from online customization to home delivery in 6-8 weeks. We'll soon announce another level of interactive customization and interior looks as well.

We recently introduced a dynamic, 3D online design configurator on our website that empowers customers to design a Studio Shed to fit their needs. This allows tremendous customization with millions of combinations of sizes, door and window placements and colors. As part of the online configurator, we also launched a new, location-based tool to identify and manage necessary permits and shipping costs and find available certified installers in a customer’s area.

Every model is constructed from a variety of green building materials. The dimensional lumber used to build our buildings is FSC-certified and one hundred percent of the unused metal in the fabrication of the windows is recycled. We use a variety of high-quality, environmentally-friendly materials to create spaces that are both comfortable and healthy.

Each structure is engineered to create an absolute minimum of waste. There are no dumpsters on Studio Shed sites. On-site shed construction waste usually fills a single a large garbage can. The preconfigured designs and efficient factory-built panels lead to lower waste."

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How do you think about the future of prefab?

"I think that prefab architecture will continue to grow and become an important and more mainstream part of residential construction. There are clear advantages to factory production of housing components or modules, but also some key limitations.

We are refining what we consider “hybrid prefab” where we do much of the fabrication in a controlled factory environment, and marry that to an efficient process for work that is more typically done in the field. The reality is that every site is different and field work will always be a key component of residential construction. By focusing on streamlined prefab manufacturing as well as efficient labor processes for field work, we hope to realize the benefits of both systems where each has advantages."

What are some common misunderstandings about prefab, and how should people think about them instead?

"One common misconception in the prefab planning phase is to assume that prefab architecture is only complete modules requiring a crane or complicated logistics to get on-site. We specialize in “2D prefab” where individual components can be hand carried into small backyards or otherwise difficult to access spaces. There is a wide variety of “prefab” styles and companies, and there is often a fit for any project. Further, it’s also a mistake to assume that there is not any customization. While there is a “menu” of sorts to choose from, there is often enough flexibility in the design process for a homeowner to have significant design input in the process.

Another misconception we see a lot is that people believe prefab architecture removes the need for a lot of on-site work. While it is true that prefab architecture is faster and more efficient (typically) than traditional construction, it’s important to remember that items like foundation, utilities, etc… can be a lengthy process with numerous moving pieces."

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What should customers expect from Studio Shed?

"At Studio Shed we specialize in small single room studios (120-180SFQT) and also larger accessory dwelling units with integrated kitchens/bathrooms (300-1000SQFT). Our cost per SQFT varies widely by product line but a typical all-in cost for a small single room space is $200-300/SQFT. Larger more complicated structures may be $300-350/SQFT."‍‍

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Studio Shed is a leading provider of ADUs and prefab structures that have the potential to transform the way people live, work and play. They ship from their shop in Colorado to anywhere in the USA and parts of Canada. Get in touch with their team at 888-900-3933 or email answers@studioshed.com, or you can even build your dream studio in their Design Center at www.studio-shed.com.

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