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e benefits of factory-built housing are speed and quality of construction. "You simply can't build on site with the precision you can in a factory," Brammer notes. e downside with factory-built housing has been a lack of customization, but as Jantz says, "Most of the customization, even in the finest homes, takes place after the framing is complete." With those two things in mind, Brammer and Jantz developed a construction technique that combines prefabricated wall panels with the highest degree of craftmanship and finish. e foundation is poured as usual, but once ready, the panels are delivered on a flatbed truck with windows and wiring already installed. A crane positions the panels and roof, which are secured not unlike large-scale Lego pieces. e truck arrives at 7am and the entire structure is generally complete by 2pm. "Nobody likes construction, and building on site can be brutal," says Brammer. "We've worked to eliminate some of the major headaches, which includes doing most of the construction in our factory." Once the framing is in place and the inspection performed, the interior and exterior of the building are completed just as if the frame had gone up in a traditional manner. is is essential in that ADUs and guest houses are growing in appeal not just as rental properties, which is what Brammer and Jantz initially assumed. Instead, they have found that clients in Rancho Santa Fe and the surrounding areas are building additional dwelling units for aging parents or children just starting out. e number of multigenerational households continues to rise, and with family involved, many people want to equal or even surpass the quality found in the main house. Brammer is quick to point out that HOAs can still make things difficult and require homeowners to build in the same architectural style as existing homes, but in the end, they cannot stop it. Notably, the use of prefabricated construction isn't confined strictly to granny flats and guest houses. Factory-built modular designs are being used for apartment buildings up to 22 stories. Proteus Homes is now using the method for second story additions, and working to expand from there. proteus.homes OPPOSITE Guest houses gained newfound popularity in January 2020, when state laws went into effect reducing the costs and burdens of developing accessory dwelling units LEFT Proteus Homes' construction technique combines prefabricated wall panels with the highest degree of craftmanship and finish. The foundation is poured as usual, and once ready, a crane positions the panels and roof TOP RIGHT Proteus Homes Co-Founders Luca Brammer and Ryan Jantz BOTTOM RIGHT The benefits of factory-built housing are speed and quality of construction. "You simply can't build on site with the precision you can in a factory," Brammer notes @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE MARCH 2024 71