Rebuild better,
faster.
Plant Prefab’s 270,000-square foot automated factory in Tejon Ranch, CA utilizes best-in-class manufacturing equipment and skilled labor to produce custom-made panelized and modular components more time- and cost-efficiently and sustainably than traditional construction.
Our Mission & Responsibility
Plant Prefab has served victims of wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, Malibu, and beyond, helping families rebuild their homes with greater fire resiliency and sustainability.
As the only high-capacity, automated prefabrication facility in Southern California, and with the ability to produce 1-2,000 homes a year, we are ready and able to support rebuild efforts. Helping our friends and neighbors return to their communities as quickly as possible reflects our mission and is our responsibility as a certified B Corp and Public Benefit Corporation.
We are experts in fire-resilient, sustainable design and construction.
From smart site planning and fire-resistant materials, to a tight building envelope that keeps embers out, the details matter. We are experts in fire-resilient and sustainable design and construction, and our patented Plant Building System™ helps us construct extremely durable, high-performance homes.
We build your design, and our scope is flexible.
You work with the architect of your choice to design your home. Some clients match the footprint of their previous home for expedited permitting, while others take the opportunity to design something entirely new. Either way, we collaborate closely with your architect and fabricate your design to your specifications.
We are extremely efficient.
Our full-time staff, professional supply chain management, and state-of-the-art automated production facility is not constrained by your area’s local labor pool or building season. Our services compliment the services provided by local general contractors and other service providers to help you rebuild faster.
Building Professionals
If you're an architect, general contractor, or developer with ideas about how we can work together to serve wildfire victims, please contact us to share your input.
Let’s rebuild together
If you lost your home, we extend our deepest sympathies. We understand how profoundly challenging it can be to rebuild and we are committed to helping you return to your community as quickly as possible. We are actively coordinating programs and partnerships to expedite the process:
Project Design
Our award-winning Plant Design Studio is now accepting new projects and we are giving priority to wildfire victims. To get started, complete a Feasibility Request indicating that you would like to work the the Plant Design Studio. Please note that you will need to complete this new Feasibility Request even if you have submitted a contact form in the past.
Standard LivingHome Designs
We have brought back our standard LivingHome designs as a way for clients to fast-track their rebuild. To get started, peruse our Marketplace of designs. Then, complete Feasibility Request indicating which LivingHome you are interested in. We'll assess if your chosen design will work on your lot and provide some rough cost estimates. Please note that you will need to complete this new Feasibility Request even if you have submitted a contact form in the past.
Architect Partnerships
In addition to our existing LivingHome designs, are working with several architects to create additional designs specifically for the lot and zoning requirements and aesthetic preferences of the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas. If you know of an architect we should work with to develop a LivingHome design, please let us know!
Free Feasibility Studies
We are waiving our $500 Feasibility Study fee for wildfire victims. If you are interested in building with Plant Prefab, simply complete a Feasibility Request. We'll conduct an initial analysis of your lot to see if it will allow for the staging and setting of prefabricated components, and prepare some rough cost estimates based on your site and what you'd like to build. Then, you can decide if you'd like to proceed. Please note that you will need to complete this new Feasibility Request even if you have submitted a contact form in the past.
Here’s how it works.
Land & Feasibility
Land
We can install a prefabricated home almost anywhere you could construct a site-built home: from a flat lot, to a sloping hillside, if a foundation can be engineered, it’s viable for a prefabricated home. The consideration for us is the accessibility of your property for delivery and installation. This is assessed during the feasibility analysis.
Note: Be sure to follow your city’s requirements for rebuilding after wildfire. This typically includes debris removal and getting your property surveyed and soil tested. We also suggest contacting your local building department to retrieve all past permits associated with your property. These documents will provide you with the exact layout and details of your former home, which will be used to determine what you may be permitted to re-build.
Feasibility
We will work with your general contractor to evaluate your lot, and the route from our factory to your lot, to make sure it’s feasible to deliver and install prefabricated components. Things like low bridges, overhanging trees or power lines, narrow roads, and severe curves or slopes will determine how Plant can support your project. We'll give you a full report of our findings and discuss our recommendations.
Time: 2 weeks
Design & Engineering
Design
If you already have designs, we’ll review them and help your architect with any changes that might be needed to facilitate prefabrication at Plant Prefab. We’ll also review the design for fire resilience, and suggest ways to minimize risk. Ideally, we connect with your architect before your plans have been engineered, as the requirements for prefabrication vary from those for site-built projects.
If you don’t yet have designs, you’ll work with your architect (or we can introduce you to a recommended architect) to develop your floorplans and elevation. We’ll advise your architect on the technical requirements for prefabricated construction, and recommend the most fire-resilient, cost-effective, and healthy options for finishes, fixtures, and other materials.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
If you’re personalizing a LivingHome design, the design process is quick and easy. Every LivingHome offers a variety of finishes, appliances, and other options for you to choose from, researched and selected by Plant Prefab for their durability and energy efficiency. You’ll simply choose the options that match your style and budget.
Time: 4 - 6 weeks
Engineering & Permitting
Engineering and permitting for prefabricated components are governed by state authorities. Engineering and permitting for the foundation and site work is governed by local authorities.
Your architect will manage this process. If you're using a LivingHome design, Plant Prefab will manage this process.
Time: Varies by jurisdiction
Financing
If you are still navigating your insurance claim, we can work with you and your insurance company to find the right financing solution for your project. Most Plant Prefab clients obtain a construction loan to finance the production of their project: either a construction-to-permanent loan (also known as a "rollover" loan) that starts as a basic construction loan and converts to a mortgage after the end of construction, or a construction-only loan that’s replaced by a mortgage once a certificate of occupancy is issued. In either case, the lender disburses payments to Plant Prefab as construction progresses. These loans are typically issued for 65% - 70% of the expected appraised value of the home, or 80% - 100% of the construction cost. The specifics of your loan will be based on how much of your project can be covered by your insurance payment.
Fabrication & Site Work
Fabrication
Your home is built in our indoor facility by our highly-skilled, full-time tradespeople, following precisely engineered plans. Our rigorous quality control program ensures superior craftsmanship, and our uncompromising environmental health and sustainability standards minimize toxins and waste. We welcome you to visit your home as it’s being built!
Construction of your home in our factory happens simultaneously with your site work, shaving months off your rebuilding timeline.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Site Work and Foundation
Plant Prefab does not perform site work, but we can help you by recommending general contractors and advising you on how to select one. Your general contractor will manage all the site preparation, like grading and construction of the foundation. We coordinate closely with your general contractor from start to finish.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Installation to Move-In
Delivery & Installation
Your general contractor will select a transportation company and schedule delivery of the home modules. They’ll secure any necessary transportation permits (for things like police escorts, road closures, or parking), and truck the modules from Plant Prefab’s factory to your property.
Then for the fun part! Installation is when the modules and other prefabricated components that comprise your home are assembled on-site. A crane is used to lift the modules off the truck and lower them onto the prepared foundation, where they are bolted together. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, some homes are fully assembled in a matter of hours. (Really.) It’s cool to watch, and you’re invited to spectate!
Time: 1 - 2 days for modular components; longer for panelized
Finish Work
Once your home is assembled, your general contractor will connect the water, sewer, electric, and appliances, and apply the finishing touches (like exterior siding where the modules were connected). Since most modules ship 90% complete, with drywall, paint, millwork, tile work, and even the appliances already in place, on-site finish work is generally minimal. Landscaping is also typically done at this time.
Time: 6 - 12 weeks
Move-In
The city will perform the final inspection to ensure that the structural and utility connections were done correctly and then issue your certificate of occupancy. You’re officially home!
Land
We can install a prefabricated home almost anywhere you could construct a site-built home: from a flat lot, to a sloping hillside, if a foundation can be engineered, it’s viable for a prefabricated home. The consideration for us is the accessibility of your property for delivery and installation. This is assessed during the feasibility analysis.
Note: Be sure to follow your city’s requirements for rebuilding after wildfire. This typically includes debris removal and getting your property surveyed and soil tested. We also suggest contacting your local building department to retrieve all past permits associated with your property. These documents will provide you with the exact layout and details of your former home, which will be used to determine what you may be permitted to re-build.
Feasibility
We will work with your general contractor to evaluate your lot, and the route from our factory to your lot, to make sure it’s feasible to deliver and install prefabricated components. Things like low bridges, overhanging trees or power lines, narrow roads, and severe curves or slopes will determine how Plant can support your project. We'll give you a full report of our findings and discuss our recommendations.
Time: 2 weeks
Request Feasibility>Design
If you already have designs, we’ll review them and help your architect with any changes that might be needed to facilitate prefabrication at Plant Prefab. We’ll also review the design for fire resilience, and suggest ways to minimize risk. Ideally, we connect with your architect before your plans have been engineered, as the requirements for prefabrication vary from those for site-built projects.
If you don’t yet have designs, you’ll work with your architect (or we can introduce you to a recommended architect) to develop your floorplans and elevation. We’ll advise your architect on the technical requirements for prefabricated construction, and recommend the most fire-resilient, cost-effective, and healthy options for finishes, fixtures, and other materials.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
If you’re personalizing a LivingHome design, the design process is quick and easy. Every LivingHome offers a variety of finishes, appliances, and other options for you to choose from, researched and selected by Plant Prefab for their durability and energy efficiency. You’ll simply choose the options that match your style and budget.
Time: 4 - 6 weeks
Engineering & Permitting
Engineering and permitting for prefabricated components are governed by state authorities. Engineering and permitting for the foundation and site work is governed by local authorities.
Your architect will manage this process. If you're using a LivingHome design, Plant Prefab will manage this process.
Time: Varies by jurisdiction
Financing
If you are still navigating your insurance claim, we can work with you and your insurance company to find the right financing solution for your project. Most Plant Prefab clients obtain a construction loan to finance the production of their project: either a construction-to-permanent loan (also known as a "rollover" loan) that starts as a basic construction loan and converts to a mortgage after the end of construction, or a construction-only loan that’s replaced by a mortgage once a certificate of occupancy is issued. In either case, the lender disburses payments to Plant Prefab as construction progresses. These loans are typically issued for 65% - 70% of the expected appraised value of the home, or 80% - 100% of the construction cost. The specifics of your loan will be based on how much of your project can be covered by your insurance payment.
Fabrication
Your home is built in our indoor facility by our highly-skilled, full-time tradespeople, following precisely engineered plans. Our rigorous quality control program ensures superior craftsmanship, and our uncompromising environmental health and sustainability standards minimize toxins and waste. We welcome you to visit your home as it’s being built!
Construction of your home in our factory happens simultaneously with your site work, shaving months off your rebuilding timeline.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Site Work and Foundation
Plant Prefab does not perform site work, but we can help you by recommending general contractors and advising you on how to select one. Your general contractor will manage all the site preparation, like grading and construction of the foundation. We coordinate closely with your general contractor from start to finish.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Delivery & Installation
Your general contractor will select a transportation company and schedule delivery of the home modules. They’ll secure any necessary transportation permits (for things like police escorts, road closures, or parking), and truck the modules from Plant Prefab’s factory to your property.
Then for the fun part! Installation is when the modules and other prefabricated components that comprise your home are assembled on-site. A crane is used to lift the modules off the truck and lower them onto the prepared foundation, where they are bolted together. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, some homes are fully assembled in a matter of hours. (Really.) It’s cool to watch, and you’re invited to spectate!
Time: 1 - 2 days for modular components; longer for panelized
Finish Work
Once your home is assembled, your general contractor will connect the water, sewer, electric, and appliances, and apply the finishing touches (like exterior siding where the modules were connected). Since most modules ship 90% complete, with drywall, paint, millwork, tile work, and even the appliances already in place, on-site finish work is generally minimal. Landscaping is also typically done at this time.
Time: 6 - 12 weeks
Move-In
The city will perform the final inspection to ensure that the structural and utility connections were done correctly and then issue your certificate of occupancy. You’re officially home!