Below is a list of things that need to be in place for us to deliver a foundation-based house onto your site. We suggest working with a general contractor to oversee the various disciplines necessary for prepping your foundation and site. Costs will vary widely depending upon your location, availability of contractors, and remoteness within New Mexico.

• Permitting: if you’re purchasing a foundation-based house, it will need to be permitted like a traditionally built home. LivLab Studios will give you the documentation that you or your contractor will need to include with your drawing set. Our drawings will already be approved through New Mexico State’s Construction Industries, but your project will also need to be approved by the municipality or county where your property is located.

  • Permitting Fees: There will be some fees involved with permitting, possibly including impact fees. Typically under $2000.

• Foundation: for main house, pods, and any decks/patios. Typcially between $5,000 & $10,000. Adding multiple modules adds some cost, but probably won’t double the price.

• Electrical: providing power to your property at the building location. This can be eliminated if a solar system is added, though your home loan may be affected by this.

• Water: providing the water supply to the property at the house location. This can be either with city/county water supply, well, or via cistern and hauled water.

• Septic/Sewage: urban sites usually connect to the city sewer while rural sites often need a septic system dug. Septic systems take up a fair amount of space on a site so it’s good to plan for locating these. Outhouses are also a budget conscious option for rural sites. Likely $5,000 to $10,000.

• Driveway: typically the city or county will have requirements for fire equipment access in case of emergency, as well as making sure that a house can be delivered to your site. The driveway will need to be finished before we deliver the house.