These terms of service outline the general policies and practices of Housable, Inc. and its online platform. The aim for Housable is to provide useful, accurate and dependable information and services to homeowners, contractors, architects and other real estate professionals who seek to develop housing projects. The terms set forth here are necessary for Housable to provide its platform to users, thus users of the platform must agree to these terms.
The Housable Platform
Housable is a platform that provides online products, tools and services for homeowners to prepare their ADU projects for construction. It is important that users of the platform are informed that Housable strives to remain objective in the construction process. To this end, our sole source of revenue is derived from permit-ready designs and drafting services for pre-construction. The Housable ADU Marketplace is provided simply as a value-add for users to expedite the process to get feedback and cost estimates for their projects from contractors. Housable does not make advertising or referral income from the ADU Marketplace so that users of the platform can be assured that Housable's interests are well aligned with the interests of our users.
Confidentiality on Housable
Housable does not share user information with third parties. This includes data shared directly on the platform, or other communication channels such as email, phone, or direct message. The platform does provide users with the option to connect with contractors and to share project information via email but such services are only used at the discretion of the user. Users of the platform agree to maintain mutual confidentiality of such services. We will not share your information provided with third parties or publically without your prior consent and you mutually agree to do the same with information, findings and materials provided to you by Housable services.
Housable Products
Each of the free and paid products offered directly by Housable are listed below. Orders for "ADU Designs", “ADU Permit Sets” and “Drafting Add-ons” make up the entirety of the platform’s revenue. The terms by which Housable delivers and provides these services are outlined here.
| Standard Projects | Non-Standard Projects | |
|---|---|---|
| Specifications | ||
| Squarefootage | 1,000 sq. ft. or less | More than 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Height | 16 feet or less (1 story) | Over 16 feet (2 stories, includes "lofts") |
| Bedrooms | 2 bedrooms or less | 3+ bedrooms |
| Bathrooms | 1 bathroom | 2+ bathroom |
| ADU Type | Detached new build, convert existing permitted space | Attached new build, convert unpermitted space |
| Additions | Adds less than 151 sq. ft. or any height to an existing non-conforming space | Adds over 150 sq. ft. or height to an existing non-conforming space |
| Units | 1 unit | 2+ units |
| Pricing & Delivery | ||
| Delivery Time* | 10-20 business days | 20-30 business days |
| Permit Approval** | Approval guarantee | Limited guarantee |
| Structural Engineering** | Included | Add-on fee |
| Pricing*** | TBD, fixed price based on project scope | TBD, estimated based on project scope |
* Delivery times are estimated based on past projects and standard drafting processes which are subject to change.
** All Standard Projects receive our permit guarantee which means that we back our services with full support for each project until the standard project reaches approval. Our team will work with you and the city to reach approval for your project as we do for all Standard Projects, but due to the complexity of Non-Standard Projects, we are not able to predict approval timeline or aspects of the project which may require revisions by the city to reach approval. For these reasons, we are unable to provide the same permit guarantee that we do for Standard Projects.
*** Total price for a Standard Project includes structural engineering fees. Base price for a Non-Standard Project does not include structural engineering fees. Structural engineering fees for Non-Standard Projects are billed as add-on fees.
Scope of Work Updates and Change Orders
The quote provided may be subject to change if the project's factors are altered during the course of the project. Any changes in the scope of work will be assessed, and the project quote may be adjusted accordingly. Turnaround timelines will vary based on the scope of work, project stage, and nature of the changes.
Unauthorized Use
Housable reports, designs and tools are provided for the specific users and properties for which they are ordered. This information should not be distributed beyond the recipient they were intended for unless using sharing features within the platform. Unauthorized use, copying, distribution or emulation for purposes is a violation of these terms.
Ownership of Documents
Unless specifically provided by an addendum to this contract, all reports, calculations, estimates, and other documents prepared by Housable shall remain the property of the platform. The drawings and specifications from Housable shall be used solely for the construction of the project for which they are intended. Any sharing outside the platform without prior written authorization from Housable is prohibited.
No Third-Party Beneficiaries
This Agreement and all related obligations and services are intended for the sole benefit of the user and Housable and are not intended to create any third-party rights or benefits except as expressly set forth herein.
Invoices & Payment Methods
Invoices for services rendered by the platform will be delivered via email and payments will be charged to the payment method associated with the user account for the project according to the terms specified in the Offered "Fees & Payments" table of the "ADU Permit Set Order Terms" and a quote provided for the project. In the event that a payment method is declined, all services will be halted until any outstanding balance is resolved. All payments will be processed via credit or debit card and an active, valid payment method is required at all times. Accounts with two or more ongoing projects may be approved on a case-by-case basis for alternate payment methods (check or ACH).
Progress Payments
Progress payments are required during the duration of the project as outlined in the project's quote, upon performing the work outlined. The last 30% payment for the permit approval milestone, if included in the quote, may be split into 2/3 and 1/3 progress payments, after our team has responded to comments and it is assured that no significant barriers or uncertainties about the approval of the project remain. In event of project termination, suspension, abandonment, change of scope, or change order Housable shall be compensated for the services performed up to this point.
Reimbursable Fees
Payment of third-party professional fees, city permitting fees, and other reimbursable fees is required before completing the submittal or obtaining the documents from third parties. We may cover small reimbursable fees to avoid slowdowns in the permitting process on a case-by-case basis. Reimbursable fees invoices are due on delivery.
Payment of Refunds
Refunds will be offered under limited circumstances, which are outlined by the "No risk, money back guarantee" extended to customers to ensure a property's eligibility for ADU development. Other than in the case of a property being not eligible for ADU development of any type, refunds will not be offered for services rendered and delivered by Housable to users.
Contractor Licensing & Insurance
The user agrees that all on-site work being performed during pre-construction and construction of this project will be performed by either a.) the rightful owner of the property or their legally authorized agent and or b.) a contractor who is properly licensed and insured.
Limitation of Liability
The aggregate liability of the platform will not exceed the original contracted fee for professional negligence, acts, errors, omissions or other acts giving rise to liability based upon contract, tort, or statute and user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the from and against all liabilities in excess of the monetary limit established above. “The parties have considered the risks involved and have specifically negotiated this provision”.
Unpermitted Work
User agrees that all unpermitted work existing on the property has been disclosed in the “Project Checklist” and that any which has not been previously disclosed will be outside of the scope of these services. If such work is discovered, Housable maintains the right to halt the services until the unpermitted work is removed or legally permitted and that under such circumstances all fees agreed to will remain valid and that no refunds or discounts will be offered by Housable.
Third Party Websites
The Housable platform may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by housable.com. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party websites or services. We will, however, try to make it as clear as possible whenever you are leaving any of our domains to a third-party party website. We are also committed to ensuring that all third-party resources we refer to are of the highest standard of quality for all who use our service.
Use of External APIs
Housable incorporates the use of third-party party APIs such as Google Maps, Zillow API, Stripe Payments, Twilio VIOP and others. By using Housable services, you may from time to time be using these services as well.
Discontinuation of Services
Housable reserves the right to discontinue service to users under circumstances. While we rarely exercise this right, by ordering from Housable, users agree to respect members of the Housable team, partners, contractors and others who the platform works with in connection with the delivery of our services. Any actions or language which may make members of our team uncomfortable or disturb their ability to deliver services to customers will not be tolerated and may result in discontinuation of services. Additionally, you also agree that any request for members of our team to circumvent building codes, zoning codes or other regulations may result in discontinuation of services.
General Disclaimers
Housable is providing information about specific properties that is furnished to users as a good-faith estimate of the development potential of a property. You should not in any way base your development, investments, or other financial decisions on this information. We strongly advise you to consult with an industry professional, such as a lender, realtor, contractor, or architect, who is sufficiently licensed and insured in their field, and who can work with you individually to confirm all requirements before moving forward with any real estate development or investment.
Housable products and services for ADU design and permitting in California is provided in accordance with the BPC CA Code: CHAPTER 3. Architecture: ARTICLE 3. Section 5537(a)(1).
Notice of Policy Changes
The platform reserves the right, at its discretion, to modify or replace these terms at any time. If a revision is material enough to require re-acceptance of the terms, we will attempt to provide not less than 10 business days of notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined in good faith at our discretion.
