Frequently Asked Questions
General
Page, AZ Factory
Thank you for your interest in visiting our factory. We would love to show you around! We offer a tour of our showroom and factory floor where you will get to see interior and exterior product samples, our Ori furniture, and murphy beds. You will also have the opportunity to see our FrameCAD machine, production line and progress of the homes in our current queue.
We require all visitors to wear closed-toe shoes and sign an NDA before the tour. Additionally, we request that you schedule your tour in advance. You can schedule a tour here.
Mesa, AZ Prototypes
Our Citizen and Denizen prototypes are installed in Mesa, AZ and open for tours!
During your tour we will walk through both our Denizen and Citizen models. We will go through the details of each home, view the Ori furniture, and answer any questions you may have. Tours are by appointment only and you are welcome to bring guests with you.
Click here to schedule a tour.
Invest in ZenniHome
We currently have Reg CF, Reg D and OZ investment opportunities. You can find more information about the campaigns and how to invest here. We appreciate your support and look forward to working together to create sustainable, innovative homes for the future.
Safety & Efficiency
Cold Weather
A ZenniHome is designed to work in many different weather conditions. Our homes come standard with a 30 psf (pounds per square foot) snow load capability, with the option to increase this to 70 psf. We are working on additional design updates that will increase the snow load to 100+ psf.
Earthquakes
ZenniHome models are built to Exposure Category C and Seismic Risk Category DII.
Flood Zones
Our homes can be placed in flood zones with the proper engineering of the foundation, which should be discussed with a local contractor. They can advise on specialized materials and construction techniques that will ensure the home is suitable for the specific flood zone requirements.
High Winds
The wind load of the homes is 120 MPH with 3-second gusts.
Hot Weather
ZenniHome models come equipped with a cassette air conditioning system with a heat pump. These units can run on solar power, making it an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for keeping your home cool.
Hurricanes
Our homes do not currently meet Florida hurricane standards for residential buildings, but they are built to Exposure Category C and Seismic Risk Category DII. The wind load of the homes is 120 MPH with 3-second gusts.
Insulation
Our homes are designed to be well-insulated and energy efficient. We use rockwool batting as it is a highly effective insulating material. Our exterior walls have an R35 rating, while the floor and ceiling are rated R29. The windows have a U value of 0.35 and the doors have a U value of 0.57. The U value is based on the complete assembly of the home and is calculated as the average of the center of glass, edge of glass, and frame, for the most accurate rating.
Tornadoes
ZenniHome models have not been designed as tornado shelters. This does not mean a ZenniHome cannot be installed in tornado prone areas, but we do recommend access to a separate tornado shelter.
Customization
Combining Units
ZenniHome models are designed to be combined and can be stacked five stories high! At this time, we do not provide connecting components such as stairs or hallways. You will need to work with a structural engineer and architect to design these pieces. While you can add another unit to your property later, the units will remain separate structures.
Larger Homes
Our models act as building blocks. For example, you can add a Denizen (320 sq. ft.) to a Citizen (640 sq. ft.) to create a three bedroom 960 sq. ft. home. Our models are made using steel framing, allowing you to easily stack up to five stories high.
We do not offer custom design options or larger models beyond what is available on our website.
Custom floor plans
ZenniHome offers standard interior layouts for each model, which cannot be modified. However, customers can choose from two modern interior design schemes. We do not offer a mirrored layout option at this time.
Each of our ZenniHome Models is designed to have as few walls as possible. This allows maximum flexibility within the space and allows you to transform the same room for many different purposes.
Stacking
Our models are made of steel framing, allowing you to easily stack up to five stories high. Each unit will have a separate entrance, making it perfect for multi-family or vacation rental use. Our models act as building blocks, so it is easy to put units on top of each other to create a larger living space. At this time, a Citizen must stack on top of a Citizen and a Denizen must stack on top of another Denizen. In the future, we hope to have it possible to stack a Citizen and Denizen.
The units sit on concrete pier footings. By working with a structural engineer and architect, you can make modifications to stack the units on top of a garage or other space with the right support. If you purchase a home now, it is possible to stack another one on top later.
Our Models
General
ZenniHome models are modular (prefabricated), factory-built homes. They are built using steel frame (not wood) construction and are stronger than a traditional home built on-site. They are assembled from the ground-up in a secure, weather controlled manufacturing environment and built to the 2018 International Residential Code standard. They are built to a higher standard and are not HUD manufactured or mobile homes.
Each ZenniHome consists of two halves (modules) that are the size of a standard container for ease of shipping. They are not built from shipping containers. The two modules are joined at the home site to complete the home building process. Every home is independently inspected and quality assured throughout the entire construction process.
Accessibility
The Citizen (640 sq ft) bathroom, doors, and hallways are built according to ADA requirements. The height of the kitchen counters will need to be lowered by 2 inches for an ADA compliant unit. Please let us know if your unit needs to be fully ADA compliant. Your local engineer, architect, or contractor will be responsible for any other ADA site components including a ramp.
Appliances
Every home comes standard with a 2-burner ceramic cooktop, electric wall oven, refrigerator with bottom drawer freezer, microwave, and washer and dryer.
At this time, we do not offer customizations to the appliances that come with our homes.
Foundation
ZenniHome models sit on a foundation of concrete pier footings. The Denizen model sits on 6 concrete pier footings, while the Citizen model sits on 9 concrete pier footings. This ensures a stable and sturdy foundation for your home, providing peace of mind and added durability.
ZenniHome does not place the foundation, but we will provide guidance on the requirements and specifications needed for the contractor to prepare the foundation.
Furnishings
We provide essential appliances and thoughtful furnishings standard with every ZenniHome. Once your home is installed, we want it to be as comfortable and functional as possible. Certain modifications, such as removing furniture or appliances, can be accommodated. We will discuss specifics with you as we get closer to building your home.
Every home includes seven major appliances including a refrigerator with bottom-drawer freezer, stacked washer/dryer, drawer dishwasher, induction cooktop, electric oven, microwave, and garbage disposal.
The homes come furnished with the Ori Pocket Closet, a Queen Murphy bed with sofa, and an additional Murphy bed in the Citizen. The upgraded furniture plan includes a Queen Ori Cloud Bed in place of the Murphy bed with sofa. The Ori furniture has a manual backup option that allows for easy operation without the need for electricity.
Off-Grid Features
Our homes are built with the capability to operate off-grid. Our solar power system is designed to provide enough energy for most appliances and lighting, with the exception of the tankless water heater and dryer. The atmospheric water system can collect up to 2 liters of drinking water per day, but if you want to go completely off-grid, we recommend adding a water tank.
Our solar panels have a nominal operating AC voltage of 240 V, nominal operating AC frequency of 60Hz, and a maximum AC power of 9000VA. Additionally, our homes have the gray and black water plumbed separately, allowing you to easily hook up a gray- and black-water recycling system to minimize water usage and reduce your environmental impact.
Relocation
Although it is possible to relocate a ZenniHome after initial installation, it is not advisable due to the extensive demolition required to disconnect the two modules and the home’s foundation, followed by the intricate process of physically moving it to the new location.
Roof
The roof of the home is sloped with a pitch of ¼” per foot and made with TPO roofing material.
Smart Features
Your ZenniHome comes with a variety of smart technologies designed to keep you safe and connected, including a Nest Thermostat, Ring Security doorbells with cameras at the front and back doors, and all LED lighting. Additionally, you can add optional smart features such as a Google Home Hub Max, Wi-Fi Google Mesh, Starlink Broadband Satellite, and a smart TV to your home.
Specifications
Our Denizen model has exterior dimensions of 20’ x 16’ to equal 320 sq. ft., and comes with an 8’ x 13’ deck perimeter (100 sq. ft.) and a 5’ x 4’ entry porch (20 sq. ft.). The larger Citizen model has exterior dimensions of 40’ x 16’, to equal 640 sq. ft., and includes a 7’9” x 20’6” deck perimeter (150 sq. ft.) and a 5’ x 4’ entry porch (20 sq. ft.). The Denizen weighs roughly 31,000 pounds or 15.5 tons, with the heavier module accounting for 16,000 pounds. The Citizen weighs approximately 52,000 lb or 26 tons, with the heavier module weighing 26,500 lbs.
Upgrades
ZenniHome offers a variety of upgrade options including:
- Ori Cloud Bed
- Google Nest Hub Max
- Google Wifi Mesh Router
- Starlink Broadband Satellite
- Samsung Smart TVs
- SOURCE Water Home System
- Solar Panels
- Lithium Ion Batteries
- Inverter
You will have the ability to make all of your design selections once we are closer to your production date.
Utility Access
Utility access is an important consideration when purchasing a home, and we want to ensure that our customers have all of the information they need. Our homes have the gray- and black-water plumbed separately, allowing you to easily hook up a gray- and black-water recycling system, which utilizes a water filtration system to treat wastewater for reuse in non-potable applications. Our heating and air conditioning system uses a mini-split cassette system with heat pump, which is highly energy efficient and provides both heating and cooling capabilities. Our homes require standard plumbing and sewage connections and can also connect to a septic system if available. The hookups for our homes are located underneath the homes and can be connected to public sewer, water, and electric systems if available in your area.
Warranty
Your ZenniHome comes with a 2-10 warranty, providing 1 year surety coverage for workmanship, 2 year surety coverage for distribution systems, and a full 10 years of insurance-backed coverage for qualifying structural defects. The Ori furniture has a 5-year warranty, and all appliances included in the home come with their standard warranties.
Our Process
Financing
As we progress toward building your home, we will provide detailed information on Lending Partners to assist in obtaining a mortgage for your ZenniHome.
Installation
Each ZenniHome is built in our factory as two separate modules. It is then shipped to your location for final assembly by a local contractor. Your local contractor is responsible for connecting all utilities and merging the two modules. We provide extensive details in your permit drawing package to ensure your contractor has all of the necessary information.
Permits
To build a ZenniHome, you will need to obtain building permits from your local governmental authority and arrange for site inspections. Equipped with our Permit Drawing Package, your contractor, architect, and/or engineer will confirm with your permitting authorities that zoning setbacks, soil composition, foundation requirements, and utility connections all meet local code requirements.
Planning
Before starting the ordering process, it is important to secure a piece of land to ensure it meets the local zoning requirements and can accommodate the foundation and utilities needed for the home. ZenniHome does not lease or sell land, so it is up to the buyer to find and purchase land for their home.
Production
We are currently manufacturing homes at our factory in Page, AZ! We are excited to deliver our first customer homes in mid-2024.
Site Preparation
Your ZenniHome can be constructed on any type of land. A local contractor can provide further guidance based on geotechnical analysis (soil), topography, and local requirements. ZenniHome will provide the model, your contractor and you will be responsible for the site engineering and foundation. With the proper engineering, you can even put a model on elevated slabs or pylons in a flood zone or oceanfront location.
To install the homes, you will need to hire a contractor to prepare the site and handle the installation. The cost of installation will depend on local contractor rates. Prior to delivery of your ZenniHome, you will need to have permits in place and your foundation and utility access prepared.
Zoning
You will need to work with your local municipality on the permitting and zoning requirements for your property. The rules will vary depending on the location, so it is crucial to check the specific zoning laws in your area. We also recommend checking local CC&Rs and HOA rules before placing a reservation.
You will need to contact your city’s or county’s Planning and Zoning/Development Department for a Parcel Report to verify whether a ZenniHome model is allowed to be placed on your property. Note: There may be different requirements and restrictions for an ADU versus a primary residence. There may also be some additional restrictions that apply such as: setback, access (driveways), parking, aesthetics, structure type, etc. If there is a Homeowners Association (HOA) with its own rules regarding properties, or if you are in a historical district, you will need to check on these as well.
Once a ZenniHome is installed and fixed to the foundation, it is treated by both mortgage companies and city codes as a regular, stick-built home. It is not a mobile or manufactured (HUD) home.
Licensing
United States
ZenniHome is currently licensed in the State of Arizona. Our team is working diligently to obtain the necessary licenses to operate across the United States.
For all states with a statewide approval process, ZenniHome will submit all necessary paperwork for our models to be approved for installation in your state.
For states without a statewide approval process, we will work with you to help navigate your local jurisdiction's licensing process. Currently, we are developing documentation to facilitate your engagement with the local authorities. Stay tuned for updates as we work to provide you with the necessary information for a smooth and efficient licensing process in your area.
States without a statewide approval process:
- Arkansas
- Alaska
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Canada
We are working with Intertek to get licensed and approved to deliver ZenniHome models to Canada. Please note that international shipping rates may apply, and the delivery time may vary depending on the destination and customs clearance process.
Outside the US and Canada
At this time, we are focusing on shipping homes to the United States and Canada. If we do not currently ship to your area, sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on our service expansion.
Pricing
Installation costs
You are responsible for all costs associated with installing your ZenniHome. Installation costs will vary depending on your location and parcel of land, though starting costs can range from $30,000 - $60,000.
Shipping costs
Current shipping fees are approximately $4.00 per mile for the Denizen and $8.00 per mile for the Citizen. The total shipping cost will depend on the distance between the manufacturing facility in Page, AZ and the final destination.
Total cost
The base cost of the homes does not include installation costs, shipping fees, or government taxes. The installation costs will depend on your specific site, additional improvements, and local contractor rates. These start in the range of $30,000 - $60,000.
Current shipping fees are approximately $4.00 per mile for the Denizen and $8.00 per mile for the Citizen, shipping from our factory location in Page, AZ.
Discounts
We do not offer any bulk discounts. Whether you buy 1 home or 100, our prices stay the same.
ZenCity
ZenCity Pricing
Whether you buy 1 home or 100, our prices stay the same.
Process
The timeline for a multi-unit project will vary based on your location and project size. Once you are ready to move forward, a 5% deposit on the total project cost will lock in line time at our Page, AZ factory.
ZenniHome models are designed to be combined and can be stacked five stories high! At this time, we do not provide connecting components such as stairs or hallways. You will need to work with a structural engineer and architect to design these pieces.
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you need additional help before placing an order, please reach out to our customer support team.