Piccola Tiny Homes: An Alternative Approach to Accessory Dwelling Units
Piccola Tiny Homes, based in Simi Valley, CA, offers an alternative to the traditional accessory dwelling unit (ADU) process. Rather than building foundation-based ADUs on-site, the company constructs movable tiny homes on wheels in a factory setting. These units are certified to ANSI A119.5 standards and are designed to function as self-contained living spaces, complete with a kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom, typically ranging between 190 and 399 square feet.
For homeowners considering a backyard cottage, in-law suite, or granny flat for aging parents, young adults, or extended family, a Piccola Tiny Home presents a different path than working with a conventional detached ADU builder. Because the homes are built off-site in a controlled factory environment rather than on a jobsite, the company maintains quality control checklists for each stage of construction, which it states helps reduce the variability often associated with traditional construction.
Build Timelines and Cost Considerations
A traditional ADU project generally requires architectural design, structural engineering approval, permitting through local agencies, and construction by a licensed general contractor — a process that can take around a year and a half. Piccola Tiny Homes reports a typical build time of 12 to 14 weeks, with site preparation able to occur concurrently with construction. The company also states that its pricing is set up front, without the added costs of engineering, architecture, and multiple subcontractors that often come with a foundation-built ADU. According to Piccola, this generally results in costs around half that of a traditional ADU, inclusive of tax and site improvements.
For customers in Los Angeles, Piccola Tiny Homes also assists with permitting, which can otherwise be one of the more time-consuming aspects of working with an ADU contractor. Because the homes are built on a towable frame rather than a permanent foundation, they can also be relocated or sold, offering flexibility that differs from a fixed detached ADU or garage conversion.
Available Models
Piccola Tiny Homes currently offers three models:
- Minuet – a 25-foot studio designed for single professionals, with a compact and bright layout.
- Adagio – a 31-foot one-bedroom unit designed with accessibility in mind, featuring no interior stairs and a separate bedroom.
- Cadence – a 31-foot double-loft model designed for couples, with two loft spaces for added flexibility.
Each model is intended to serve as a functional living space rather than a strictly recreational unit, positioning them as a practical option for those exploring alternatives to a standard JADU or casita build.
Piccola Tiny Homes is led by Benjamin Davis, a former Air Force Captain who applies a background in discipline and precision to the design and construction process. The company provides a free buying guide and answers to frequently asked questions for those researching tiny home ownership as part of their broader consideration of ADU and housing options.
