Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • Knickerbocker Group’s prefabricated (i.e., prefab) pods are 100% designed and built in Maine, with 95% of the home completed within our in-house manufacturing facility with a high level of quality control. The homes and living spaces are delivered and placed on a foundation, with only minimal finishing work required on-site.

    This delivery method saves time; we estimate a prefab pod can be delivered in approximately half the time it would take for an equivalent home to be built on-site.

    This delivery method saves money; our skilled craftspeople build the pod in our controlled facility, gaining efficiency by limiting customization and leveraging the power of volume purchasing.

  • An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a legal and regulatory term for a secondary house or other living space that is intended for a second family on the same building lot as a primary, single-family home. These spaces are sometimes referred to as guest houses, in-law suites, apartments, granny flats, or studios. An ADU has a cooking area, sleeping area and bathing area and is suitable for full-time use as a dwelling unit.

    Towns and cities throughout Maine often have regulations in their zoning and land use codes regarding ADUs or accessory apartments. These code regulations might include a limit in the size of the ADU, a requirement that the ADU be attached to the primary home, or other restrictions. The local code or your neighborhood covenants may or may not allow rental of your ADU as a secondary income stream.

    A prefab pod does not need to be an ADU. A prefab pod can be a primary home, art studio, bunkhouse, office space, workshop, storage – whatever you need!

    As part of our planning phase, Knickerbocker Group evaluates the municipal codes that relate to your property and makes recommendations on whether an ADU will work for you.

  • Knickerbocker Group’s prefab pods are designed exclusively for Maine by Maine architects and designers. Our prefab pods are built in our Maine manufacturing facility and finished on-site by skilled Maine craftspeople. Our furnishings, décor, and accessories include one-of-a-kind selections from Maine artisans. We are proud to offer 100% of our services for Maine, by Maine residents.

    We are also the only firm in Maine to offer full turnkey services, from “land to linens.” We manage the entire process along the way, providing cost information and services as needed so our clients can make an informed decision.

    Our prefab pods are beautifully designed and thoughtfully crafted. These homes offer the quality of a Knickerbocker Group home in sizes that are more affordable. Energy efficiency and eco-sensitivity of these homes can provide peace of mind that you are living in a healthy indoor air environment while minimizing the impact on Maine’s natural resources and environment.

    We offer home solutions to our clients. If a prefab home is not a fit for you, we will help guide you to a solution that is.

  • All Knickerbocker Group homes are built with the same level of quality and care. The difference in each of our three offerings is the level of customization.

    • Custom homes. For 45 years, Knickerbocker Group has been creating custom homes to fit the style and needs of our clients. Designed from scratch, based on each client’s unique program, our custom homes range from classic shingle style to modern retreats. Because custom homes offer the “anything is possible” approach, these homes take the most time and resources to design and build.

    • Predesigned homes. Drawing from decades of experience, our predesigned homes offer a more streamlined approach to home ownership in Maine without sacrificing quality in the design and construction process. Knickerbocker Group architects and interior designers conceived these homes using the same design principles, products and finishes as our custom homes, and they are built exclusively by the KG team. The benefit of a predesigned home is savings in both time and money since a large portion of the design work for each home is already complete. Visit our COVE homes page and get inspired. If you are drawn to a particular COVE home but would like to make changes, we are happy to provide a proposal to personalize the design to fit your needs best.

    • Prefab homes. Our most cost-effective option, we offer two prefab home sizes (500 sq. ft. and 800 sq. ft. ), completely designed with established finish selections. We can deliver these homes at the lowest price point of any Knickerbocker Group home offering due to the efficiencies achieved in the prefabrication process. While we allow some personal choices for finish selections, these homes cannot be customized. By limiting customization, we can leverage volume purchasing for products that are used consistently in each home, providing the opportunity for home ownership in the most cost-effective way possible.

  • Knickerbocker Group prefab pods are a full turnkey service. We recognize that other companies in the industry use the term “turnkey” for delivering a prefab or modular home to a property. Often, these companies do not manage the work before and after delivery, even though it is an essential part of the process. In this case, you—as the landowner—need to hire two or more companies: the modular or prefabrication company to build, deliver, and set the home on its foundation plus the general contractor to prepare for the delivery (including access, site prep, utilities, and the foundation) and to finish the home after it is delivered (home finishes, utility connections, etc.).

    We are the only firm in Maine to offer full turnkey services from “land-to-linens.” We manage the entire process along the way, providing cost information and services as needed so our clients can make an informed decision.

  • Knickerbocker Group’s prefab homes offer state-of-the-art building and mechanical systems for living comfortably in Maine year-round. Much of Maine’s existing housing stock is dated, with inadequate insulation and mechanical systems, and often with hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos. Many homes are not suited for modern, eco-conscious living, and the costs to renovate can be prohibitive.

    We believe a Knickerbocker Group prefab pod is an excellent choice for year-round living, either as a primary, secondary, or guest home. Our prefab homes offer:

    • Healthy interiors

    • Comfortable living

    • Low maintenance finishes

    • Renewable resources

    • Environmentally-sensitive selections

    • Net zero ready

    • Carbon neutral or carbon sequestering (depending on final choices)

    • Indoor-outdoor connectivity

    • Abundant natural light

    • Thoughtfully designed to “live big in a small space” and support the conveniences of a modern lifestyle

    • Solar-ready

    • All electric living: heat pumps are standard, with a wood stove as an available option

    100% made in Maine

  • Knickerbocker Group is well known for designing and building beautiful homes on the most premier properties throughout Maine. Our firm is a leader in Maine’s home industry and has an established reputation for quality - not only in product but in execution - drawing from our 45-year history of delivering homes. Our company’s mission and values center on our love for Maine, its people, communities, and environment. As such, we recognize there is more we can do, as leaders, to support housing solutions within the great state in which we live.

    In 2022, it was projected that 65,000 to 75,000 new homes will be needed over the next decade to meet the demand of Maine employers alone. Add to that the high demand on Maine homes and land from those moving here for the first time, and it is evident that our state, much like the nation, is in a housing crisis. This is especially transparent for those who live in waterfront and destination communities, where housing demand far exceeds availability and affordability for our much-needed workforce.

    Also, in 2022, Maine’s legislature passed the “ADU Law,” LD 2003, which allowed any lot entitled to a single-family home the right to an accessory dwelling unit. To launch our prefab arm, we selected two home sizes that generally meet most ADU guidelines to provide homeowners the best opportunity to take advantage of this new legislation.

    In addition to our company’s ethos for Maine and its environment, we have heard these values expressed by our employee-owners:

    • their love for Maine and a passion to preserve the qualities that make it special

    • the desire to use their talents to make a significant impact in the number and affordability of quality housing options for Mainers, throughout the entire state

    • to leverage the opportunity Knickerbocker Group has as a leader in our industry to create a much bigger impact than an individual employee could achieve alone

    • the need to align their personal values with their professional contributions, particularly in response to factors that directly impact the quality of their lives, such as climate change, carbon footprint, rising energy costs, and natural resource management

    Given these considerations, our employee-owned company has made the commitment to expand our business model. With the launch of our prefab division, we are now focusing our efforts and talent on expanding Maine’s housing numbers by offering prefab homes and living spaces, designed and built to be a cost-effective housing solution for as many Maine residents as possible. By making these homes sustainable, with renewable resources and net zero ready, we are also contributing to Maine’s future.

  • Knickerbocker Group’s first prefab pods will be available in the summer of 2023. We currently have a waitlist, and construction will be prioritized in the order that contract deposits are received.

    Request more information or add your name to our waitlist: prefabpods@knickerbockergroup.com

  • Your name will be added to the list of interested customers. When we are ready, we will reach out to you to discuss the next steps. Our prefab pods are receiving a lot of attention, so we suggest you contact us as soon as possible.

Pricing

  • Knickerbocker Group is the only firm in Maine offering “land to linens” service for new residential homes. We manage the entire process for you, so that you know what to expect and what it will cost along the way.

    Our prefab pod planning estimates include two components:

    1. A fixed price for the home. Note that our fixed price guarantee goes into effect upon signing a fabrication contract.

    Base price listed with each unit.

    2. An estimate for delivery, foundation, and site/utility work to support the prefab home.

    Beyond the prefab pod price, KG will provide initial pricing estimates for the following:

    • Land acquisition. You will need to own land to purchase a prefab home. If you do not yet have land, Knickerbocker Group’s real estate team would be happy to assist you in searching for and securing your Maine property.

    • Planning and due diligence. Before you can purchase a prefab pod, we will need to confirm a prefab pod delivery to your property or home site is viable. We will research applicable land use and environmental codes and visit your property to do a site assessment.

    • Personalization. A few components of our prefab homes can be personalized to meet your style. For instance, you may prefer cedar shingles in lieu of our recommended siding options. We are happy to review client requests for personalizing certain finishes for the home. These changes will have a cost impact, to be estimated on a case-by-case basis.

    • Permit fees.

    • Delivery and mileage fees for properties beyond 1.5 hour from our Wiscasset facility.

    • Home foundation and site infrastructure. The foundation and site work needed to support your home will be highly dependent on your particular property. A site-specific foundation will be designed for your prefab pod. Similarly, a site plan will be developed to show what is required for driveway access to the build site, tree clearing, earthwork, foundation, utilities, landscaping, hardscaping, or additional outbuildings. During our planning and due diligence phase, we will assess your needs for each of the above and provide estimates for your planning purposes.

    • Furnishings and décor. Our interior design team has considered furnishings and décor for our prefab homes. We are happy to provide additional information and pricing if you would like the interior and/or exterior of your home partially or fully furnished and accessorized.

    • Property management. Upon completion of the home, many of our clients are interested in property maintenance or care services. These can be a la carte, seasonal, or long-term. Contact our KPM Operations Manager for more information.

    Knickerbocker Group will provide final cost estimates for each necessary item, so that you can make an informed decision knowing the all-in cost, prior to signing a contract for fabrication of the prefab home.

  • We accept non-refundable deposits at two distinct stages in our process: planning and contract. The planning deposit supports our planning and due diligence services, which are required to confirm the prefab pod is a viable solution for your housing or living space needs. The contract deposit is required when the due diligence phase is complete, and you are ready to put your home in the queue for fabrication. Final pricing and scheduling for your prefab pod is confirmed at the time of the final deposit and contract.

  • Knickerbocker Group can connect you with one of our residential mortgage partners. These Maine banking institutions can help you with financing of the land and home. It is likely you can finance your prefab pod with a traditional 30-year mortgage. We encourage you to discuss the benefits of building an ADU as an income-stream to pay for your new KG pod or existing residential home.

Design + Process

  • We are launching our prefab offerings in 2023 with two sizes: 500 square foot (sf) and 800 sf homes. In most towns and cities in Maine, these two sizes will meet ADU standards. Knickerbocker Group will confirm if an ADU is viable on your property during our planning and due diligence phase.

  • We have designed our ADUs to allow you to “live big in a small space”. What does this mean? Each home has the following considerations for comfortable and modern living:

    • Open kitchen, living, and dining areas

    • Full bathroom with linen storage

    • Washer and dryer

    • Kitchen with full-size appliances, including a dishwasher

    • Maximized storage

    • Private bedrooms with hanging and drawer storage

    • Work-from-home office area

    • Indoor-outdoor connectivity and outdoor living spaces

    These design elements allow our small homes to include all the comforts and conveniences of a larger home, while economizing space to maintain overall cost-efficiency.

    Additionally, our homes are designed to grow with you over time, offering flexible housing solutions for whatever stage of life you’re in. Our 500 sf and 800 sf pods work as well for first-time home buyers as they do for empty nesters. Our 800 sf home, with two bedrooms and a full bath, is ideal for a young family or a couple desiring a separate work-from-home office that can double as a guest bedroom.

    Still need more space? You can connect a 500 sf unit to our 800 sf unit (or connect two of either unit) to increase your living space. Use one as a primary home and the second as a guest home or as an income producing ADU or home occupation. Each of our units can be paired in unique ways to meet your lifestyle and space needs.

    In the future, we will likely offer larger prefab pod sizes.

  • Knickerbocker Group’s prefab pods are made from as many renewable materials as possible, sourced as close to home as we can find them. We consider natural, sustainable, healthy, and low-maintenance aspects in all building materials.

  • Knickerbocker Group is offering a full turnkey service. We recognize other companies in the industry use the term “turnkey” for delivering a prefab or modular home to a property. Often, these companies do not manage the work before and after delivery, even though it is an essential part of the process. In this case, you – as the landowner—need to hire two or more companies: the modular or prefabrication company to build, deliver, and set the home on its foundation plus the general contractor to prepare for the delivery (including access, site prep, utilities, and the foundation) and to finish the home after it is delivered (home finishes, utility connections, etc.).

    In contrast, Knickerbocker Group provides all these services. We are truly turnkey. At the completion of our contract, we will hand you the keys to your new, modern, sustainable, and net zero Knickerbocker Group home… even fully furnished upon request, from silverware to bed linens!

  • Yes, we have mapped out a flowchart with steps, timelines, costs, and deliverables for the entire prefab process. Please get in touch with us to learn more!

  • Currently, you cannot customize any structural components of our prefab pods. Our designers have thoughtfully-created the designs to have universal appeal and to fit nearly any orientation (sun/view) on your property. We do offer a select number of finish options to personalize the prefab home to fit your style. If you like the prefab home designs but need to customize, we are happy to prepare a design-build proposal for constructing a customized home using our traditional construction methods.

  • Not currently, though it is a possibility in the future. If this is of interest to you, please let us know – we will adapt our offerings based on consumer demand.

  • Yes! Unlike many other modular and prefabrication offerings in the state, Knickerbocker Group’s prefab pods are 100% complete, move-in-ready homes and living spaces.

Siting, Property, + Land Planning

  • A prefab pod is as suitable for a wooded, undeveloped lot as it is for the backyard of an urban home. Knickerbocker Group will evaluate your land to help you determine the suitability for one of our prefab pods. If you don’t have land, our real estate team has a preselected list of beautiful Maine properties currently available that we feel are especially suited. Contact our real estate professional.

    Delivery and mileage fees (from our Wiscasset facility to the project location) will apply to all builds.

  • All Knickerbocker Group buildings, including our prefab pods, conform to and exceed the requirements of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC). By the time we deliver our first home, our prefab pods will also come with state modular approval.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out for more answers.