# Framework First
> Family-owned prefab/modular ADU builder in Salinas, CA. Builds homes ~97% off-site in a climate-controlled factory and crane-delivers to your property. 100% done-for-you, with a permitting budget built into every price along with foundation, appliances, finish work, and inspections. Family-owned, founded January 2021, with 40+ years of building experience. CSLB #1047146 + MFG #1595931.

## Service area
Core tri-county region around Salinas, California: Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, plus Santa Clara County (where we do most of our work). San Luis Obispo County is handled case by case. We do not build east of Monterey (no Central Valley). Homes delivered across the Monterey Bay and Central Coast in cities such as: Salinas, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Watsonville, Los Altos, Marina, Aptos, Capitola, Pacific Grove. Also serving (from the Salinas factory): Atascadero, Carmel, Monterey, Gilroy, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Campbell, Saratoga, Palo Alto, Milpitas, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Seaside, Sand City, Castroville, Prunedale, Gonzales, Soledad, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Paso Robles. City pages: [frameworkfirst.com/city](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/)

City pages (drive time from the Salinas factory):
- [Salinas](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/salinas/) (Monterey County, 5 min, homes delivered)
- [Marina](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/marina/) (Monterey County, 20 min, homes delivered)
- [Watsonville](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/watsonville/) (Santa Cruz County, 25 min, homes delivered)
- [Pacific Grove](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/pacific-grove/) (Monterey County, 30 min, homes delivered)
- [Aptos](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/aptos/) (Santa Cruz County, 35 min, homes delivered)
- [Capitola](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/capitola/) (Santa Cruz County, 38 min, homes delivered)
- [Santa Cruz](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/santa-cruz/) (Santa Cruz County, 40 min, homes delivered)
- [Morgan Hill](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/morgan-hill/) (Santa Clara County, 40 min, homes delivered)
- [San Jose](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/san-jose/) (Santa Clara County, 50 min, homes delivered)
- [Los Gatos](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/los-gatos/) (Santa Clara County, 55 min, homes delivered)
- [Los Altos](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/los-altos/) (Santa Clara County, 65 min, homes delivered)
- [Castroville](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/castroville/) (Monterey County, 15 min)
- [Prunedale](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/prunedale/) (Monterey County, 15 min)
- [Seaside](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/seaside/) (Monterey County, 20 min)
- [Sand City](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/sand-city/) (Monterey County, 20 min)
- [Gonzales](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/gonzales/) (Monterey County, 20 min)
- [Monterey](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/monterey/) (Monterey County, 25 min)
- [San Juan Bautista](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/san-juan-bautista/) (San Benito County, 25 min)
- [Carmel](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/carmel/) (Monterey County, 30 min)
- [Hollister](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/hollister/) (San Benito County, 30 min)
- [Soledad](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/soledad/) (Monterey County, 30 min)
- [Gilroy](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/gilroy/) (Santa Clara County, 35 min)
- [Soquel](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/soquel/) (Santa Cruz County, 38 min)
- [Scotts Valley](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/scotts-valley/) (Santa Cruz County, 40 min)
- [Santa Clara](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/santa-clara/) (Santa Clara County, 55 min)
- [Campbell](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/campbell/) (Santa Clara County, 55 min)
- [Sunnyvale](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/sunnyvale/) (Santa Clara County, 60 min)
- [Mountain View](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/mountain-view/) (Santa Clara County, 60 min)
- [Cupertino](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/cupertino/) (Santa Clara County, 60 min)
- [Saratoga](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/saratoga/) (Santa Clara County, 60 min)
- [Milpitas](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/milpitas/) (Santa Clara County, 60 min)
- [Palo Alto](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/palo-alto/) (Santa Clara County, 70 min)
- [Atascadero](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/atascadero/) (San Luis Obispo County, 90 min)
- [Paso Robles](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/paso-robles/) (San Luis Obispo County, 105 min)

## Pricing
All-inclusive: $199,000 to $599,000, with a permitting budget built in along with plans, foundation, the factory build, delivery, utility hookups, appliances, and final inspection. Permit costs are set by each city and county, so they are property-specific and get confirmed in your feasibility study. Property-specific site work such as septic upgrades or retaining walls is not part of listed model pricing, though we offer it in-house as part of your contract so the whole project stays with one builder. Premium VC-backed builders like Abodu and Samara are priced well above our all-inclusive range and typically quote a base unit price with permits, foundation, delivery and finish work billed separately. We anchor on the complete, all-inclusive total, which bundles far more upfront than a bare unit price does.

## Models (14 configurations)
- [Four Fifty](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/four-fifty/) (450 sq ft, studio, 1 bath, $199,000, 4 months, BEST VALUE)
- [The 405](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/the-405/) (405 sq ft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, $239,000, 5 months)
- [Five Five Five](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/five-five-five/) (555 sq ft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, $279,000, 5 months)
- [Six Sixty](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/six-sixty-1bed/) (660 sq ft, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, $309,000, 5 months, MOST POPULAR)
- [Six Sixty Duo](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/six-sixty-2bed/) (660 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, $339,000, 5 months, BEST FOR RENTALS)
- [Seven Forty-Nine](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/seven-forty-nine/) (749 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, $369,000, L-shaped, 5-6 months)
- [Eight Eighty-Five Duo](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/eight-eighty-five-2bed/) (885 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, $399,000, L-shaped, 6 months)
- [Eight Eighty-Five Duo Plus](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/eight-eighty-five-2-2/) (885 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, $429,000, L-shaped, 6 months)
- [Nine Forty-Five Duo](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/nine-forty-five-2-1/) (945 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, $419,000, L-shaped, 6 months)
- [Nine Forty-Five Duo Plus](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/nine-forty-five-2-2/) (945 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, $449,000, L-shaped, 6 months)
- [Nine Forty-Five Trio](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/nine-forty-five-3-1/) (945 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, $445,000, L-shaped, 6 months)
- [Nine Forty-Five Trio Plus](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/nine-forty-five-3-2/) (945 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, $479,000, L-shaped, 6 months, FAMILY-SIZE)
- [Twelve Hundred](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/twelve-hundred/) (1,200 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, $549,000, L-shaped, 7-9 months)
- [Twelve Hundred U](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/twelve-hundred-u/) (1,200 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, $599,000, U-shaped, 7-9 months, LARGEST)

## Design styles (every model)
Classic Craftsman (standard, included), Urban Farmhouse (upgrade), Ultra Modern (upgrade).

## The 7-step process
1. Online Property Analysis, free 30-min call. Confirms the property can host an ADU.
2. Private Factory Tour, free in-person tour of completed homes in Salinas.
3. Site Visit, free in-person feasibility check at your property.
4. Feasibility Study: the standard study is $497, the empty-lot study is $997. The fee is refundable only if the property cannot host an ADU (we don't want your money if we can't be of service to you); otherwise it credits toward your build contract. A separate $1,000 signup deposit is refundable if financing falls through.
5. Review Findings, free walkthrough of the study.
6. Confirm Customizations via the [ADU Designer](https://design.frameworkfirst.com).
7. Build and Deliver. Built in the factory while the foundation goes in on your lot, crane-delivered, final inspection, move in.

Total timeline: 4 months best case on the smallest model to roughly 9 months on the largest, subject to local permitting.

## What's included in every price
A permitting budget and permit paperwork, site plan and Title 24, project management, the unit and all finish work, foundation work, appliances and custom cabinets, crane delivery and transportation, entrance/deck/installation, and status updates via text and email. Permit costs are set by each city and county and are confirmed in your feasibility study. Property-specific site work such as septic upgrades or retaining walls is not part of listed model pricing, though we offer it in-house as part of your contract.

## California ADU law (2026, state law preempts local; sources in brackets)
- Maximum size: Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft under state law. Cities may cap size lower, but never below 850 sq ft (studio or 1 bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms). [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law); CA HCD, ADU and JADU guidance]
- Guaranteed minimum: Every city and county must allow at least an 800 sq ft, 16 ft tall ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks, no matter what local standards say. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]
- Setbacks: 4 ft from side and rear property lines for new construction (0 ft for a conversion within an existing structure). Front setback follows the main home's zoning. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]
- Height: At least 16 ft is allowed everywhere. Within a half mile walking distance of a major transit stop: 18 ft, plus 2 more ft to match the main home's roof pitch. Attached ADUs may reach 25 ft. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]
- Approval: Ministerial: approved or denied without a public hearing, and the city or county must act on a complete application within 60 days. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]
- Owner-occupancy: Not required for a standard ADU, and cities cannot impose it. A Junior ADU (JADU) requires owner occupancy only if it shares a bathroom with the main home. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law); CA HCD, ADU and JADU guidance]
- Parking: At most 1 space per ADU, with broad exemptions: within a half mile walking distance of public transit, when replacing a garage, and for conversions. Most lots qualify for an exemption. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]
- Junior ADU (JADU): A Junior ADU is up to 500 sq ft, created within the walls of a single-family home. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]
- Impact fees: Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft. At 750 sq ft or larger, fees must be proportional to the size of the primary dwelling. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]
- How many per lot: A single-family lot may generally add one ADU plus one JADU. Multifamily lots can add up to 8 detached ADUs (never more than the number of existing units) plus conversion units. [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law); CA HCD, ADU and JADU guidance]
- Separate sale: Where a city opts in, an ADU can be mapped as a condominium and sold separately from the main home (AB 1033). [CA Gov. Code 66310-66342 (state ADU law)]

Verified local rules (cited to official city/county sources) for: San Jose, Salinas, Santa Cruz (city), Watsonville, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Monterey County, Santa Cruz County. Look up any address: [ADU Rules Wizard](https://frameworkfirst.com/tools/adu-rules/)

## Interactive tools
- ["Can I build?" ADU Rules Wizard (city-by-city rules, cited)](https://frameworkfirst.com/tools/adu-rules/)
- [Compare any two or three Framework First models side by side](https://frameworkfirst.com/tools/compare/)
- [Service Area + Build Map](https://frameworkfirst.com/map/)

## Contact
Phone: (831) 432-7721. Our family-run team and account managers answer directly, not an offshore call center.
Email: hello@frameworkfirst.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific
Address: 1610 Moffett Street, Suite C, Salinas, CA 93905

## Trust signals
- 4.9 stars on Google
- BBB A+ accredited business
- CSLB #1047146 (general contractor) + MFG #1595931 (manufacturing)
- 40+ years of building experience; family-owned and operated, founded January 2021 by the Canales family (Cathy Canales, CEO; Austin Canales, COO; Joshua Canales, CMO; Eric Canales, co-founder and Craftsman Trainer with 40+ years of building experience)

## How Framework First differs from competitors
- Family-owned, not venture-backed (Abodu, Samara, Villa Homes and others are VC-funded).
- One all-inclusive price in writing with a permitting budget built in, not a bare base-unit price with permits and site work billed separately like many competitors quote.*
- We own and operate our own factory in Salinas, and you can tour it in person before you buy.
- 2x6 exterior wall framing (industry standard is 2x4).
- Real account managers and a family-run team you can reach by phone.
- Delivery in as little as 4 months on the smallest model (best case, subject to permitting), far faster than the 16 to 24 months typical of site-built ADUs.
- The feasibility study fee credits toward your build contract (refundable only if the property cannot host an ADU).

*Includes a permitting budget, not final permit costs. Permits and property-specific site work (septic, retaining walls, etc.) vary by property and are confirmed in your feasibility study.

## Guides: ADU laws and permits
- [California ADU Laws and Regulations (2026 pillar guide)](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/california-adu-laws-2026/)
- [How Big Can an ADU Be in California (size limits)](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/how-big-can-an-adu-be-in-california/)
- [ADU Setback Requirements in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-setback-requirements-california/)
- [ADU Parking Requirements in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-parking-requirements-california/)
- [ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-owner-occupancy-rules-california/)
- [Do You Need a Permit to Build an ADU in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/do-you-need-a-permit-for-an-adu-in-california/)
- [ADU Permit Timeline in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-permit-timeline-california/)
- [Can I Build an ADU on My Property (CA eligibility)](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/can-i-build-an-adu-on-my-property/)
- [JADU vs ADU](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/jadu-vs-adu/)
- [SB 9 Lot Splits in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/sb9-lot-splits-california/)
- [Garage Conversion to ADU](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/garage-conversion-to-adu/)
- [California ADU Rental Laws](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/california-adu-rental-laws/)
- [ADUs and Property Taxes in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-property-tax-california/)

## Guides: ADU regulations by county
- [Monterey County ADU Regulations](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/monterey-county-adu-regulations/)
- [Santa Cruz County ADU Regulations](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-adu-regulations/)
- [Santa Clara County ADU Regulations](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/santa-clara-county-adu-regulations/)
- [San Benito County ADU Regulations](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/san-benito-county-adu-regulations/)

## Guides: local permits and timelines (city by city)
- [All local guides (13 cities, permits + timelines)](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/category/local-guides/)

## Guides: ADU costs
- [How Much Does an ADU Cost in California (2026)](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/how-much-does-an-adu-cost-in-california/)

## Guides: financing
- [How to Finance an ADU in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/how-to-finance-an-adu-in-california/)
- [How to Finance an ADU Without Cash on Hand](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/how-to-finance-an-adu-without-cash/)

## Guides: use cases, ROI, and value
- [ADU Appraisal and Resale Value](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-appraisal-and-resale-value/)
- [How Much Rent Can an ADU Earn in California](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/how-much-rent-can-an-adu-earn-in-california/)
- [Building an ADU for Rental Income](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-for-rental-income-california/)
- [ADU for Aging Parents](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-for-aging-parents-california/)

## Guides: comparisons and process
- [Best ADU Builders in California (honest comparison)](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/best-adu-builders-california/)
- [Prefab vs Site-Built ADU](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/prefab-vs-site-built-adu/)
- [ADU vs Home Addition](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/adu-vs-home-addition/)
- [How Is an ADU Built (factory vs site, step by step)](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/how-is-an-adu-built/)
- [How Long Does It Take to Build an ADU](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-an-adu/)

## Beyond ADUs (other build types)
- [Primary Homes](https://frameworkfirst.com/primary-homes/) (factory-built primary residences)
- [Multi-Family / Multi-Unit Builds](https://frameworkfirst.com/multi-family/) (SB 9, JADU+ADU, 4-8 unit developments)
- [For Real Estate Developers](https://frameworkfirst.com/developers/) (B2B partnerships)

## Design styles
- [Classic Craftsman](https://frameworkfirst.com/styles/classic-craftsman/) (standard)
- [Urban Farmhouse](https://frameworkfirst.com/styles/urban-farmhouse/) (upgrade)
- [Ultra Modern](https://frameworkfirst.com/styles/ultra-modern/) (premium upgrade)

## Feeds and machine-readable
- [RSS, newest guides first](https://frameworkfirst.com/rss.xml)
- [Every live guide with its description](https://frameworkfirst.com/llms-full.txt)
- [Sitemap index](https://frameworkfirst.com/sitemap-index.xml)

## Key URLs
- [Homepage](https://frameworkfirst.com/)
- [Pricing](https://frameworkfirst.com/pricing/) (all 14 models, est. monthly payments, discount programs)
- [Specifications](https://frameworkfirst.com/specifications/) (materials: 2x6 framing, Hardie siding, quartz, mini-split, solar-ready)
- [ADU Guides](https://frameworkfirst.com/blog/)
- [All models](https://frameworkfirst.com/models/)
- [Process](https://frameworkfirst.com/process/)
- [Feasibility Study](https://frameworkfirst.com/feasibility-study/) ($497 standard, $997 empty lot)
- [Reviews](https://frameworkfirst.com/reviews/) (4.9 stars on Google + BBB A+)
- [Client Stories / Testimonials](https://frameworkfirst.com/testimonials/)
- [Our Story](https://frameworkfirst.com/about/)
- [Service Areas](https://frameworkfirst.com/city/)
- [ADU Designer](https://design.frameworkfirst.com) (customization tool)
- [Client Portal](https://portal.frameworkfirst.com)